Mayo gets set for the Sport a Smile Challenge

This week saw the launch of DeCare Dental's Sport a Smile Challenge - Mayo's answer to Operation Transformation.

The challenge will see three participants embark on an 8-week fitness and training program with a dedicated coach in preparation for the DeCare Dental Sport a Smile 5 mile run/walk, which takes place in Claremorris on August 27th in aid of Mayo Cancer Support Association.

Limbering up for the DeCare Dental Sport a Smile Challenge are from left to right, Tony Hetherington with coach Ryan Glynn from the Claremorris Leisure Centre, Rosanne O'Connor with coach Fallon McShea from the McWilliam Park Leisure Centre and coach Steven Mullins from Phoenix Total Fitness with Tina Kavanagh. (Photo by Karl Keaney).

The challenge has been organised to mark the 10th anniversary of the Sport a Smile run/walk and the outstanding €110,000 which has been raised for charity, thanks to the support of race participants, local businesses and supporters.

To apply for the challenge, willing participants were asked to submit their applications and describe why they deserved this unique opportunity. The challenge winners, all with different backgrounds and goals, all have one thing in common - a desire to challenge themselves and push their boundaries.

Tina Kavanagh is 41 years of age and hails from Swinford in Co Mayo. She feels that she has neglected her health and well-being in the last 2 years and has lost the motivation to exercise, gaining weight as a result. She is hoping, with the help of her coach Steven Mullins from Phoenix Total Fitness, to regain her motivation to get fit, lead a healthier lifestyle and regain her confidence.

Tony Hetherington of Belcarra in Castlebar is 46 years of age. Tony began running for the first time in 2010, motivated by a history of family heart disease. Since then he has greatly improved his fitness and has lost over 2 stone. He now needs some extra support to take him to the next level, with the goal of completing the Dublin City Marathon in October. Tony will be coached by Ryan Glynn from the Claremorris Leisure Centre.

Limbering up for the DeCare Dental Sport a Smile Challenge are from left to right, Tina Kavanagh with coach Steven Mullins from Phoenix Total Fitness, Rosanne O'Connor with coach Fallon McShea from the McWilliam Park Leisure Centre and Tony Hetherington with coach Ryan Glynn from the Claremorris Leisure Centre. (Photo by Karl Keaney).

Rosanne O'Connor is 43 years of age from Claremorris, Co. Mayo. Rosanne's key motivation in taking part is to get fitter and feel healthier and happier. With the support of her personal trainer, Fallon McShea at the McWilliam Park Leisure Centre, she hopes to be able to run the Sport a Smile 5 mile race on August 27th.

Maureen Walsh, CEO of DeCare comments ‘The Sport a Smile Challenge received a great response and it really seems to have captured the imagination. We want people to get on board, support the Challengers and take inspiration from them to get active and healthy'.

To track the progress of the Challenge Participants, to get fitness and race advice and tips and to enter the Sport a Smile Race, log on to www.ddii.ie and visit the Sport a Smile website and facebook page.