A NUMBER of Dublin-based national sports stars joined the Lord Mayor, Nial Ring, recently for the launch of the inaugural Dublin Sportsfest.
The new week-long celebration of sport and physical activity is taking place throughout the city from September 23 to 30.
Former Dublin GAA Footballer Coman Goggins along with Irish hockey players Emily Beatty and Gill Pinder, 2017 Operation Transformation Leader Chris McElligott, Irish International footballer Aine O'Gorman and Irish athletics future stars Rhasidat Adeleke and Sarah Healy are encouraging everyone to ‘Make Some Me Time’ by getting active and enjoying the wealth of sport and recreational amenities Dublin City has to offer.
Dublin Sportsfest is spearheaded by Dublin City Council and Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership. It is supported by the FAI, Ireland Active, Sport Ireland, Cycling Ireland, Age & Opportunity, Parkrun, Junior Parkrun, Ballyfermot Youth Service and Swim Ireland, while Tennis Ireland, Trinity Sport and the Dublin Institute of Technology – among numerous other national and regional governing bodies and sports clubs – are also getting involved.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Nial Ring, said: “Dublin Sportsfest is a great initiative of Dublin City Council and Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership which encourages the people of Dublin to leave the couch, leave the screens, leave the mobile and get active.
“There is a huge variety of fantastic fitness activities across the City, designed to inspire participation in physical and mental health im proving activities. So, let's all embrace this opportunity and enjoy Dublin Sportsfest – we'll all be the winners.”
The week-long festival takes place during the European Week of Sport and comprises a programme of innovative sporting related activities and educational events.
These include a seminar for TY students on ‘The Olympic Experience & An Insight into Elite Sport’, a ‘Sports History’ Cycle Tour and a host of other exciting events in sports clubs and recreational spaces across the city.
The Assistant Chief Executive of Dublin City Council, Richard Shakespeare, added: “Dublin City Council is delighted to be able to announce the inaugural Dublin Sportsfest to be hosted during this year’s European Week of Sport. We hope that the event will inspire the people of this incredibly fast paced city to take a moment away from the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy the activities on offer throughout the week.”
The Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon spoke at the launch. He described the inaugural Dublin Sportsfest as a fantastic opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of regular physical activity in improving mental and physical health.
“I would encourage people of all ages to get involved and enjoy the wealth of amenities on offer,” he said.
You can visit dublincity.ie/sportsfest to see what's happening and use this as a chance to familiarise yourself with some of the clubs and amenities in your vicinity.
Information will also be made available across social media channels.
