Now in its 55th year, The Aldi Community Games continues to attract over 160,000 children all competing for the chance to make it to the National Festival.
The athletics final saw 2,000 children, along with their families and supporters, travel from all over Ireland to represent their county with pride in the impressive SETU Sports Campus in Carlow.
The event was live streamed to an audience of over 30,000 on both Facebook and YouTube, allowing those at home to take in all the action.
Boyne AC were proud to have two of their athletes competing in the finals, representing Louth, with both having qualified in their Area final, then County Final then Regional Final, for the track events, to make it to the National Finals.
Taking home the sole medal for the county, talented young sprinter Isabelle Winters excelled through all the rounds to deservedly take her place on the start line of the National Final in the u10 200m sprint heats.
Despite the blazing sunshine, and while the rest of the country dealt with the heatwave, the young athletes took to their marks in their qualifying rounds, and on the starters whistle Isabelle took off like a rocket, comfortably crossing the finish line and securing her pace in the final.
Taking plenty of shelter and keeping hydrated was key, as a long wait ensued for the final itself. However, by late afternoon, it was time to do it all again in the final, with eight athletes all vying for a much coveted Community Games medal.
A strong start saw Isabelle take to the bend alongside the race leaders, and despite a late surge by the top two runners for the finish, Isabelle held her form and maintained her steady pace, crossing the line alongside another athlete.
To the naked eye, it was difficult to see who was 3rd and who was 4th, but thanks to a super dip of the head on the finish line, Isabelle was awarded the 3rd place spot, much to the delight of the supporting crowd.
Always smiling, Isabelle’s grin was even wider as she took to the podium to receive her medal, with dad Lester proudly looking on, and mum Julie and sister Ruby watching at home.
Having already achieved so much at such a young age, Isabelle is definitely one to watch for the future and is already a great inspiration to all the young athletes in the club.
Also in action at the Community Games final was up and coming thrower Jay Doherty (pictured above). Competing in the u14 boys Shot Put, Jay threw a new personal best to finish in the top 10 in the country.
A relative newcomer to the Shot Put, Jay put all his effort into the competition, and was certainly happy with his performance on the day.
Boyne AC host their rescheduled Open Sports Day this Saturday, in the Lourdes Stadium at 12.30, and all are welcome.
