This Saturday, May 10, at 4:15 a.m., communities across Ireland will come together for the annual Electric Ireland Darkness Into Light event, a global movement organised by Pieta to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention and mental health support.

Sports clubs nationwide are playing a pivotal role in the initiative, highlighting the unifying power of sport in promoting mental well-being.

GAA Clubs across Meath are building up for a major weekend with Dunshaughlin, VBective, Oldcastle, and Nobber among the clubs hosting their own walks.

Beyond traditional walks, various sports clubs are organising unique events to mark the occasion.

In places like Kilmore Quay and the Forty Foot in Dublin, walks to the water, community swims followed by coffee have become a tradition.

Sailing clubs are also getting involveds, with over a dozen participating in early morning events to support mental health and suicide prevention efforts.

Howth Yacht Club and the Royal St George Yacht Club are among those clubs featured on the Darkness Into light website with each having raised over €6,000 so far.

Darkness Into Light has grown significantly since its inception in 2009, with over 200 official walks planned across Ireland and internationally this year.

Last year, it raised enough to support 100,000 helpline texts and calls and over 50,000 hours of counselling, each of them potentially saving a life.

For more information on participating or supporting the event, visit darknessintolight.ie.

 

Further Reading for Sport for Business members:

Check out Sport for Business coverage of  Sporting Charity

 

SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

This is a powerful statement of support for those going through troubled times themselves or with family. It is also an opportunity to remember those who did not make it and to state once again the importance of community in our lives.

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