Sonia launches another year of Community Games finals in Athlone

 

The HSE Community Games launched the May Festival with the help of Irish sporting hero Sonia O’Sullivan in the new arena at Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT).  The May Festival event kicks off on the weekend of May 24 – 26 in Athlone.

The second weekend takes place from August 16 - 18.

The launch coincides with the delivery of the HSE Community Games sports starter pack to every affiliated county. The starter packs are funded by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and include rugby balls, footballs, hurdles, baseball bats, skittles, foam javelins, hurls, rounder sets and lots more – ensuring children from the 4 corners are given the tools to enjoy active lives.

Every year, the HSE Community Games partnership aims to promote healthy living across all aspects of everyday life including being active, eating well, and being mind-healthy.  The aim of the starter pack is to help support and encourage children in the affiliated areas to be more physically active beyond the community games event calendar.

This year, the HSE Community Games will have over 3,000 participants, 600 volunteers and organisers, as well as family members and friends, who come from all corners of the country to offer their support and encouragement to participating children.

Speaking at the launch Sonia O’Sullivan, sport star and former HSE Community Games participant said “The HSE Community Games represents everything that is good about Ireland.  It is about supporting and encouraging children to get out, get involved and get active.  It provided me with a great ‘start’ towards attaining a professional sporting career however community games is much more than a gold medal - it is about family, community and supporting a healthier future.”

Joseph Ruane, HSE Area Manager, Dublin Mid Leinster, said:“The HSE Community Games share our vision of enabling people to live healthy and fulfilled lives. This vision brings communities together and ensures that children and families are being active. Physical activity plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being. By making some small changes, such as changing what we eat and what we do, we can all be both physically and mentally healthier. “

John Byrne, CEO HSE Community Games said: “We are delighted to launch the May Festival today with a sporting hero such as Sonia O’Sullivan. The HSE Community Games is focused on providing a healthy fun environment for  young people to explore new pursuits and Sonia supports our vision and appreciates the power of community spirit. “

“Great credit and thanks are due to our title sponsor, the HSE, for their continued support, our host venue AIT, for their commitment to the cause and vision as well as the Irish Sports Council and our other partners and sponsors without which, none of this would take place. Most importantly we thank our volunteers and the young people who participate to make the HSE Community Games National Finals the spectacle it is”, he added.

The first weekend of the finals includes 

• Art, Cycling, Duathlon, Gymnastics, Handwriting, Judo, Model Making, Swimming, Solo Dance, Solo Music, Solo Recitation, Solo Singing.
• Badminton, Chess, Choir, Cross Country, Debating, Draughts, Handball, Indoor Soccer, Mixed Distance Relay, Project, Rugby (Hybrid, Mini, Tag), Table Quiz, Table Tennis, Group Dance Irish Contemporary, Group Dance Modern Disco, Drama Comedy Sketch, Group Music, Group Singing, Set Dancing.