Wheels in motion for cycle event in aid of Knockevin

Wheels in motion for cycle event in aid of Knockevin

11 September 2019

THE countdown is on to a special event next weekend to raise money for Knockevin Special School in Downpatrick.

Details of the September 22 event were unveiled last weekend at Castlewellan Forest Park which is the location for the forthcoming fundraiser to help purchase new bikes for pupils at the Racecourse Hill school to help them experience nature and the great outdoors.

The fundraiser — which takes place between 10am and 3pm –  is being billed as a “total celebration of all things cycling” and is being hosted by the Kilmegan Velo Cycling Club.

Knockevin parent and Kilmegan Velo Club member, Michael Donnelly, said the emphasis is on celebrating the joy of cycling for fun, friendship and fitness.

“If you have a bike or your child has one, if you have a family member with special needs or are a keen mountain biker, come along and celebrate the joy of cycling,” he said.

“There will cycling adventures for everyone from the novice to the seasoned lycra-clad warrior, with the day designed to inspire and demonstrate that anyone can give it a go.” 

While entry to the event itself is free, normal costs apply to gain entry to the forest park and there is a £10 cost for a few activities such as the Trail Quest and Red Trail Time Trial. 

Those who take part in other planned activities are asked to make a donation, with all monies going to the Knockevin Special School Parent Staff Association.

Ahead of the fundraiser, Kilmegan Velo Club chairman, Sean Warnock, said there will be a wide range of activities on the day.

He continued: “Our club’s motto is cycling for fun, friendship and fitness and we want people to experience that at this event. 

“We have a range of activities for people to choose from including a family and team trail quest on the forest paths and trails, stunt riders, novelty bikes, short have-a-go sessions with an experienced cyclist and there will also be a mountain bike red trail time trial with prizes for the top three.”

There will also be maintenance clinics with representatives from McConvey Cycles, skills courses for juniors and others, fun agility relay and ramp jump competitions, a Sunday Club ride fuel stop, raffles and spot prizes, face painting and disability/special needs bikes and trikes.

“The forest park event will be raising money for Knockevin Special School to help buy bicycles and transport for the children to be able to experience what we take for granted – the ability to experience nature on a bike,” said Sean.

“Volunteers from the club and the Parent Staff Association will be there on the day to accept any donations and tickets for a prize draw will be available too for the draw later on.

Knockevin principal, Sara Liddell, said the school is delighted to have the support of Kilmegan VC who are helping the Parent Staff Association raise money that will be used for transport and specialist equipment. 

“In Knockevin, we place a huge emphasis on promoting healthy lifestyles,” she continued. “We aim to give our pupils access to a wide range of opportunities to take part in a variety of sports and fitness activities. 

“Cycling has many proven benefits but it can be a challenge to ensuring that we have the right equipment for all our pupils to be able to participate. This will allow our pupils to be able to experience the joy of cycling”.

Kilmegan Velo Club, Knockevin Parent Staff Association and everyone at the school would like to thank all the businesses and organisations who have donated prizes  and all those donating their time, skills and equipment on the day.