Gaelic games bodies in Westmeath team up for new ‘Movathon’ initiative
The month of March is shaping up to be an historic one for the Westmeath Gaelic games community.
For the first time ever the officers of the Westmeath County GAA Committee, the Westmeath Ladies’ Gaelic Football County Board and the Westmeath Camogie Board have joined forces to organise a fundraising event, The Westmeath Movathon Lake County Challenge, for the mutual benefit of the three organisations.
Board officers, team managers, players of the county hurling, football, camogie and ladies’ Gaelic football panels are all committed to the novel crusade.
“This is a call to action for all Westmeath Gaels at home and abroad to undertake the challenge during the month of March,” a joint statement from the boards said this week. “We are asking our 47 clubs and supporters and their families to take part and walk, run, cycle or swim a distance of your choice. The target of the Movathon Lake County Challenge is to make the 75km virtual journey across the county from Clonmellon to Athlone without moving outside the 5km limit permitted under the Covid-19 restrictions.
“Walking just over 2km daily will get that mission accomplished. Alternatively, you might undertake to complete the 40km from Kilbeggan to the Longford border, just outside Ballynacargy.
“Perhaps ‘the virtual trip’ along the length of the Royal Canal Greenway from Killucan to Ballynacargy might be a realistic challenge? Or maybe a decision to simply exercise more than usual is a worthwhile challenge? Healthy activity is conducive to our physical and mental wellbeing, so we encourage as many as possible to participate.
“All we ask is for you to get involved in this unique venture and make a donation on the GoFundMe page established specifically to receive contributions.
“This challenge is being led by our county players. These dedicated and passionate players represent our county with great distinction.”
During these difficult times, with normal revenue streams no longer available, your support is needed to give all these players “the best possible opportunity to compete at the highest level”, the statement continued.
“TEG Cusack Park, the famous and cherished home of Westmeath GAA needs upgrading. The work will commence this year and continue for a number of years until we are satisfied that it will, once again, be a fitting and comfortable home for our players and supporters.”
The Westmeath Movathon Lake County Challenge begins on Monday, March 1 and concludes on Easter Monday, April 5. Half of the money raised will be allocated on an equal basis to support the camogie, hurling, Gaelic football and ladies’ football teams, the remainder will be used to carry out some of the essential refurbishment of TEG Cusack Park in association with Leader funding recently allocated.
“So for the month of March, let ‘Donate and Participate’ be the battle cry for the Westmeath GAA family from Sydney to Shandonagh, from Dubai to Delvin, from the Bronx to Ballynacargy and all places in between, while... complying with the requirements of Level 5 restrictions,” the statement concluded.
Click below to go the GoFundMe page: