WHAT have Brian O’Driscoll, Colin Farrell, Niall Quinn, Sonia O’Sullivan and Bressie got in common?
They all took part in Community Games during their childhood.
Dublin Community Games, a wonderful, volunteer-led organisation, is now looking for more people to get involved as volunteers and participants.
Ronan Gately, PRO for Dublin Community Games, says:
“Today there are 1,273,000 people living in Dublin city and county. Within this number there are 175,000 children between the ages of six and 16.
“There are now less than 5 per cent of these children participating in Community Games each year in Dublin. That is a great shame. But it presents a massive opportunity.
“Dublin Community games provides opportunities for young people to develop in a healthy and safe environment while experiencing a wide range of sporting and cultural activities.
“It caters for people aged 6-16 years in a programme with a strong emphahsis placed on fun, participation and creating community spirit.
? Mr Gately has called on people to do something positive and practical for their local community by setting up Community Games in their local area/neighbourhood.
There are over 40 events to choose from including athletics, basketball, soccer, Gaelic football, hurling/camogie, talent competition, art, handwriting, chess, draughts, duathlon, cycling (on grass), gymastics, handball, handwriting, hard-court tennis, rugby (including tag rugby), swimming and table tennis.
Specific areas that currently have no active Community Games local presence include Blanchardstown, Ballymun, Donnybrook, Ballsbridge, Sandymount, North Inner City, South Inner City (small presence in Liberties – currently soccer only), Tallaght, Rathfarnham, Shankill, Phibsboro, Baldoyle, Howth, Edenmore, Whitehall, Santry, Walkinstown, Crumlin, Kilnamanagh, Oldbawn, Firhouse, Leopardstown, Stillorgan, Darndale, Donnycarney, Beaumont, Kilmore, Coolock, Artane, Killester, Foxrock, Cabinteely, Cornelscourt, Blackrock, Ranelagh, Rathgar, Harold’s Cross and Ringsend.
If you would like to get involved contact Dublin Community Games on 01-8728203 or visit dublin@communitygames.ie
You will be sent a registration pack and will be given help to complete it.
You will then be asked to organise a Community Games event in your local area (Dublin Community Games can also guide/help you with this) and/or enter a team into one of the team events. Mr Gately added that people who get involved generate great community spirit and make a real difference in children’s lives.