Other News In Brief

NI Athletes To Compete At World Para Athletics Championships In Dubai

Four Northern Irish athletes are featured in Irelands 11 person team for the World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai.

Jason Smyth, David Leavy, Michael McKillop and Conor McIlveen will accompany the Irish delegation to Qatar next month.

Michael McKillop of St Malachy's Athletics Club will make his much anticipated return to a major championship for the first time since his World Para Athletics Championships Gold medal win in London in 2017.

Meanwhile, paralympian Jason Smyth of Derry Track Club will aim to continue his incredible winning streak to claim an 8th World Championship medal and his 18th major championship to add to his collection in an unbeaten career.

Upcoming athlete, David Leavy will be competing in the T38 1500m making his major Championship debut, as will Conor McIlveen, in the T38 400m. David currently trains with the City of Lisburn AC.

Podium success will carry even more importance for Team Ireland as a Top 4 finish will secure a slot for Irish athletes at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2020.

The local athletes will compete as follows:

• Jason Smyth (Derry Track Club), T13, 100m

• David Leavy (City of Lisburn AC), T38, 1500m

• Michael McKillop (St Malachy's AC), T37, 1500m

• Conor McIlveen (Derry Track Club), T38, 400m

County Down Village To Undergo Resurfacing Work

Road works are set to begin in the County Down village of Spa later this month.

This £120,000 scheme will see a 790-metre section of the Ballymaglave Road improved from the Dunmore Road junction to 100 metres north of the Magheratimpany Road junction.

Work will commence on Monday 28 October and run until mid-December.

A daily weekday road closure will be in place between 8am and 6pm from Monday 28 October to Friday 15 November to facilitate the work.

During these times a diversion will be in place with traffic being diverted via Drumaness Road and Spa Road / Dunmore Road. Local access for residents will be maintained at all times.

The Department for Infrastructure has advised drivers to leave additional time when planning any journeys.

Event To Promote Positive Ageing In Co Down

Ards and North Down Borough Council is set to host a Positive Ageing Event to celebrate Positive Ageing Month.

The event at Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex on Monday 28 October is aimed at those aged 55 and over, with local organisations promoting the activities they offer.

There will be an opportunity to try different sports on site, including low-impact taster sessions in Tai Chi as well as 'Active Ageing' and 'Gently Does It' classes. And for those who want to be a bit more active, they can try badminton, pickleball, zumba and walking football.

The free event will run from 10am to 1pm, with all in that age category encouraged to attend.

This year's theme is 'Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing' – a Public Health Agency campaign that aims to raise awareness of five simple actions to maintain and improve emotional wellbeing: Give, Be Active, Connect, Keep Learning and Take Notice.



(JG/MH)