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UL World Medical and Health Games 2015 July 19-25

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Minister for education, Jan O’ Sullivan leads the opening ceremony of the UL World Medical and Health Games 2015 across The Living Bridge in the University of Limerick. Picture by Alan Place photography.

UL World Medical and Health Games 2015 turns UL campus and Limerick city into an Olympic Village with an expected boost of €1.2 million to the region.

The 36th World Medical and Health Games was officially opened by Minister Jan O’Sullivan at the University of Limerick on Sunday 19th July. The Games welcome over 1,000 athletes from more than 20 countries to compete across 25 different sports from golf and cycling to chess, fencing triathlon and football. This annual event brings medics from a range of medical professions, consultants, GP’s, nurses, paramedics who compete in a spirit of friendship in their chosen sport.

Invited guests gave the athletes a resounding Limerick welcome as they walked across the Living Bridge on Sunday and paraded into the University Concert Hall where the official opening ceremony took place.


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Minister O’Sullivan in her address said that Limerick’s sporting reputation is greatly increased by hosting events like the World Medical Health Games as they profile the city in such a positive way.  She also praised the athletes for actively demonstrating the benefits of sport in our lives and the UL Graduate Medical School and Department of Sports Science for their continued research into the effects of sport on ageing and health

As part of the Games, a 2 day medical symposium is being hosted by the Graduate Medical School, UL.  Head of School, Prof. Michael Larvin is thrilled that UL and the city are hosting the Games and says: “the symposium provides the ideal opportunity for debate on the benefits of sport in preventative healthcare and maintaining fitness.” This is open to all to attend at an entrance fee of €20pp.

The Games are being organised by the University and are being held throughout the city and bordering counties.  Cycle routes include Clare, Tipperary and Limerick.  Mountain biking takes place in Ballyhoura, while golf is in Castletroy and Ballyneety and tennis in Limerick Lawn Tennis Club.

David Mahedy, UL Sport Director says “the World Medigames are a super endorsement for Limerick as an international sports venue.  This has been a complex event to organise and we have risen to the challenge which proves what Limerick and the University can do together.  We have had great support from Limerick Clubs and in particular the Limerick County Athletics Board.

He says that a great week is planned both at the University and in the city with local entertainment, tours and nights in town.  Many visitors are staying on to tour the region.  He added that this Games is yet another endorsement for Limerick as a sporting capital and we are delighted to work with the Shannon Conference and Sports Bureau who are so proactive in looking for sports events to bring to our city. We also appreciate the financial support from Limerick City and County Council, Shannon Airport and Fáilte Ireland in order to make this event happen.

The Games runs from 19 – 25 July

Check out the Medical Games website here.

For updates like UL Sports Arena on Facebook and Twitter here and here.

Follow ILovelimerick on Instagram for updates here.

Photos by Diarmuid Greene FUSIONSHOOTERS and Alan Place photography. All rights Reserved.

 

 

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.