Ballyrunners get just reward

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.

?