Flahavans Porridge set to fuel young runners at this years Athletics NI League

The League, which is expected to attract over 4,500 entrants from 200+ schools will bring together young runners aged between 9 and 12 years old from across Northern Ireland – and marks the ninth consecutive year of sponsorship by Flahavan’s Porridge.

Following on from the successful introduction last year of a new format for the League, runners will compete in one of two regional rounds held in counties Down and Antrim or the North West, Causeway Coast, Southern and Tyrone/Fermanagh area – each taking place over a week in October and November.

Qualifying runners will then be invited to take part in the final due to be held on 22^nd January 2020.

Speaking at the launch about his new ambassador role, James Hamilton, said:

“As a para-athlete, I am passionate about inspiring young people of all abilities to get involved in sport. This year’s League provides the perfect opportunity for both experienced and novice runners aged between 9 and 12 years old to sign-up – and I look forward to meeting with competitors as the rounds progress.

“Through my role as one of this year’s Flahavan’s ambassadors, I will share my top training tips – including the importance of a healthy and balanced diet – which is why the partnership between Athletics NI and Flahavan’s is a great fit.

“This could be the start of an exciting career for our sporting stars of the future, so I encourage all schools across Northern Ireland to get involved!”

Flahavan’s ambassador, James, competed in the IPC World Para Championships in London in 2017 where he came 6^th overall. This August, he ran at the Manchester International running a season’s best, and becoming the 8^th fastest athlete in the world in his category this year.

Olympian, and 2018 European Championships athlete, Kerry O’Flaherty, will also return as a Flahavan’s ambassador for the League again this year alongside James Hamilton. Kerry competed in the European Cross Country Championships in 2018 in Tilburg, and the European Track & Field 2018 Championships in Berlin. Kerry’s current standing is 6^th in UK for the 3000m Steeplechase this year.

Brand Marketing Manager for Flahavan’s Porridge, Alice Quirke, added:

“Now in our ninth year of working with Athletics NI, we look forward to continuing to fuel young athletes as they take part in the League with our wholesome oats and oat-based products.

“We are committed to investing in children from across Northern Ireland at an age when the foundations for a sporting career are being laid – with the League already having proven its worth as a launchpad for young runners to progress through to professional athletes.

“Good luck to all of the competitors taking part this year – we are confident this will be the first step of a very exciting sporting journey for many!”

The 2019/20 Flahavan’s Porridge Athletics NI Primary School Cross Country League will get underway on Friday 4^th October at Lurgan Park.

For further information on taking part in the League, please contact the Athletics NI office on info@athleticsni.org  or 028 9060 2707. More information is available here.

To learn more about Flahavan’s full range of products, and how you can fuel your run with tasty recipes, follow @FlahavansIRL on Twitter, or @Flahavans on Facebook and Instagram.