Something I have been very passionate about since a young age is The HSE Community Games. Growing up, I participated in the 100m sprint every year without fail since the age of six. I was a little flyer, reaching the final of the All Irelands U. 8 sprint aged six in Mosney Co. Meath, where it was held up until 2010. I have such fond memories of the events.
The unique thing about the Community games is that it caters for all types of sporting backgrounds. It's really an all-rounder. It's not entirely focused on sports, with some cultural activities featured too. There's over 50 events that take place, from art to swimming to music to football. There are two categories, individual and team. 30 counties participate. It's an absolutely fantastic organisation that are run solely on voluntary work. It strives to provide positive development for young people, and raises awareness about leading a healthy lifestyle, by participating in sports.
There are three stages. It starts off by competing on a local level, for instance in Wicklow the Community Games squad is called Lakeside, and we have to compete against eachother to move forward to the County finals which are held in Shillelagh, where you compete against participants in other clubs in Wicklow. If you are victorious, you go to the All-Ireland finals currently held in Athlone I.T.
The All-Irelands is terrifying. There are so many fantastic athletes. You're in the same boat as everyone else but there's so much pressure and nerves that it's so overwhelming.
I don't think the work of the Community Games is given enough credit. I mean, over 10,000 people work on a voluntary basis to ensure all the events run smoothly, and it is supported by many famous sporting heros, like Sonia O'Sullivan. Many famous faces have also taken part, such as Niall Breslin (Bressie) and One Direction's Niall Horan who are both Westmeath natives. It's a big national event that needs to be given more coverage. Thousands of young people participate, over 3,000, up to the age group of U. 16 where they represent their village/town/county, and it is such an achievement. It's such a big event, and it's a really big deal for young people. The crowds that flock are massive.
It kicks off around Easter time, usually on the Bank Holiday Monday, when the local events are run. Main events are held over two weekends in May and August. From my experience with the Community Games, running has been a major focus. Alongside athletics, I played soccer where my team claimed the winning title of the All-Irelands. I competed up until U.16 when my relay team reached the All-Irelands, it was my last year competing and first year to be held in Athlone I.T. It was a whole new experience with actual running tracks, whereas I had competed on grass all my life so it felt so professional.
Even in national media, sports like athletics aren't really covered to the extent like soccer, rugby or GAA. So much work goes into the organising of the Community Games, that I think more people should be accredited for. I have seen first hand the work that goes in, even on a local level, but I don't think it is given enough media attention and more people should know about the Community Games.
Endless amounts of fundraising is is done to finance the games. People volunteer to coach, help with committes and with stewarding among many other things. Without these dedicated people the event would not be possible, and speaking from experience it's such a memorable event to take part in, so in future I would love to see more coverage on not just the events but the people involved, including parents who drive their children all around the country to take part!
Sources:
http://www.communitygames.ie/
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