TOP broadcaster and rugby pundit, George Hook, was in Ballymun for the recent gradation ceremony for the participants of the 2011 Ballyrunners Gaisce programme.

Hook was presenting the awards to the group in recognition of their work on the programme during which they had to successfully complete four modules including personal development, community involvement, physical activity and an adventure day.

The Ballyrunners programme was set up by the Probation Service and the Ballymun Job Centre in 2009 and since then participants have restored local community gardens, studied for FETAC Level 3 Awards in Health and Fitness and have raised almost e6,000 for the Simon Community through their participation in the charity’s annual fun run.

Local TD, John Lyons (LAB), congratulated the 2011 participants when they were presented with their Bronze Gaisce Awards for their efforts at a ceremony in Geraldstown House, Ballymun, on February 11.

“The Ballyrunners graduates who officially completed the programme recently should be hugely proud of their achievements,” he said.

“The programme is a great example of a community initiative to get people involved in education and in thinking about personal and community development.

“We all know personal and community development is a marathon rather than a sprint, and the recent award winners are now on track to continue being involved in community and in participating in further education.

“I would also like to congratulate the Ballymun Job Centre and all involved for another successful year of the programme. Everybody knows the country is in a difficult situation and there is a lot of negativity around, but it’s important to praise positive initiatives when we come across them.

“I will continue to work to support the programme in any way I can and I hope to see many more Ballyrunners graduates in the years to come.”