Mayo athletics club launches 700 for 700 Community Challenge in support of Sunflower Children’s Hospice
WESTPORT Athletic Club has launched its 700 for 700 Community Challenge, an eight-day community initiative in support of Sunflower Children’s Hospice in Castlebar, as the club celebrates reaching an impressive 700 members, including 520 juvenile athletes.
Running from Saturday, October 24, to Saturday, October 31, the challenge will bring together club members, families, friends and the wider community to clock up as many kilometres as possible, promoting physical activity and community spirit.
Everyone is invited to get involved, regardless of age or ability. From the youngest Little Athletics members taking their first laps of the track to juvenile athletes at training, parents enjoying a walk and experienced runners taking on longer distances, every kilometre will contribute to the collective effort.
The club will keep its total distance under wraps throughout the eight days, building anticipation for a special announcement at the challenge’s Halloween grand finale.
The challenge will culminate in a Halloween-themed community celebration at the Westport AC athletics track on Saturday, October 31, from 10.30 a.m. to 12 noon. The event promises plenty of Halloween fun for all ages, with fancy dress encouraged, face painting, activities for children, cakes, and tea and coffee. It will also provide an opportunity for the club community to come together, complete some final laps and help push the challenge total even higher.
All proceeds raised will go to the Sunflower Children’s Hospice, which recently received planning permission for a development that will be the first children’s hospice to be built outside Dublin. The hospice will provide dedicated support for children with life-limiting conditions and their families across the western seaboard.
To date, €9 million has been raised through community and corporate fundraising, donor support and local initiatives towards the €20 million development. Construction is expected to begin in January 2027, with the project anticipated to take approximately two years to complete.
Lisa Clarkin, Westport Athletic Club, said: “Reaching 700 members is a fantastic milestone for Westport AC, and we wanted to celebrate it in a way that brings our whole community together and gives something back.
“Our 700 for 700 challenge is about getting everyone involved, no matter their age or ability. Whether you walk one kilometre, run 10 or complete many more, every contribution makes a difference.
“We are delighted to support Sunflower Children’s Hospice and hope our members, families and the wider Westport community will join us in making this a really special eight days.”
Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said: “We are delighted that Westport Athletic Club has chosen to support the Sunflower Children’s Hospice through its 700 for 700 Community Challenge. Reaching 700 members is a fantastic achievement, and it is wonderful to see the club marking this milestone by bringing its community together for such an important cause.
“Sunflower Children’s Hospice will provide vital support and care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families across the western seaboard. Community fundraising and awareness are essential in helping us bring this much-needed facility to life, and initiatives like this demonstrate the incredible difference that can be made when people come together. We would like to thank everyone at Westport AC for getting behind the challenge.”
For further information on the challenge, see westportac.ie, and you can donate to the Sunflower Children’s Hospice here.