Duck Derby is a Quacking Success

August 28, 2018

To mark the end of the summer holidays, local children have enjoyed a quaking good time by taking part in the much anticipated Duck Derby at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex.

Children who attended the annual summer scheme had the opportunity to purchase and name a ‘lucky duck’ ahead of the big race, with proceeds for the event raising vital funds for the Mayor’s charity, Cancer Fund for Children.

Over 200 ducks made a splash along the facility’s Lazy River, all striving to clinch a coveted podium place. Jasmine Ashwood’s duck called ‘Ducky’ proved to be the luckiest duck as it swam towards the finishing line in a record time to claim Gold.  Second place was clinched by ‘Jimmy Joe’ owned by Charlie Gourley while ‘Max’ owned by Max Blakely took 3rd place with one ‘duck length’ separating the pair.

The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Uel Mackin was delighted to officiate the start of the race. He said, “The Duck Derby is an exciting end to the summer scheme programme and it was fantastic to see so many children get involved with such fun and enthusiasm. I would like to thank all the staff who were involved in this year’s summer schemes and organising the Duck Derby as well as all the children who bought a duck and helped raise funds for my Mayoral charity.

“The Council has enjoyed another successful year of summer scheme programmes with more and more children taking part in a range of activities at venues across Lisburn & Castlereagh.  The summer activity schemes not only offer essential support to parents throughout the school holidays but it also gives children the opportunity to make new friendship or try a new sport or activity, which helps develop their social skills and levels of physical activity.

“I hope the children enjoyed the Duck Derby and look forward to participating in future schemes across the Council area,” concluded Councillor Mackin.