Sun, Fun and Excitement at the National Finals

The August National Finals kicked off to an exciting start on Saturday 18th August with plenty of future Olympic Stars taking part in Gymnastics, Swimming, Gaelic Football, Soccer, Tennis, Pitch & Putt, Volleyball, Olympics Handball, Hockey, Skittles, Cycling, Judo and Variety - type of drama, dance and music competition. Also present to encourage the spirit of the National Community Games was Siun and Siobhan Heaney, a mother and daughter from Derry who were chosen to take part in the Torch Relay for their contribution to the Community Games in the North. Children and adults alike were excited to have photographs taken with Siun, Siobhan and the torch. National Community Games is a unique organisation as it was also chosen by the Olympic Council of Ireland to have a representative carry the torch in Dublin, Aine Holden from Carlow was the lucky participant and she will be at next weekend's National Finals in AIT cheering on her brother in the Athletics.

The Finals which were run over Saturday and Sunday saw almost 2,400 children participate in a wide range of sporting and cultural activities. Participants were supported by family members and friends who travelled from the four corners of Ireland while approximately 600 volunteers and organisers ensured that all competitions were completed in "A spirit of friendly rivalry".

Mr Gerry Davenport, President, HSE Community Games speaking at the Finals said:
"I would like to commend the hard work and dedication of all the volunteers and wish all the participants the best of luck for the upcoming games. The HSE Community Games is an important organisation for the nation and it is now more important than ever to develop this ethos and Community spirit."

Dr Nazih Eldin, Head of Health Promotion, Dublin North East and National Lead on Obesity, HSE, said "In recent years we have witnessed an increase in obesity amongst young people. It is estimated that one in four children is either overweight or obese. Obesity is a medical condition which may lead to higher rates of Diabetes, heart and circulation problems, cancers and much more. The main contributing factors to this condition are a combination of inactivity and eating food of no nutritional value. HSE Community Games plays a hugely significant role in counteracting these phenomena"

Professor Ciaran O Cathain, President AIT in his address of welcome referred to the building of additional facilities at the college which is on-going. "When this work is completed AIT will have some of the finest sporting facilities in the country". He wished all the young participants an enjoyable and positive experience in the HSE Community Games National Finals of 2012.

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.