Marc Mulholland

Marc lives for his sporting community in Northern Ireland. At a young age he represented Ireland in Basketball until he was struck down by a heart disorder called SVT (SADS Disorder). Marc being told 'he could die if he ran for a bus' at the age of 21 decided that if he could not play basketball he would do everything he could to help young people achieve their goals in Basketball. He set out coaching in schools as a volunteer in Northern Ireland raising the profile of basketball. He decided to use his basketball experience to help the conflict resolution in communities of Belfast by introducing Protestant and Catholic men/children to playing minority sport of basketball for the first time. His thought was they would learn together as teammates on a court & leave as brothers, which they did. These same players coached now play in clubs all over Belfast in their local area and continue their love for the game. Marc lives to coach in his local club in Andersonstown Tigers West Belfast and sacrifices his time, day in an out, for the young people he coaches, washing kits and lifts to games and training . Marc after getting heart surgery to help correct his condition worked to get himself fit. Playing his first game this year after a 7 year absence his players always knew the heart that Marc really had. Marc, the 6ft5 gentle giant, has a huge effect on so many people & I am proud to nominate him as he truly deserves the honor of the Torchbearer.