Athlone student's artwork wins top prize in horse racing-themed competition
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Agri Aware Executive Director, Marcus O'Halloran, Athlone Community College teacher Megan Murphy, equuip's Heather Downey, 2024 National Winner of From Foal to Race programme Martina Agullo Gonzalez, and her classmates, at the programme's prizegiving ceremony in Roscommon Racecourse.Image 2 of 3
Martina's winning artwork.Image 3 of 3
National winner of the Agri Aware and equuip Transition Year programme 'From Foal to Race', Martina Agullo Gonzalez, receiving a cheque of €1,000 on behalf of her school, Athlone Community College, at a prizegiving ceremony in Roscommon Racecourse.Martina Agulló González, a transition year student from Athlone Community College, has been announced as the winner of the 2024 'From Foal to Race' Transition Year programme with her submission titled ‘That long awaited race’.
With English not being Martina’s first language, she expressed her knowledge gained from the programme through beautifully crafted artwork.
As national winner of the programme, Martina won €1,000 for her school, which was presented to her by Agri Aware Executive Director, Marcus O’Halloran, and equuip's Heather Downey, alongside her class, during a VIP behind-the-scenes trip to Roscommon Racecourse before the end of school term on May 20.
The 'From Foal to Race' TY programme was established in 2022 by Agri Aware and equuip, Horse Racing Ireland’s education and training division. Speaking at the prizegiving ceremony at Roscommon Racecourse, Agri Aware Executive Director Marcus O’Halloran said: "First of all, congratulations to Martina on her fantastic artwork that was chosen as the worthy winner for 2024.
"The 'From Foal to Race' programmes gives great opportunities for students to learn all about the horse racing industry here in Ireland and the journey of the thoroughbred horse from a foal to competing on the racecourse whilst giving students the opportunity to express what they learned in many different forms, such as Martina’s artwork.
"The programme in 2024 saw schools from 26 counties register, seeing over 4,400 students across 18 schools join the 'From Foal to Race' journey.
"Well done to Martina once again and to all students and their teachers for their excellent submissions this year. We look forward to rolling out the programme once again for the upcoming academic year."
Manager of equuip, Elaine Burke, remarked: "Big congratulations must go to Martina – she is a hugely talented artist and we were delighted she and her classmates enjoyed the programme so much."
Also speaking at the prizegiving ceremony was Martina’s teacher, Meghan Murphy. She said: "The 'From Foal to Race' programme by Agri Aware and equuip proved to be an incredibly informative module, offering students a unique insight into the world of horse racing.
"We were particularly thrilled to see Martina win the competition with her beautiful drawing, a testament to her creativity and dedication.
"The day out at Roscommon Racecourse was a highlight for everyone involved. The staff at Agri Aware, equipp, and Roscommon Racecourse were exceptionally kind and passionate, which made the experience even more enjoyable for the students.
"This programme has not only deepened our understanding of horse racing but also ignited a passion for the sport among the students. We look forward to participating in this competition again in the future and are excited about the new opportunities it will bring."