Tenth anniversary of Kilrea Sports Complex

The complex was opened back in March 2002 and since then it has continued to cater for the recreational needs of the area.

Celebrations began on Saturday, March 24 with a two hour charity, ‘Zumbathon’, in aid of Causeway Care in Crisis and Aware Defeat Depression.

Kilrea Sports Complex hosts a Zumba class every Tuesday night from 8pm – 9pm, instructed by Catherine Simpson.

As London 2012 approaches and the Olympic Torch Relay visits the Borough in June, the staff at the centre in conjunction with Council’s Sports Development Team, ran a Mini-Olympic themed event for local primary school children.

Children from St Columba’s Primary School, Kilrea Primary School, Crossroads Primary School and Drumard Primary School visited the centre over four days, taking part in the 100m, javelin, 110m hurdles, shot putt and relay.

On the final day of the event the children were presented with medals by Mayor of Coleraine, Alderman Maurice Bradley. Also, in attendance was local MLA John Dallat, who was Mayor of Coleraine during 2002 when the Centre was officially opened.

Mayor Bradley said: “Many budding young Olympians showed their sporting skills at this fantastic event, but we made sure that all of the children participating, received a gold medal for their efforts.

“Over 250 children participated in the Mini-Olympic themed event which was a great success, with all the children thoroughly enjoying themselves. Kilrea Sports Complex has made great efforts to encourage a strong relationship with local schools and this event helped promote those links. I was delighted to be a part of this celebration, which recognised the great service provided by Kilrea Sports Complex.”

Zanshin Shotokan Karate Club, which uses the centre from 7pm to 9pm every Friday, also took part in the celebrations organising an open house Self Defence Course. The event, in aid of Autism NI, was lead by Sensi Terry Geddis 4th Dan and Sensi Lisa Hunter 2nd Dan.

The final event to mark the anniversary saw the event hosting the Northern Ireland Deadlifting Championships for the second year in succession.

The Deadlifting Championships, in association with Kilrea Muscle and Fitness Gym, had 58 competitors, representing 15 different gyms from across Northern Ireland. Participants ranged in age from 15 years old to 70 years old. The biggest lift of the day went to Joshua McCabe, lifting 325kg.

Brian Tohill, Manager of Kilrea Sports Complex, explained that while the celebrations and events were running during the week, normal business was still going on.

He said: “The centres Soccer School, which has been a massive success, finished after another 10 week course. Coaches Ian Getty and David Wilson have been part of this programme since its inception and are invaluable to the course’s success.

“Another course which has been a massive success is our Senior Shortmat Bowling Club, which meets on a Thursday between 2pm and 4pm. The Bowling Club not only provides a much needed activity for some of our senior citizens but also a vital social outlet.

“Over the past ten years Kilrea Sports Complex has been serving the needs of the local community and we had a thoroughly enjoyable week celebrating all we have achieved in that time.”