The GAA has relaunched a health and fundraising initiative encouraging members to go  ‘Off the Booze and On the Ball’. Participants are invited to give up alcohol for the month of January and seek sponsorship to go towards their local club.
The initiative is being driven by the Association’s Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) Programme – a joint initiative with the HSE that aims to reduce the harm caused by the misuse of alcohol and other substances.
The relationship between sport and alcohol has been in the spotlight over the past 12 months after a Government task force urged the banning of alcohol sponsorship. That is unlikely in the short term but a significant marker has been laid down with regard to the future.
Many GAA clubs run profitable bars within their local community and there has also been a tendency for clubs to attract sponsorship from local publicans.
This initiative emphasises balance rather than a ban in terms of consumption and the fundraising twist is a useful way to enable clubs benefit at a time of year when gear is being bought for new campaigns.  It also taps into the spike in ‘better living’ plans and resolutions during January.
Individuals and clubs can sign up at www.gaa.ie/asap where they will receive a sponsorship card and an information pack containing details on health, exercise and diet. Participating clubs are also encouraged to run a health-related activity in their community on the last weekend of January such as a charity match or a fun run/walk or cycle.
View more recent content on the GAA
View all the latest news on the commercial side of Irish sport
Find out more about howSport for Business can be of benefit to you
Subscribe today for the free Sport for Business daily news digest