What do Pierce O'Callaghan and Robert Heffernan have in common?
Robert admits it: Pierce was the last Irishman to beat him in a walking race.
Thus began the joint interview (perhaps it would have been better to call it a conversation) that the two released on "The 42".
But these are two characters who in terms of energy and chemistry of the couple are truly on a level higher than many: their enthusiasm is infectious.
The couple manages to involve a coach, Dermott Mc Dermott, and as the COVID-19 crisis hit schools and the sport closed, they came up with a simple challenge: to make the children walk 100m in less than 30 seconds, independently age and experience, which by the way many did not have.
A sort of "Just walk" that was later filmed.
Rob Heffernan would have chosen the best 12 videos received.
A maximum of 20 or 30 children were expected. 197 children arrived and therefore 197 videos to analyze.
Thus the idea was born and word spread about the Rob Heffernan Race Walking Academy where each child get a race number and a medal to remember the occasion, and with 18 Euros he could buy a branded hoodie with written on it "Believe and Achieve".
"Another very important point is that of having offered children the value of a hero and a model," added Pierce O’Callaghan.
“Most of the heroes of the Irish boys play football in the Premier League and they will never meet them. This generation of Irish children can interact with a live Irish sports hero and role model and the bonus is that he is interested in them and more than anything else wants to help them. This is ultimately the main reason behind the success of the Robert Heffernan Race Walking Academy."
The next step, assuming to go back to restrictions after Christmas, will see coaching days in various provinces organized so that those involved in that ability can continue to work excellently that they have done virtually.
The academy has been split into teams, so the challenges will continue, with the same level of interaction available online as children socialize and exercise in a positive environment.
Who knows that some Italian coach who is dedicated to the world of youth does not want to participate.
It would be very nice if a rumor also came from Italy, and we know that someone has already been contacted by Pierce O'Callaghan.
Pierce O'Callaghan contacts:
e-mail: pierce@savvysportsmgt.com; pierceoc@yahoo.com
mobile phone: +353 (87) 906 1584
whatsapp: O'Callaghan Pierce (+353 87 906 1584)