The countdown is on for an exciting women’s-only multi-sport challenge this October 9th.

Donegal Sports Partnership along with sponsors Team Donegal Oil, founded by Arthur McMahon from Donegal Oil Company are hosting this inaugural challenge at Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre.

To date, over 200 women have registered to take part, with the majority having never done anything like this in their lives before.

The event is aimed to encourage participation in outdoor activities for all age groups and fitness abilities for everyone, throughout County Donegal.

Some of the participants training for the Donegal Oil Adventure Challenge at Gartan Lake

“Since Covid and all the lockdowns we have endured over the past few years, we were approached by a large number of women who would love to participate in a fun event that would get them back out training and also have something to look forward to participating in with their friends and work colleagues. After several discussions with Myles Sweeney of Donegal Sports Partnership, Rory Kennedy. Grace Ann McGarvey and Shaun Stewart, we were delighted that we could host an event like this. Shaun Stewart has come on board as our Course Director and he has designed the route that will consist of a  5km Walk/Jog/Run, 20km Cycle and a 1km Kayak.” said Arthur McMahon, MD of Donegal Oil and sponsor of the event.

“It struck me when the cycle against suicide and the Pieta House darkness into light events came to Donegal that one of the ways we can help to feel better is by getting a bit of exercise. We’re not talking about mad stuff here, just getting out in the fresh air and getting the blood pumping a bit. It really can do wonders if you’re feeling a bit blue.”  concludes Arthur.

Donegal Oil Company Womens Only Adventure Challenge Launch

Donegal Sports Partnership (DSP) Co-ordinator Myles Sweeney added “Sports events which provide opportunities for women to participate are a key focus of Sport Ireland and the Donegal Sports Partnership and forms part of the national Women in Sport strategy. We are delighted to link with Team Donegal Oil for this event on Oct 9th and it coincides with our European Week of Sport which focuses especially on Women in Sport and our team are look forward to supporting as many women as possible that are taking part in what will be a fun event at Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre on Oct 9th.”

Every single cent raised from Registration Entry fees and donations will go directly to two Donegal Women’s Charities, Donegal Women’s Centre and Donegal Women’s Domestic Violence Service – DWDVS. The pre-registration starts at the Boathouse at Gartan from 8-9am and the first wave of ladies will leave at 9am. It is anticipated that the last wave will be completed by 1pm. Refreshments will be served afterwards at the Boathouse at Gartan and all spectators are welcome to come along and cheer the ladies on, on Oct 9th.