The Donal Walsh Fun Day is one the highlights of the Spa N.S. calendar every year. The family fun Day was first organised in 2013 by the school community in honour of Donal Walsh, a Spa N.S. past pupil who very bravely battled illness and who inspired so many people with his ‘live life’ message. Since then the event has gone from strength to strength and is hugely popular with all classes of walkers, runners and keep fit enthusiasts. The aim is to honour Donal in a special way and so the committee work to create an event where people can come together for a few hours, have fun and ‘live life’ just as Donal had urged us all to.
The Donal Walsh Day is a real team effort with so many different members of our school community working together to ensure that everything is ready on the day. The school becomes a hive of activity with a fabulous farmers market in operation and children from 6th class coordinating fun games and challenges for young and old all day. The Parents Association also organise a beautiful barbeque on site with teas and tasty treats also being served up as well. The students in 4th and 5th classes organise an exciting rocket launching competition and street performers entertain everyone with their hilarious shows.
However, the main event of the day is the ‘Donal Walsh Spa 6K Challenge’ a looped run/walk starting and finishing at the school. Everyone is encouraged to challenge themselves and to do their very best. Every participant is presented with a special medal at the end of the walk/run. The Parents Association are always happy to make a presentation to the Donal Walsh Live Life Foundation following the success of the event.
Donal’s mother Elma Walsh is always happy to come back for the event.
“We are always delighted to come back to Spa N.S. a place where Donal had so many happy days. The committee organises a really wonderful day for everyone and Donal would have loved it!”
