An Post Cycle Tour of Sligo - Family Fun Day Launch

The An Post Tour of Sligo Cycle, an initiative of the Irish Sports Council, announces the launch of their first ever Family Fun Day which will take place on Saturday May 5th in association with this year's cycling event.

The May Bank Holiday weekend will see cyclists arriving in droves from all over Ireland to take part in the event which is growing in popularity each year. Last year an incredible 1800 participants took to the roads of Sligo for the An Post Cycle Tour. The An Post Tour of Sligo Committee felt it was important to expand the family fun side of the event. "It's all about fun, participation and giving children a positive introduction to cycling at an early age. This family fun day ensures that children as young as 6 years can take part in the Sprocket Rocket Skills and Drills while those over 9 years can take on the challenge of the 10k Hazelwood Spin. The10K also affords adults who are relatively new to cycling to get involved." Deirdre Lavin, Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership.

Families and young cyclists intending to take part are encouraged to register in advance for the event, however, an opportunity will also exist to register on the day from 1.30pm to 2.30pm at Sligo IT Knocknarea Arena. Cyclists must have their own bike and helmet. Whilst registration is taking place, there will be a great range of entertainment for families and children of all ages including stilt walkers, unicyclists, jugglers - stilt walking uni-cycling jugglers!, clowns, face painters, bicycle smoothie makers, balloon puppeteers, bicycle bubbles - fun and games for everyone for free! At 3pm the spin to Hazelwood and sprocket rocket skills and drills will take place for approximately one hour.

Once the cyclists return, participants and friends can look forward to Ramp Rage - an exciting BMX display. This event is open to everyone - even if you are not planning to take part in the cycle, come and join us for a day of free family fun.

In launching the Family Fun Day Mayor Rosaleen O'Grady stated "This is a wonderful initiative, and great credit is due to the organisers and sponsors, and also to the many, many volunteers giving of their time to make the Family Fun Day a success. I would like to commend Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership for their vision to energise all their partners in sport and recreation and to realise their vision of 'more people, more active, more often'. It is a very important message for everyone and I would like to thank all involved for bringing this event to fruition."

An Post Tour of Sligo Committee acknowledge the support for the Family Fun Day of the Sligo Borough Council which is celebrating the 400 anniversary of the granting of the Charter for Sligo Borough Council.

The cycling tour will afford people of Sligo and visitors to the County, the chance to enjoy stunning scenery ranging from majestic mountains to spectacular sea views and including picturesque country scenery and rural villages from the saddle of a bike.

The cycling weekend now for the first time offers a variety of family fun activities which will cater for all ages. So whether you're interested in doing some serious cycling or attracted by the idea of a weekend away in the west, dabbling in some cycling fun and participating in a range of family fun activities - the 2012 An Post Cycle Tour will cater to a range of needs and abilities.

For further information go to www.tourofsligo.ie or contact 071 9161511