Mixed basketball scrimmage in Mayo to aid Chronic Pain Ireland charity

An Sportlann in Castlebar will host a basketball fun scrimmage day this coming Saturday, September 23, in aid of charity, writes John Melvin.

The event will commence at 10 p.m., with Under 16 boys and girls invited to participate in a number of mixed games up to 1 p.m, and any players aged 14, 15 and 16 are more than welcome to take part.

After 1 p.m. it will be the turn of the adults to take to the court for a number of mixed games, with the young and the not so young taking to the court.

The event will run all day, with different local teams taking part - but anyone can just turn up on the day and join in what will be fun day of mixed basketball.

Event organiser Deirdre Conway has chosen Chronic Pain Ireland as the charity to benefit from funds raised during the day.

Deirdre herself continues to suffer from chronic pain and found great support from Chronic Pain Ireland since she was diagnosed some 13 years ago.

She described chronic pain as the hidden pain as it is unlike normal pain which comes and goes. Chronic pain can last a long, long time – in some cases for your entire life – and with it comes lot of other stresses to the lives of those affected by it.

A member of the original Castlebar Aces Basketball Club, Deirdre played basketball at underage and schools and later at senior level for many years before she moved into coaching underage teams, finally stepping back from the sport she had (and still has) such a passion for.

Basketball is one of those sports you can play as long as you are able to really but after she was diagnosed with chronic pain, she had no choice but to give up the sport she loves so much.

Her husband Ciaran was also involved with basketball in Castlebar for longer than he cares to remember, establishing a reputation as one of the top three-point shooters in the game.

Regarding Saturday's event, Deridre said: “There is no admission charge but anyone who wants to donate to the charity can do so as there will be buckets there for people to donate whatever they wish.”

The official Chronic Pain Ireland website tells us that it is a complex, multi-faceted disease that prevents people from enjoying a full life.

It adds that a lack of understanding within the healthcare system and society only compounds the physical and emotional distress caused by persistent pain, pointing out that many people live with pain for years before they get a proper diagnosis.

Deridre hopes the event in Castlebar will highlight the work of the organisation.

“I've chosen to fundraise for Chronic Pain Ireland. All funds raised on the day and through my iDonate page will go directly to this great cause.

“My love for basketball, playing and coaching in my home town was a huge part of my life. I was always a very active person. Unfortunately, due to my chronic pain disease, I had to stop doing the hobby I loved the most.

“Chronic Pain Ireland allowed me to get the help, support and information I needed. I am running this fundraiser as a way to promote and create awareness about the Chronic Pain Ireland organisation.

“You can also share my iDonate page - this is a great way to show your support.”

All are welcome to the event so drop in to An Sportlann, Castlebar, on Saturday for a bit of fun while, at the same time, supporting a very worthy cause. Refreshments will be served on the day.