Children across Derry are preparing to take part in a “try-a-tri” in memory of Gaelic footballer and triathlete, Caina Healey who was killed in a road accident in Abu Dhabi last year.
From the city’s Rosemount, Ms Healey (35) died in March last year when she was struck by a car while cycling to the Amity International School in Abu Dhabi where she worked as a PE teacher.
She played football for Abu Dhabi Na Fianna as well as competing in triathlons in Ireland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). She qualified to represent the UAE in the Half Ironman World Championships.
The inaugural Caina Healey Children’s Try-A-Tri will be held at Derry’s Templemore sports complex on June 14.
More than 60 primary school children will complete a 50-metre swim, a two-mile cycle and a mile run. The event has been organised by Derry’s Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum.
Forum health manager Aisling Hutton said the event was organised after discussions with Ms Healey’s family.
“We were lucky to meet Caina’s family and we were in awe hearing about the life Caina lived. She truly was an inspiration through her dedication to sport and her encouragement of young people to get more active,” Ms Hutton said.
Ms Healey’s sister Maureen said: “Her love for this sport started in her hometown. We wish all participants the greatest of luck and know they will show all the attributes we so fondly remember about Caina. Our memory of her will always be of love.”
The event is also being used as a fundraiser for the Danny Quigley Fund which facilitates mental health counselling. Anyone wishing to donate can do so at: https://www.chuffed.org/…/the-caina-healey-childrens…
