The inaugural University Fitness Games, hosted by Donegal’s Atlantic University of Technology (ATU), was a huge success, with nearly 110 participants competing in a variety of categories to show off their fitness and determination. The event was a unique initiative within the academic department, aimed at engaging people who are keen gym goers and don’t necessarily participate in traditional team sports.
The competition featured various categories such as Adapted Men, Adapted Women, Adapted Athletes, Schoolboys, Schoolgirls, Men’s Pairs, and Women’s Pairs.
Athletes were put to the test in a series of challenging workouts and given a tight time frame of 60 minutes to demonstrate their strength, endurance and overall fitness.
Among the winners in each category was Ciaran Quinn who won Fittest Male with an impressive time of 00:36:10. The Fittest Female was won by Karen Gallagher in 00:40:06.
The top female student was Grainne Pracht (ATU Sligo student) from Swinford, Co. Mayo, and the top male student was Ruairi Creeley, currently studying at St Mary’s University in London.
The Adaptive Athlete category had four participants, including inspirational speaker Nikki Bradley, who placed third. The overall winner in this category was Charlie McDade with an impressive time of 00:22:50.
In the pairs division, Grace Smith and Joanne Hill won the top women’s pair and Adam Moore and Jason Daley won the top men’s pair.
Nicola Dunnion, ATU Donegal Director of Tourism and Sport, congratulated Neil Barrett and the Academic Sport staff for organizing such a unique event. I’m very proud of that.” This was another way for him to demonstrate our capabilities in this field. We would like to thank everyone who volunteered on the day, and congratulations to all the participants. It was a wonderful sight. ”
Neil Barrett, Lecturer in the Department of Tourism and Sport at ATU’s School of Management, thanked everyone who took part in the event. The time and resources spent planning and organizing the event were worth it when we saw all the participants had the opportunity to showcase all the hard work they put into their fitness and training.
He added: “A special thank you must go to all the volunteers who helped make the event run smoothly. Without them the event would not have been possible. People of all ages and abilities Watching them compete side by side in the arena was the most rewarding thing for me. The atmosphere was enthusiastic and the support for all the competitors was inspiring and exceeded all my expectations. And I couldn’t have been more pleased with how the day unfolded.”
The success of the University Fitness Games at Atlantic Institute of Technology sets the stage for future events and promises to be a highlight of the university’s sports calendar.
Winners in various categories:
Most suitable men:
Ciaran Quinn – 00:36:10
Paul McGowan – 00:38:02
Colum Monaghan – 00:38:20
Most suitable women:
Karen Gallagher – 00:40:06
Clodagh Skelly – 00:43:43
Grain Pracht – 00:43:46
Top male student:
Ruairi Creeley – 00:41:13 (St Mary’s University, Twickenham, London)
Dermot Colley – 00:45:11 (South West University (Omagh Campus))
Ciaran Gleeson – 00:50:09 (ATU Galway-Mayo)
Top female students:
Grain Pracht – 00:43:46 (ATU SLIGO)
Anna McStay – 00:45:21 (Queen’s University Belfast)
Caroline White – 00:53:27 (ATU DONEGAL)
Adaptable athlete:
Charlie McDade – 00:22:50
Brigid McGinley – 00:23:33
Nicky Bradley – 00:36:52
Mark Smith – 00:41:25
Top male pair:
Adam Moore and Jason Daly – 00:43:36
Mark Coyle and Partners – 00:46:03
Craig Wallace and Glenn McAuley – 00:47:18
Top female pair:
Grace Smith and Joanne Hall – 00:55:42
Cliona Moore and Sinead McCormack – 00:56:38
Megan McDonald and Nina O’Neill – 00:57:34