College celebrates elite athlete Scheme

North West Regional Colleges 2015 Elite Athlete Scheme overall winners are front row left to right Brian Murray and Kathleen McNaught. Back row left to right: Piaras Casey, Jordan McClelland, James Walton and Aoife Curran.

The initiative now in its second year which has been established by the College to reward and acknowledge the sporting achievements of some of its most talented sportsmen and women.

The Scheme recognises the sacrifice in time and effort which results from taking part in sport at the highest level. Thirteen NWRC students in total were acknowledged during a special presentation with six being chosen as recipients of a special £500 sports bursary from the College.

All six beneficiaries received free membership of NWRC’s gym along with additional training support and advice from the College’s Sports Department.

The six recipients reflected a diverse range of sporting backgrounds – Brian Murray Irish Open Judo Championships 2014 Medallist; Kathleen McNaught, All-Ireland Judo Gold Medallist; James Walton, National Junior Triathlon Champion, & Winner of 2015 Liam Ball Triathlon; Aoife Curran, Northern Ireland Ladies Soccer International U15 & U17; Piaras Casey, Derry Youth Boxer of the Year 2015; and Jordan McClelland, Irish Basketball International, U16, U18 & U19.

Each of those who received the bursary will continue to play a full part in sport at the College and in various competitions and championships, equipped with the professional coaching and mentoring from the College’s expert sports staff.

The additional students that were recognised at the Elite Athlete Presentation were: Brendan Douban (Hurling); Deaglan Foley (Hurling); Gareth Townley (Judo); Declan Donaghy (Judo); Lee McMonagle (Gaelic Football); Hollie Hunt (Irish Dancing) and Shaun Gallagher (Soccer & Gaelic Football).