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Kids counted in for sports event

Thursday, 24 April 2008

WHAT has Sport Against Racism Ireland (SARI), development officers and coaching staff from Basketball Ireland, the FAI, Badminton Ireland and over 250 kids from 10 schools in the Dublin 7 area, along with their teachers, got in common? The answer: the Sports Integration Project, Count Us In.
All those involved took to the sporting arena of Cabra’s Parkside Complex for a one-day inter school sports blitz of basketball, soccer and badminton earlier this month.
Students from the age of seven up to 15 represented Stanhope Street, George’s Hall National School, St Joseph’s Secondary School, St Gabriel’s Primary School, Mount Carmel Secondary School, Scoil Mhuire, St Paul’s Secondary School and St Mary’s Place.
Supported by HARP in Dublin City Council, the students were treated to fun, games and invaluable coaching.
Former Republic of Ireland manager, Brian Kerr, awarded certificates to the participants.
On the pitches the kids enjoyed coaching skills and a kick around under the watchful eye of Irish international footballer Sharon Boyle.
"I think it's great to have all the schools together from the Dublin 7 area and see all the intercultural people bonding together and making new friends,” said Sharon.
In the arena Cathy Quinn, development officer at Basketball Ireland, put her charges through their paces.
"It was a great day and everyone really enjoyed themselves,” said Cathy.
“It was also great to see so many children from different cultural backgrounds integrating through sport which is what the day was all about; all playing in a team environment.”
The students also took to the badminton court.

Badminton Ireland development officer, Rachel Ormrod, said it was a very positive experience.
“Anything that involves getting the kids playing any sport really is very encouraging,” stated Rachel.
“The badminton went quite well and there was a great atmosphere among those that got involved.
“It was a very well run event which can only be encouraging for going forward in sport.”
The sports blitz was the second module in SARI’s Integration Through Sport project.
It followed the success of its education module that was initiated in the classroom earlier this year in a Learning with Fun Environment.
Overall, the project was designed to directly involve children and youth from minority backgrounds in the local area in sports and by extension into local community activities.
Following the very successful event, Frank Buckley, chief executive of SARI, said: "I would like to thank the 10 schools that participated and their teachers who were very supportive, plus the wonderful enthusiasm shown by all the students throughout the sports blitz.
“I particularly want to offer special thanks to Aaron O'Callaghan and staff at the sports department of Dublin City Council.
“We are also very grateful for the financial support from HARP, along with the backing of Basketball Ireland, the FAI and Badminton Ireland whose development officers and coaching staff were fantastic.
“Overall, it was a success and a great day for all those involved,” added Mr Buckley.

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