Day two at the European Para Youth Games saw two medals in athletics, solid progression in Para table tennis doubles, excellent performances in the pool and a resolute win from the wheelchair basketball team.
Para Athletics
There was great excitement in quick succession at the Enka Athletics Track with Ireland’s first two medals secured by Damien Moyles and Daire Macken. Damien Moyles led the charge in the T13 100m storming home in second place in a time of 11.86 seconds, a personal best.
Speaking after the race Moyles said “It was an amazing race, I got out fast. We’ve been training in the heat all week so we’re used to it at this stage. I’m happy out.”
Only minutes later Daire Macken and Aryell Sheedy lined up on in the T37 100m. In a very close contest Macken crossed the finish line in a time of 13.07 seconds just before his teammate Sheedy (13.19) to win silver.
Wheelchair Basketball
Ireland’s wheelchair basketball team capitalised on their performances from yesterday bring a quiet confidence into their match up with Spain. They made a strong start leading 10 – 8 in the first quarter. A tight second quarter 26 – 20 to Ireland however the boys in green pulled away in the second half finishing the third 49 – 30 and the full time whistle saw a final score of 61 -36.
Tomorrow, they take on Italy and Portugal in their final two matches, which will determine their overall standings.
Para Swimming
Luke Brennan and Luke O’ Donoghue started their EPYG competition today in the 100m Freestyle. Brennan finished in a time of 01:10.23 and O’ Donoghue in 01:05.46. They will both face off against each other in the 400m Freestyle tomorrow morning along with Luke Brennan also swimming in the 100m Breaststroke.
Para Table Tennis
Aaron Mellows started the day for the Para table tennis team with his semi-final. He lost out to Burak Burc of Turkey 3 – 0 bringing his competition at EPYG to a close.
Speaking after his semi final Mellows said: “I am disappointed to lose in the semifinals but am very happy with my performance overall. It was just unfortunate I came across a tricky player who attacks with pimples because I’m more used to playing players who defend with them. I will come away from this tournament a much better player.”
Sean Geoghegan competed in the doubles competition but failed to advance past the group stages. Kevin O’ Callaghan had a successful campaign in the men’s doubles and will compete in the semi-finals of the mixed doubles tomorrow with the chance of a medal on the horizon. Sam Brennan also will compete in the last 16 of the class 18 men’s double with his Spanish partner.
Day Three at EPYG
Sunday marks the final day of competition, with a packed schedule across swimming, athletics, and wheelchair basketball. Para swimmers Luke O’Donoghue and Luke Brennan are both set for a busy morning at the Cebeci Sports Complex, competing in multiple events including the 100m Backstroke, 50m Freestyle, 100m Butterfly, and 200m IM. On the court, Ireland’s wheelchair basketball team will face Italy and Portugal in two crucial fixtures. Later in the day at the Enka Athletics Track, Daire Macken and Aryell Sheedy will take on the 800m event at 16:30. The day will conclude with the Closing Ceremony, bringing an end to what promises to be an action-filled and inspiring final day.
