First weekend of the HSE Community Games National Finals May, 2011 deemed a resounding success

Athlone was a centre of excitement and expectations during the first weekend of the HSE Community Games National Finals 2011 which took place from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th May, 2011 in Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT).

Over 2,500 children participated over sixty cultural and sporting competitions including; Art, Model making, Chess, Choir, Cross Country, Draughts, Handball, Handwriting, Indoor Soccer, Relays, Table Tennis, and Talent competitions including disco dancing, Irish dancing, singing, music and comedy sketch. They were supported by over 600 volunteers and organisers, as well as family members and friends, who came from all corners of the country to offer their support and encouragement to all of the children participating.

The weekend got off to a great start on Friday evening with a colourful and energetic opening event with Yvonne Redmond, from RTE's 'News2day, and our own HSE Community Games Mascot Oltan the Owl, welcoming all the children as they paraded in to the National Finals event.

"We're certainly living in changing times though some things remain constant and true. One of them I believe is the value and vision of our organisation, the purpose and strength it can bring to communities and the opportunity we can provide to young people to explore new pursuits in a healthy fun environment." said Gerry Davenport, President, HSE Community Games.

Dr Nazih Eldin, Head of Health Promotion, Dublin North East, HSE, said "Today the major causes of ill health are due mainly to our lifestyle, and in younger people particularly, obesity, alcohol misuse and sedentary lifestyle are particularly problematic. HSE Community Games plays a hugely significant role in counteracting these phenomena. I believe the most significant contribution is the emphasis on mass participation, with over 200,000 young people involved."

Every year, the HSE Community Games partnership aims to promote healthy living across all aspects of everyday life including being active, eating well, awareness of the risks of alcohol consumption and the dangers of tobacco.

Speaking over the weekend, Fiachra O'Mathuna, CEO, HSE Community Games said, "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."

Results from the National Finals can be accessed at: www.communitygames.ie. The website will be updated regularly throughout the finals, with the results from the weekend's activities.

For more information about HSE Community Games, please visit www.communitygames.ie