GAA
GAA president yesterday launched the first ever GAA Player Conference.
The initiative will take place in Croke Park on Saturday February 17 and is open to all adult players of gaelic games (Football, Hurling, Camogie, Ladies Football, Handball and Rounders).
The `Prepare, Perform and Recover' event is designed to engage, educate, support and inform adult club players on player welfare topics.
Admission is €10 and attendees will also receive an information booklet on key areas of player welfare, an attendee pack and refreshments (including lunch) throughout the day.
“I am delighted to launch this event, which will help increase awareness of the many fantastic resources available through our online platforms, gaa.ie and learning.gaa.ie, and which are available to all our members.” said Ó Fearghaíl.
A Croke Park release added that player welfare is one of the GAA's core values and the association invests considerable time, personnel, and finance in developing evidence-based programmes and resources.
Topics to be discussed include: 1: Warm-up / Injury prevention / Strength & Conditioning; 2: Technical demands of the game and Skills acquisition; 3: Mental preparation and performance skills; 4: Nutrition for Performance / Supplements
Spaces are limited so the GAA advice is book a place quickly, and for further information see http://learning.gaa.ie/player.
Motorcycling
The Air Ambulance NI (AANI) will once again be the designated charity of the 2018 Vauxhall International North West 200, writes Willis Marshall.
The Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for Northern Ireland together with its partners at Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, AANI has enjoyed a close relationship with the north coast motorcycle racing festival and this will be the third year in a row it has been the event’s chosen charity.
“We are delighted to be continuing our association with the Air Ambulance NI as we know it is a service close to the hearts of race fans,” said NW200 event director Mervyn Whyte.
“The service has been tasked 199 times since it was introduced, attending some of the most traumatic medical incidents in the region and we want to continue to help provide funding and support through our race for this vital service.”
Ian Crowe, Chairman at AANI said: “As well as facilitating care for the riders, we’ll also be fundraising throughout race week including the sale of merchandise and collecting donations.
“Each day we need to raise in the region of £5,500 to keep the service operational so public support is crucial. “I urge anyone who is interested in fundraising or volunteering at the NW200 to give us a call on 028 9262 2677.
Bowls
Defending champions Oriel will attempt to grab a spot in the semis of the IIBA Boomer Cup this weekend, writes Ray McClean.
They have already lifted the trophy on four occasions and with home advantage should hold all the aces against visitors North Eastern who have yet to win the competition.
Donegal's men will attempt to emulate their ladies side who are already through to the last four of the McIlroy Cup.
However, their male counterparts face a tough assignment when they travel to face seven-times trophy winners Western at Enniskillen.
In the other games Lisburn visit Mid Antrim while Larne host North West.
