TRALEE’S FIRST gold medal at the International Children’s Games the world’s largest multi-sport youth event for 12- to 15- year-olds, held this month in Bahrain, has boosted plans in Kerry to host the games in 2015.
The ICG which now attracts up to 1,800 participants in sports ranging from athletics to swimming, and against a backdrop of historical and scenic visits, has a growing international reputation, but is little known in Ireland.
Eoin O’Carroll (15), Caherleen, Tralee, a member of Tralee Harriers Athletic club, took gold in the long jump in the Gulf state with a personal best of 6.65 metres – competing in the relay final in between jumps.
Eoin who also reached the final in Athens last year, but was forced out due to injury, said the games were “a brilliant experience”.
Founded against the experience of the horrific suffering of children in the second World War, the ICG is designed to bring young people together in sport and culture.
It now has 90 member cities, and is underpinned by the International Olympic Committee and are uniquely designed to combine culture with sport.
Representatives from Tralee and Cork are taking part in the games, styled as a mini-Olympics for children.
Tralee ICG chairman, Michael Culloty, a retired PE and geography teacher, said the plan for 2015 will embrace the whole of Kerry.