Background/History
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Community Games is an independent voluntary organisation, operating in local communities throughout Ireland. We aim to provide opportunities for children and young people to develop in a healthy and safe environment through experiencing a wide range of sporting and cultural activities. We encourage and foster community spirit and co-operation.
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The Community Games idea first came to prominence in Walkinstown, Dublin in 1967, when Joseph Connolly mobilised a handful of adults who then came together and formed a committee to deal with the problems of lack of leisure time activities for young people.
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The first Dublin Finals took place in August 1968, at the John F. Kennedy Stadium, Santry, when 3,000 young people from 24 community areas participated. Interest in the games grew substantially in the following year, when 5,000 young people from 58 areas in Dublin participated. The movement has now spread through the country, catering for young people in 800 communities throughout 30 counties.
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"Community Games can be quite proud of its immense achievements in a wide range of interests and, indeed, positive community developments. Community Games is a truly developing organisation spreading good-will and healthy involvement for the benefit of all."
Joseph Connolly, Founder and Honarary Life Patron
