Blessington Triathlon to Help Homeless

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Blessington Triathlon to Help Homeless

Sunday, April 22 2007

A triathlon around the Blessington lakes aims to raise €115,000 for homeless services run by national voluntary agency, Focus Ireland.

Sunderland Football Club chairman Niall Quinn helped launch details of the gruelling event with Zimbabwean model and athlete Joyce Matemba at Tolka Rovers football ground in Dublin.

Former soccer international Quinn entered his own team last year and hopes to compete again in July if his work schedule allows him.

Sunderland, which is managed by Roy Keane, is aiming for promotion to the Premiership in coming weeks.

Quinn said: “It was great craic taking part in the triathlon last year and I would strongly recommend people sign up early for this event as it sold out last year. I’ll be there again in July once my work allows that I am in the country at the time.”

The triathlon consists of a 750m lake swim, a 5km run and a 20km cycle around the Blessington lakes.

There are 300 places available in the event which takes place on Saturday, July 21 at Golden Falls in Ballymore Eustace, Co Kildare.

Focus Ireland fundraising director Mark Mellett said: “It is great when people of Niall’s public profile get involved as it not only encourages people to take part in the events but also raises awareness about the problems faced by people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

“Focus Ireland is committed to providing 800 new homes by 2010 and money raised by events such as the triathlon are vital as they help to fund this important work.”

There are at least 5,000 people who are homeless in Ireland.

Each three-member team must raise sponsorship of €1,500 to take part in the event.

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