Mayor of Athlone Cllr Jim Henson is to travel to Brussels in the coming weeks to formally accept the designation of Athlone as European Town of Sport for 2013.
The town was awarded the prestigious title after an international panel visited the town and were suitably impressed by the sporting facilities and activities available.
The council’s director of services Barry Kehoe said the award would offer the town an opportunity to showcase the facilities on offer.
“A committee is being established to work on how best to put it to the best use. It is up to the town and sports providers to make the most of the award for 2013,” he said.
While the honorary title does not bring any funding with it, the council is planning to put aside a small amount of money in the 2013 budget to help publicise the award.
Cllr Gabrielle McFadden suggested that it be tied in with The Gathering celebrations next year, while Cllr Mark Cooney asked the council to ensure that appropriate signage is provided to publicise the honour.
Cllr Alan Shaw also suggested a meeting be set up with the town’s sporting organisations, and praised president of AIT, Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin for his involvement.
