Mayo's young athletes brace themselves for big games call

SHOULD the 2020 Community Games fail to go ahead there will be a lot if disappointed young boys and girls who look forward each year to what has become one of the greatest platforms for our young athletes to showcase their talent.

As the name suggest, the games are all about community and Mayo athletes have firmly established themselves among the leaders when it comes to featuring at national level. Community Games start in the parish, move to the county stage before going on to regional and national level.

It has become a huge sporting and cultural movement, and it would be a very sad day for everyone if the games fail to go ahead this year.

What is unique about Community Games is that they are literally part of the community, part of the parish, which gives them their own unique identity encompassing a wide range of sports and a platform for our young athletes to express themselves.

Some of our greatest athletes owe their success to Community Games, and long may it continue.

Like some many sports that have been hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, there is uncertainty around this year’s event.

Where it has been possible some events have been held online but athletics is a huge part of the games and there is a major doubt as to whether they, and so many other field and team sports, will take place this year, as Community Games PRO Michael Brophy explains.

"A decision will be made in the coming days by the board of directors of ALDI Community Games, who will make an announcement regarding what will happen next, and if any further activities can commence for our many thousands of young children nationwide."

Like all sporting bodies, Community Games is being closely monitored regarding the Covid 19 virus and all advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team, HSE and WHO will have to be taken on board.

In the meantime, the advice to all athletes is to remain prepared and to continue to train where possible and keep both physically and mental fit.

Said Michael: "ALDI Community Games have encouraged their volunteers and competitors to stay healthy at this time by taking regular exercise and staying motivated.

"Our physical and mental health are so important and if we follow a healthy eating plan this will help us all. Children learn about healthy food through adults.

"When children exercise their brain releases a chemical called endorphins which makes them happier.

"The safety and care of participants, volunteers and extended families is a priority for all in Community Games. Community Games started a campaign to keep women in sport and stay in the games, and this has proved to be very beneficial online."

It hasn’t been a total lockdown as over the past number of months as ALDI Community Games have launched a number of challenges that attracted over 2,500 entries. This proved to be a major success online and everybody was able to social distance, as we now know it.

"A new set of creative competitions like creative writing, recitation, model-making, art, singing, music, photography and Scriobhnoireacht have proved to be hugely popular and have just concluded, and the winners from these competition have been announced since May 31.

"A commemorative medal will be awarded to the top four in each competition and every participant will receive a digital certificate.

"In addition to all the prizes, one lucky entrant will be chosen randomly and will receive a voucher to the value of €300 sponsored by ALDI.

"Bus Eireann are proud to be an official travel partner to ALDI Community Games and they sponsored the creative writing and Scriobhnoireacht competition which catered for our native Irish speakers.

"Our ALDI National Community Games finals were due to be held in the University of Limerick last weekend but as all competitions are cancelled, we had to sit it out in this wonderful weather which has arrived to us."

Whatever the outcome, Community Games will remain in contact with its participants, volunteers, families and friends during this Covid-19 crisis.

"We are extremely grateful to the thousands of young children from every part of our own county in Mayo who have taken part in the recent challenges and creative competitions over the past few months," said Michael.

"If you or your area group were successful we say congratulations, and if you entered any competition we say thank you and don’t give up.

"Hopefully we can move forward as a great sporting and cultural organisation after this virus and form a stronger bond in our communities, as we have shown over the past several weeks.

"Entering the competitions has never been easier - no registration, no area restrictions, just enter and encourage your friends to stay in touch with Community Games at local, county, provincial and national level." More information is available at www.aldicommunitygames.ie.