Over three hundred sport and physical activity events will take place across Ireland from 10th – 18th of September as part of our participation in this year’s European Week of Sport.
Sport Ireland is the national co-ordinator for the European Week of Sport in Ireland which aims to promote sport and physical activity across Europe.
“Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, this year’s European Week of Sport provides an excellent opportunity to promote all forms of sport and physical activity,” said Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Patrick O’Donovan speaking at the launch of the programme at the National Sports Campus.
“The week will see a host of events taking place throughout the country, giving everyone the opportunity to get involved regardless of age, background or fitness level.”
“Sport Ireland is delighted to once again lead the European Week of Sport initiative, added Chairman Kieran Mulvey.
“One of the key strategic objectives of Sport Ireland is increasing participation in sport and physical activity and with almost 1.7 million Irish adults currently doing so regularly we are determined to get as many people active as possible. Initiatives such as this are a great way of encouraging people to get out and get active.”
One of the flagship events for the European Week of Sport in Ireland will be the Great Dublin Bike Ride. The cycle is open to participants of all abilities, from novice to expert with a 60km and 100km route available, taking place on Sunday 11th September. Other flagship events taking place across Ireland include the Sport Against Racism Soccer Fest, National Fitness Day, Park Run events, the #BeActive Schools Campaign and Cycle 2 Work Day.
“The European Week of Sport in 2015 was a great success, with over 250 sport and physical events taking place throughout the country,” added Sport Ireland CEO John Treacy.
“Sport Ireland will keep the momentum going into this year’s event and highlight the many opportunities to integrate sport and physical activity into our daily lives – regardless of our age, fitness level or background
“I would like to acknowledge the large number of sport, health and education agencies in Ireland including Healthy Ireland, National Governing Bodies of Sport, Local Sports Partnerships, Outdoor Education Ireland, Parkrun and Ireland Active for their support and contribution.”
Image credit: Inpho.ie. Pictured above are (L-R) Karen Cotter – National Coordinator, Active School Flag, Barry Walsh – Chair Ireland Active, Conn McCluskey – CEO Ireland Active, Darragh Kelly – Parkrun ambassador, Kieran Mulvey – Chairman Sport Ireland, Ronan Toomey – Assistant Principal Office, Health and Wellbeing Programme Department of Health, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, Una May – Director of Participation and Ethics, Sport Ireland, Cormac MacDonnell- Programme Manager, Sport Ireland, Geoff Liffey – CEO Cycling Ireland, Mary Harkin – Programme Director, Go for Life Age + Opportunity, Perry Ogden Chair -Sports Against Racism Ireland, Ide De Bairtiseil – Fingal County Council and Margaret Geraghty – Director of Housing and Community
