Flahavan’s gives Derry pupil Bonnie a head start in Athletics NI League

The Flahavan’s Primary School Cross Country League has officially kicked off for another year with young athletes from Derry taking to Portstewart Strand to put their best foot forward.

Marking the 13th consecutive year of the Flahavan’s sponsorship, the 2023 Squad – the top placed girls and boys from the 2022 League, including local pupil Bonnie Devlin, from St Anne’s Primary School, Derry - took to the beach for the first training session of the season. which was attended by Hannah Gilliland, who is the new ambassador for the 2023-2024 League.

The 2023-24 league is set to attract approximately 4,000 competitors from 400 schools across Northern Ireland bringing together young runners aged between 9 and 12 years old.

The format for the 2023-24 season will consist of three rounds across the six regions in Northern Ireland, with the first of the rounds due to take place on Friday 20th October 2023 at Portadown Rugby Club, with schools competing in two out of the three rounds to qualify for the final in February 2024. A keen cross-country runner hailing from Ballynahinch, Hannah has competed at various local and national competitions.

Watching from the sidelines, Hannah provided some words of inspiration for the squad: “It is incredible to see the dedication, hard-work, and talent shining through from these young athletes at such an early stage of their athletic careers.

"I have no doubt that the Flahavan’s Primary School Cross Country League produces the best up and coming talent in Northern Ireland and I’m excited to see how each of the athletes’ progress throughout the league.

“With any sport, it’s vital to stay focused and motivated on, and by your goals, as well as maintaining a consistent training routine to achieve your potential. A nutritious, balanced diet is also important in any type of competitive sport, so the Squad members, as well as the League participants are very fortunate to have Flahavan’s products on hand to keep them going throughout their training and competitive races.

“I remember when I was at this stage, so much to look forward to as the season progresses – wishing them all the best!”
Shauna Bratten, Marketing & Events Manager at Athletics NI reflected on the importance of having the backing of Flahavan’s as a sponsor for the league: “Athletics NI is delighted to continue working with Flahavan’s as our sponsor for the Primary School Cross Country League.

"Having the continued support of a respected brand such as Flahavan’s has really helped to put the league on the map, establishing it as a regular fixture in the sporting calendar.

“We’re also looking forward to collaborating with Hannah this year, as she comes on board as ambassador for the League. We know and have seen through past successes that the Flahavan’s Primary School Cross Country League is very often the springboard to an exciting sporting career for many of these talented young people, following in Hannah’s footsteps as she continues to succeed at a senior level.”

To find out more about Flahavan’s full range of products, visit www.flahavans.co.uk or follow @flahavans on Facebook and Instagram.