ATU partners with PGIM Ireland to launch recreational physical activity programme for North West
Atlantic Technological University and PGIM Ireland have joined forces to establish and support a Recreational Physical Activity Programme spanning 2023 and 2024. This partnership aims to offer physical activity opportunities to diverse groups across Donegal and the Northwest. The programme offers a range of sporting activities including table tennis, soccer, tug-o-war and soccer. The partnership will also include basketball masterclass coaching sessions aimed at secondary schools in Donegal. The popular annual ATU Donegal 5K Run/Fun Walk will also be sponsored by PGIM Ireland as part of the partnership.
Welcoming the partnership with PGIM Ireland, Michael Murphy Head of Sport ATU Donegal said, “We are delighted to begin this partnership with PGIM Ireland. The promotion of physical activity and sport for all is something which we in ATU Donegal believe strongly in. This partnership will enable us to provide a Recreational Physical Activity programme which will increase the opportunities for a variety of populations in Donegal and the Northwest to be physically active.”
Roben Dunkin, Chief Operations and Innovation Officer at PGIM & Executive Sponsor for PGIM Ireland said, “PGIM Ireland is invested in creating partnerships that strengthen the community. We are excited to partner with ATU Donegal on this Recreational Physical Activity Programme, to benefit the health and wellbeing of young people, students and the wider population across Donegal and the Northwest.”
Working with Donegal Youth Service, secondary schools and sports clubs across Donegal, the programme will have three key strands:
Donegal Youth Service: Catering to 14–22-year-olds, a six-week series of multi-sport activities at the ATU Donegal Sports Centre. Activities include table tennis, curling, bowling, basketball, badminton, tug-o-war, soccer, and other engaging games.
Donegal Secondary Schools Basketball Masterclass Coaching Sessions: All Donegal secondary schools are invited to participate in a two-hour Basketball Masterclass Coaching Session at the ATU Donegal Sports Centre. Conducted by Basketball Ireland NW Development Officer, Laura Deeney, and ATU Donegal International Basketball Scholars, this program kicks off in December, extending through the Spring months. It is specifically designed for Transition Year to Final Year secondary school students.
ATU Donegal 5K Run/Fun Walk: The renowned annual ATU Donegal 5K Run/Fun Walk will be held in association with PGIM for 2024. This event, which has experienced significant growth in recent years, attracts participants from ATU staff and students, athletics clubs in the Northwest, and the local community. The 2024 ATU Donegal 5K Run/Fun Walk in association with PGIM is scheduled for Tuesday, April 9th, at 7:15 pm, with registration details to follow in the upcoming months.
To find out how you can get involved please contact sportscentre.donegal@atu.ie.
Photo caption: Included in the photo are PGIM representatives Aisling McDevitt and Julija Ciubarova, members and staff of the Donegal Youth Service, Basketball Ireland North West Development Officer – Laura Deeney, ATU International Basketball Scholars – Christian Simmons and Ryan Ganniclefft, Paul Nelis – Teacher at St. Eunans College, Rory McMorrow - Student Services Manager (Access, Widening Participation & Sport), Michael Murphy – Head of Sport ATU Donegal, Helen Kennedy – Sports Centre Manager ATU Donegal, ATU Donegal Sport Centre Staff, ATU Donegal Students – Eoin McKenna and Katie Gibbons.