Belfast’s Aoibheann Donnelly was bursting with pride after she topped the podium at a national school sports event to cap an unforgettable experience in the East Midlands.
Donnelly, 16, who lives in Blanchardstown, featured at the School Games National Finals, helping Ireland to a gold medal in the women’s 3x3 Basketball.
Taking place between 3–6 September, the School Games National Finals is the UK’s biggest multi-sport event for young athletes and this year marked its 20th anniversary of being first held in Glasgow in 2006.
Over 1,000 athletes competed across 11 sports, including disability disciplines, during the sporting extravaganza held at Loughborough University, a venue which provided the young competitors’ first-class facilities, a safe competitive environment, and the experience of being part of a major sporting event.
Donnelly said: “We knew it was going to be a tough game in the final against a very strong England team.
“They were kind of at home, but all the Ireland teams from other sports were here supporting us, so it was a great atmosphere to play in and it was good to get the win.
“It’s a great place to be in and the facilities are amazing. There’s just so much going on and it’s interesting to see what everyone else is up to.
“3x3 is newer than 5x5, but it’s a very fun sport to be involved in. The School Games is a great way to start and have your first competition.”
The School Games National Finals has acted as a key milestone in the careers of many of the UK’s top athletes with the event’s alumni including four-time European gold medallist Amy Hunt, mile world record holder Josh Kerr, three-time Olympic champion Adam Ramsay-Peaty, Olympic bronze medallist Georgia Hunter Bell and the most decorated athlete in European Championship history, Dina Asher-Smith.
Two-time Paralympic bronze medallist Olivia Breen, who competed at the School Games National Finals in 2015, and 2026 Commonwealth Games 3x3 basketball champion Ashley Hamilton were in attendance as VIPs to cheer on the athletes and offer their experience and advice.
Hamilton said: “The School Games National Finals is a special event that brings a lot of different people together and gives a lot of athletes the exposure to this type of environment.
“I hope that everyone who is taking part cherishes the moment, enjoys it, and uses it to springboard their futures.”
Breen added: “I competed in the School Games National Finals 11 years ago, and it's great to be back here in a different capacity. It was a great experience for me in 2015 and I’m looking forward to seeing what all the athletes can do.”
The School Games National Finals is a biennial four-day multi-sport event for young athletes of school age. It is delivered by the Youth Sport Trust and National Governing Bodies, hosted by Loughborough University, and funded by Sport England and players of the National Lottery.
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