Council Chair meets local Commonwealth Games athlete
1st June 2022
Recently the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Errol Thompson, met local Commonwealth Games athlete, Rachael Hawkes to wish her every success for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games this Summer.
Rachael, a native of Omagh, started Judo at the age of 6 when she joined Omagh Judo Club with her mum and siblings and such was her talent that she quickly started to participate in competitions enjoying the fun and experience of competing for the club with family and friends.
In later years, Rachael started to take the sport more seriously and her hard work deservedly earned her national and international medals. Most recently Rachael won European and World Cup medals in countries such as Bosnia and Cameroon, however, she is currently focussing on training for the Commonwealth Games to ensure that she can compete at her best.
Speaking about Rachael, the Chair, Councillor Errol Thompson, said “I have known Rachael for many years and her skills in Judo are excellent and her commitment to the sport is remarkable and to be admired.
On behalf of the District and on my own behalf, I would like to with Rachael every success for the Commonwealth Games and I am confident that she will do Northern Ireland and the District proud”.
Speaking about competing in the Commonwealth Games, Rachael said “To be selected to represent Northern Ireland in the Commonwealth Games is a great honour and very exciting. It is the only major multi games event where you can individually represent Northern Ireland. To win a medal for Omagh and Northern Ireland in this the centenary year would be extra special.”
Rachael acknowledged the support she has received from Councillor Thompson from an early age as well as her family, friends, Club, local community and the Council.
The Commonwealth Games take place in Birmingham from 28 July to 5 August 2022.