PARTICIPATION Minister Curran approves grant for HSE Community Games

The Minister for Integration, Mr. John Curran TD, today announced that he had approved a grant of €35,000 for the HSE Community Games to help fund the employment of an integration development officer.

Commenting on the funding the Minister said "As is widely recognised, the Community Games organisation does invaluable work in providing opportunities for young people to develop in a healthy and safe environment through experiencing a wide range of sporting and cultural activities. It has huge potential to facilitate the integration of children of immigrant background in Irish society and also their parents for whom there are opportunities to volunteer in organising the Community Games."

Fiachra O'Mathuna, Chief Executive Officer, HSE Community Games said "We welcome Minister Curran's approval of grant funding towards an Integration Development Officer post with the HSE Community Games. We believe that every young person in Ireland should have the opportunity to take part in sport and culture in their local community. This funding will help us to introduce, involve and integrate new people from immigrant backgrounds and new communities in to the activity and family of the HSE Community Games. We will work to engage people as volunteers and participants and encourage them whether young or old to try something new while making new friends."

HSE Community Games want participation in their activities to be representative of the whole community which is nowadays a much more diverse community than it was even a few short years ago.

Minister Curran concluded "I welcome the initiative of Community Games in undertaking this measure. I believe that an integration development officer will be able to provide the necessary expertise and guidance to facilitate the integration of immigrants into the wider community where they live through involvement in the Community Games."

Fiachra O'Mathuna said "The person appointed will work directly with people from new immigrant communities supporting them set up new areas to run activities where there are none but also by supporting existing areas to introduce, invite and involve people from these new communities in existing areas. Awareness of diversity and the potential for involvement and enrichment through integration are important for us as an organisation at national, county and area level."

For more information about getting involved with HSE Community Games, please visit www.communitygames.ie or phone: 01-6251180.