Destination Sport project earns national praise for Mullingar

The Destination Sport events organised by Westmeath County Council, and aimed at showing the level of activity and the range of facilities and organisations around Mullingar, has won a top national award.At the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards at the Burlington Hotel in Dublin last Wednesday, the Destination Sport project was named as the winner of the sports development category. The award was presented to the cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council Cllr Mark Cooney and the co-ordinator of the project Maurice Stenson by the Minister Phil HoganDestination Sport Mullingar grew out of the success of the various events during National Bike Week in June 2009 and as a result of Mullingar being established as a Category One Cycling Hub Town in line with Fáilte Ireland's strategy to promote cycling tourism in Ireland, said council spokesman, Billy Coughlan."In September 2009, as part of the Fáilte Ireland led initiative Discover Mullingar Day, the first Sports Zone facilitated by Westmeath Sports Partnership, was held in the grounds of Loreto College in Mullingar, and other sporting events were also held on the Royal Canal at Harbour Bridge," said Mr Coughlan."The many participating sports clubs and groups availed of the opportunity to show their sports, and members of the public, young and old, had the chance to try particular sports, for themselves in a fun way."The Destination Sport Mullingar project is managed by Westmeath County Council and involves arrangements with stakeholders including: Mullingar Chamber of Commerce, Fáilte Ireland, Westmeath Sports Partnership, An Garda Síochána, Lakeside Wheelers, Mullingar Harriers, Civil Defence, Mullingar Jets, Fighting Cancer Tri, Midland Tri Club, Belvedere House Gardens and Park, FAI and GAA development officers and many other sporting clubs and interests in Mullingar.County manager Danny McLoughlin said: "Westmeath County Council is particularly proud of its lead role in the Destination Sport Mullingar project. However, the project could not have progressed or succeeded as it has without the involvement of the many stakeholder agencies, participants and spectators."This national award acknowledges that fact and is testament to the successful involvement of a large number of people in making it happen."