INTRODUCING COMMUNITY GAMES   WHAT IS IT?   Community Games is an independent voluntary organisation which operates through the local community to provide an opportunity for young: people to experience a wide range (sporting and cultural activities before concentrating (  and specialising m those most suitable and attractive to Them.    Community Games is a countrywide movement, non-political non-sectarian, which operates at four levels:  (1) AREA (2) COUNTY (3) PROVINCIAL (4) NATIONAL  It caters for children whose ages range from 6-16 years in an Annual programme which has a wide range of sporting and cultural activities. Emphasis is firmly placed on participation and not on winning at all costs.   ADULT INVOLVEMENT  Adult members of the community play an active role in organising these activities. The social aspect is tremendously important and many adults have found the Community Games an ideal way to meet and make new friends.

Sonia O'Sullivan, Cobh, Co.Cork. WORLD CHAMPION 5,000M

Niall Quinn, Perrystown, Co. Dublin Irish Soccer International Long Puck Champion Under 12

LOCAL AND NATIONAL EVENTS   County and Provincial Activities  Nationwide, Community Games personnel organise a wide range of sporting and cultural activities all year long including Coaching, Competitions, Youth Exchanges etc. The Competitions culminate in Area Finals (january - April), County Finals (May - june) and Provincial Finals (July) each year. Community Games National Finals are held during the last weekend in August and the first weekend in September.    Special Activities Weekend  The Special Activities Weekend takes place each year, usually over one weekend in May, This action packed weekend includes Sports Introduction Sessions, Table Quiz, Project Competition, Special Activities for Youth, Adult Involvement, Cross Country and instruction in a range of other specialised areas..

 

How to organise Your local Area Committee: The heart of the Community Games organisation is the area. In getting your Games off the ground  is important to:   (a) Create the widest possible interest your area i.e. Community Associations, Sporting associations, Schools, Youth Clubs etc.    (b) Request these organisations send a representative to an  inaugural meeting.    (c) To add to a more informative discussion, it is advisable that an official of the County Executive Committee address the meeting.    (d) Officers and a Committee should be elected at the conclusion of    the meeting.    (e) The Committee established, should be known as the local Community Games Area Committee. The Officers would carry out specific functions including the day-to-day working of the committee.   An area is a natural entity where people live e.g. small rural village, housing estate within a city. It is neither governed by county or parish boundaries but must be under 6,000 population.

Setting up a new area:-   1. Define the area.    2. Outline the area on a map to be submitted to the County Executive Committee for acceptance and registration.    3. Ensure that the area boundary does not encroach on other areas.    4. Competitors must compete in the Community Games area in which they reside   How much does it cost.   1. There is a registration fee for county and national affiliation.   2. A public liability fee must also be paid. This covers competitors and officials at all levels i.e. Area, County, Provincial and National.   3. A fee may be charged for registration of team and individual events at county level.

 

ENQUIRIES:  Contact Local Secretary:   Anne Rawlinson, 103 Cormack Park, Kilcormack.  (0509) 35184 Phelim Kerin (Chairman), Hillview, Cloghan. (0902) 57138 or Community Games, 22 Store Street, Dublin 1. Phone: (01) 8788095. Fax: (01) 8365205