Enniscorthy hosts children active event

By Dan Walsh

Up to 30 children aged from 5 to 15 years of age from Pairc na gCon in Enniscorthy recently participated in a sports programme which introduced them to GAA sporting activities. Organised by Ray Harris, Wexford GAA Games Development Manager and Garret Kavanagh from Rapparees/Starlights GAA Club the event ran ever Wednesday in August on the green area in the estate.

The idea for the programme came from the newly formed Enniscorthy Community Inter Agency Team with Wexford County Council’s Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, Sports Active Wexford, Wexford Local Development and Clúid Housing working together with the GAA.

Ray Harris from Wexford GAA told WexfordLocal.com that; “Wexford GAA, as part of our strategic plan, aim to offer GAA activities to as many children in the county as possible. The FEAST programme in conjunction with Rapparees Starlights GAA club and its expansion into Pairc na gCon offered our coaching team an opportunity to bring GAA to the doorstep of children.”

Anna Flynn, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer with Sports Active Wexford added: “Having an integration programme like this is wonderful for children to experience- especially if they are apprehensive about trying a new sport or joining a new club. In some circumstances likes this – bringing the activities to their door can be a great approach to encourage young children to live a happy and healthy life.”

Speaking on the success of the project, Ann Marie Laffan, Slaintecare Health Communities Programme Manager thanked everyone involved in making these events such a success. She told WexfordLocal.com; “It was a fun packed four weeks and there was a great feel-good factor to the activities thanks to the GAA coaches who really engaged so well with the children. Through sport there is a great opportunity to engage with young people and help them improve their health and wellbeing.”

Feedback from both parents and the children has been extremely positive with many children hoping to pay a visit to Bellefield. To welcome them Rapparees/Starlights GAA Club and Sacre Coeur Boxing Club extended an invitation to all Pairc na gCon children and parents who had participated in the FEAST activities to games, music, dancing and a BBQ last Saturday.