Tullamores ben takes part in diabetes ireland cup

Ten-year-old Ben Gowing from Tullamore was one of 100 young people who participated in the inaugural National Diabetes Cup 5-a-side soccer tournament. The children participating in the tournament were joined on the day by top Bohemians FC striker, Steven Beattie.
Sponsored by Medtronic and Bayer HealthCare, this tournament brings together children aged between 7 and 14 years with Type 1 diabetes to meet and play soccer with other children who are also living with the condition. The young players came from all over Ireland.
Ben, who has Type 1 diabetes, has found a great event that allows him to meet his friends.
His mum, Carol, said that she was amazed with the event and the venue.
“It was great. We had been bringing our family to Cork on holidays and as Ben is now 10, he wanted something more. So this allowed him to meet friends and enjoy football. He texted his friend from Clare the night before and was delighted to learn that he was also competing in the tournament. Well done Diabetes Ireland.”
Steven Beattie said that he welcomed the tournament as sport is such an important part of every child’s mental and physical development irrespective of what illness they may be managing.
“I have no doubt that there are many sports stars in the making among those participating in the tournament and I wish them every success in the future.
“Sport is for everyone and I congratulate all the players for competing in the tournament. I commend Diabetes Ireland for organising it and I hope that it can be an annual event. Looking at the players, I will be advising the Bohemians manager that there are few of them that could be playing in the League in a few years’ time,” he said.
The format of the day ensured that each team, comprising of girls and boys, plays at least five games and their families and friends supporting the teams will also enjoy a special BBQ party on the day.
 In Ireland, it is estimated that 191,000 people have diabetes and this will increase to 233,000 by 2020. Diabetes affects people from all walks of life – from the very young to the very old and is now considered as the fastest growing epidemic by both the World Health Organisation and the United Nations.
Mr Kieran O’Leary, Chief Executive said that Diabetes Ireland, organised the tournament to simply provide children with Type 1 diabetes the opportunity to come together, meet others with the condition, make friends and enjoy a great day’s sport.
“Living with diabetes is not easy! However, with the right help, advice and support, there is no reason why these children cannot live life to the full. This tournament highlight this. I thank Medtronic and Bayer who have agreed to support this event. Both companies have worked hard to research and develop medical technology to help those with diabetes to have a good quality of life,” he said.