HSE COMMUNITY GAMES

Oltan Launches National Finals

Written by Administrator Tuesday, 25 May 2010 17:51

Oltan the Owl Launches the HSE Community Games National Finals 2010

Tuesday 25th May, 2010: Oltan the Owl the HSE Community Games mascot joined children from St Olaf’s School, Dundrum to launch the HSE Community Games National Finals 2010 today, the first weekend of three will take place for the second year in Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) this weekend 29th & 30th May. With up to 3,000 children participating each weekend in various cultural and sporting activities such as athletics, table tennis, soccer, chess, talents competitions, model making and art, it is expected to be another exciting and successful year for the HSE Community Games.

More than 200,000 children aged 6-16 take part in the HSE Community Games each year, and the emphasis is on participation, rather than competition. Friendly rivalry and the encouragement from families, coaches and volunteers can help children get to the ultimate goal of representing their county at the National Finals, and becoming heroes to their peers.  Families from all over Ireland will travel to the National Finals, which will be held over three weekends this year; 28th & 29th May, 14th & 15th August and the 21st &  22 August in AIT.

Miceal Curley, President, HSE Community Games said “The HSE Community Games is about providing children and young people with an enjoyable introduction to sporting and cultural activities which we hope will remain with them as part of a healthy lifestyle. This remains our focus – involving children at local community level in fun, healthy and active pursuits.”

Dr Nazih Eldin, Head of Health Promotion, Dublin North East, HSE, said “The HSE is once again proud to be in partnership with the Community Games who play a key role in promoting physical activity and healthy behaviours to our nation’s young people. The work of the Health Promotion Service of the HSE, which focuses on empowering people to make healthier choices, has been greatly enhanced by our partnership with the Community Games.”

Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin, President, Athlone Institute of Technology, said
“There is an air of anticipation in Athlone about the Games. People are really looking forward to the 2010 National Finals at AIT. Last year proved a fantastic success and we are confident that we can build on that.  Everything is in place for a really great weekend."

The HSE through Community Games provides information to young people and their families taking part in the games on health promotion issues such as nutrition and physical activity. It recommends making healthy lifestyle choices by eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables daily, choosing wholegrain foods to protect the body from ill health and being physically active for 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week.

Recent research conducted by the HSE and safefood found that parents are making positive changes to their children’s lifestyles, so the HSE Community Games is another opportunity to help their families to stay active, while making new friends on both a local and national level.  Further information about being active and eating well is available on www.littlesteps.eu.

The HSE Community Games is a voluntary organisation operating through local communities at Area, County, Provincial and National level with over 200,000 participants. For more information about HSE Community Games please visit www.communitygames.ie or www.hse.ie.

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For further information please contact:
Gillian Brosnan
Event & Marketing Officer, HSE Community Games
P: 01 6251188
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