HSE Community Games launches 5-year strategic plan

Minister Jan O'Sullivan, T.D., Minister of State, Department of Environment, Community and Local Government with special responsibility for Housing and Planning today officially launched the strategic plan for the HSE Community Games at their Annual General Meeting in the Limerick Strand Hotel, Limerick City.

The plan sets out the focus for the organisation over the coming five years and according to the president of HSE Community Games, Gerry Davenport, shows how the Community Games intends to play a significant role in Irish society. "The Community Games are an integral part of many communities, and I believe each section of the strategy will strengthen our organisation, while successful implementation will transform Community Games."

Speaking at the launch Minister O'Sullivan said "I would like to commend all the volunteers in the Community Games organisation, their dedication and commitment is vital to the success of the games". Referring to the strategic plan the Minister said "This important plan sets out ambitious and clear objectives and goals which will enable the Community Games organisation to fulfil its promise and purpose which will be of benefit to the whole community."

The plan outlines the HSE Community Games purpose, as introducing and providing opportunities that appeal to young people in a variety of sporting and cultural activities in their local communities by fostering participation, fun and the development of new skills, friendships and healthy lifestyles.

The Strategic planning process at Community Games was a co-operative effort between the Board and a Strategic Planning Committee consisting of Board members, and experienced volunteers' representative of the wider organisation. The new Strategic plan sets out ambitious and clear objectives and goals which will enable Community Games fulfil its promise and purpose.

2011 AGM marks a new beginning for HSE Community Games

The HSE Community Games announced its plans for the future at its 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM) over the weekend at the Limerick Strand Hotel, Limerick City.

Over 300 delegates from thirty one Counties throughout Ireland were in attendance to witness the election of the new 17 member Board of Directors and to air their views on all of the motions and recommendations put before them over the three day event. Among the decisions made was the introduction of the Sin Bin in Tag Rugby.

Speaking at the AGM, Gerry Davenport, President, HSE Community Games said: "With so many momentous occasions during 2011 inevitably there is a great excitement and expectation for the future. This includes the implementation of the New Strategic Plan which was launched over the weekend. There are challenging times ahead for Community Games and I have no doubt that we have the people in this organisation that will rise to the challenges ahead."

The Community Games partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE) reflects their shared ethos - healthy mind, healthy body. The HSE Community Games helps children and young people to learn how to live healthy lives in a fun and sociable environment.

Speaking on behalf of the Community Games sponsor, the HSE, Dr Nazih Eldin, said: "A healthy population is a valuable resource, both socially and economically. We have made significant achievements in 2011 by introducing further health promotion programmes and policies throughout the counties and further developing the HSE Community Games as a health promoting organisation.'

The Minister of State for Tourism & Sport, Michael Ring T.D., in his address to the banquet said: "The Community Games is an invaluable means of promoting sport throughout the community and of giving young people the opportunity to experience a wide range of sporting and cultural activities in a friendly and not excessively competitive environment."