SIGERSONS ‘SOLO’ STRABANE

On Sunday 31st May Strabane Sigersons GAA will be raising money for Knockavoe School and The Koram Centre, all proceeds made will be divided amongst the organisations. The ongoing pandemic has shown the great sense of community spirit that exists within our communities with Strabane being no different. Sigersons are only too aware of the hardships people are facing and the hardships people will face following on from this. No matter what the hardship is, it is important for people to know there is support available.

Sigersons Chairperson Liam Sweeney stated “The club know the current circumstances are very tough on people and this will lead to a lot of people feeling isolated and needing someone to speak too. That’s why we have chosen the Koram centre which provides professional therapeutic intervention and psychosocial support. This is an invaluable service and one certainly that Strabane cannot do without.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Michaela Boyle, who is also a Sigersons Club member, has added her support to the event. She said: “I am delighted to support this innovative and fun sporting event that will reach out to communities in Strabane during this difficult time. It is a great idea and one that will allow the communities to come together in a safe way to engage in GAA and at a same time raise money for local charities; It’s a fun idea that will motivate the local community. I am delighted to be involved and delighted that my mayoral charity has been included. I would like to encourage everyone to take part and to contribute if they can and look forward to being part of it. Well done to everyone involved in organising.”

Adrian Loughery from the Koram Centre is delighted to be involved. He stated “We are delighted to be involved with the fundraiser and thank everyone for their support. It is important that people who are struggling with mental health & emotional well-being issues feel able to go forward. Funds raised will allow the Koram Centre to continue to offer support to existing and new service users at this difficult time and we encourage anyone who feels they need our help to get in touch.”

The second charity chosen by Sigersons was Knockavoe School who are celebrating 15 years opened this year. Sigersons Chairperson Liam Sweeney stated, “This is an unbelievable school that has done and continues to do so much for children with specific learning needs in our local area. We are extremely lucky to have such a facility to educate young people in our town.”

Vice Principal of the school Grainne Dunne stated:“In Knockavoe School we have a very strong community ethos and because the pupils are with us so long – we really feel like one big family.” She spoke about how the school are helping the children during the current.“At the moment the pupils are staying at home with parents and being supported by staff through weekly phone calls, emails, home school packs and online learning. It is very difficult for many of our pupils to understand why they must stay at home and indoors, not able to attend school and see their friends and teachers and assistants.”

Grainne concluded;“Knockavoe School first opened its doors 15 years ago in June 2005 and this event will begin a few weeks of celebrating our 15th Birthday. We have been blessed with the support shown to our school from the local community in Strabane.”

The event on the day will feature the Mayor, Sigersons club members, a Knockavoe representative or a Koram Centre Volunteer soloing a ball around the town of Strabane visiting every housing estate. Liam Sweeney commented; “With current restrictions we understand how tough it is for our club members and players not being about Páirc Mhíc Sioghair. This event will be bringing GAA back into the community. We hope that people can come to their front gardens and welcome us as we travel around. We will be adhering strictly to the social distancing guidelines currently in place.”

The club has an online link for people to donate to the two charities; www.gofundme.com/f/sigersons-solo-strabane

To register for the event please follow the link below. Each individual taking part in the solo much register; https://forms.microsoft.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx…

In concluding Sweeney commented; “We hope the people of Strabane once again can support us. Over the years the generosity of the people of Strabane both here and abroad has been amazing. There were so many charities we could have chosen to help in the town and it was very tough to narrow it down to just two. As a club we would like to acknowledge every single person and organisation who are doing excellent work at present.”