Strabane Sigersons rise to the ‘Challenge’ for two local causes Knockavoe and Koram Centre

THE smiles of the participants shone as brightly as the piercing late Spring sun as Strabane united to take part in the Sigersons Solo Challenge in order to raise funds for Knockavoe School and The Koram Centre.

 

The event witnessed over 150 participants carry the ball from Knockavoe School throughout the town and back to the finishing point at Páirc Mhíc Sioghair. At the time of writing, well over £21,000 has been raised following Sunday’s spectacular event that not only brought the local community together, while simultaneously keeping in apart due to social distancing rules, but also raised spirits as well as financial aid to the two local organisations.

 

A delighted Sigerons Club chairman Liam Sweeney stated: “We set the target at £5,000 and passed that early last week. We had promised as a club to donate £100 at that stage and set the new target of £10,000 where the club promised another £1000 if we achieved that.”

 

Mr Sweeney said that the response and kindness of the Strabane community didn’t come as a surprise to him. 

 

 “I am not surprised at the generosity of people in Strabane. Since our club was reformed in 1986 everything we have done has had the full backing of the local community whether it’s the weekly lotto, Grand Draws or fundraisers the people of Strabane support it.”

 

In recent weeks three local clubs- Sigersons, Owen Roes and Clan na nGael- have raised over £50,000 for local charities and organisations.

 

Liam Sweeney said it represented a ‘phenomenal’ response during these difficult times.

 

“ Like ourselves the people in Owen Roes and Clan na nGael will know that we are more than just GAA clubs, we are a part of the community, we are a social venue for people to meet and for many people their local club is their life.”

 

FULL STORY IN THURSDAY’S STRABANE CHRONICLE.