21 March 2016
Bank of Ireland UK today announced it will be the lead sponsor of Northern Ireland’s largest cycling event, Lap the Lough 2016. The Bank’s sponsorship will help fund the organisation of the popular Lough Neagh event which will see thousands of cyclists from across Ireland, the UK & Europe cycle the circumference of the largest lake in Ireland and Britain.
Now in its tenth year, Lap the Lough has grown substantially in popularity and participation since its first event in 2006, attracting over 2,000 entrants. Record numbers have already signed up for this year’s event which takes place on Sunday 28th August and will see individuals and teams cycle 155km (95 miles) around Lough Neagh.
Duncan Bednall, Regional Director, Bank of Ireland UK said: “Last year was a phenomenal event. More than 60 Bank of Ireland UK colleagues took part to raise money for our chosen charities, Barnardo’s and Co-operation Ireland as well as for other good causes. We are committed to supporting people and communities across Northern Ireland and so we are delighted to be the lead sponsor once again this year. As well as raising money for charity, Lap the Lough is a fun way for people to enjoy a day out with friends or colleagues while challenging themselves physically, and doing good in the process.”
Eugene Hamill, Event Organiser from the not-for-profit Upbeat Agency, said: “We are very pleased to have the support of the Bank of Ireland UK as a lead sponsor. Lap the Lough is not a race but an opportunity to promote cycling, participation, camaraderie and fundraising. This year’s start line has been relocated from Peatlands Park to the centre of Dungannon, at the new state of the art facility at The Hill of the O’Neill. It’s a spectacular venue and we’re really excited to be bringing thousands of new visitors to the ancient capital of Ulster. Moving to Dungannon means a few extra miles and a tougher climb back to the finish but the views at the finish will only add to the cyclists’ sense of achievement.”
As part of this sponsorship and aligned to their internal Be At Your Best programme, Bank of Ireland UK are encouraging as many of their own employees to register for the cycle and to raise funds for one of Bank of Ireland UK’s charity partners, Barnardo’s and Co-operation Ireland, or a charity of their own choice.
Registration is open for Lap the Lough, the entrance fee is £32 during March, rising to £37 in April. To find out more and to register, visit www.lapthelough.org.
For further information about Lap the Lough visit www.lapthelough.org.
Pictured is Duncan Bednall, Regional Director, Service & Support NI, Bank of Ireland UK with Mark Neely from Mc Convey Cycles in preparation for the 95 mile cycle taking place on Sunday 28th August. The Bank’s sponsorship will help fund the organisation of the popular Lough Neagh event which will see thousands of cyclists from across Ireland, the UK & Europe cycle the circumference of the largest lake in Ireland and Britain.
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Catherine Agnew, Smarts Communicate, Tel: 02890 395500/ mobile 07779101360