COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, July 11, 2016

MOTION NO.3

MOTION: Councillor K. Egan

“For Elected Members to commend South Dublin County Council Sports and Recreational Department on the success of the recent Schools Cross Country Events, in particular for breaking the mould and introducing a new category for Paralympic school going children making the event inclusive for all who chose to participate

REPORT:

South Dublin Schools Cross Country programme is in its 5th year in existence with 59 schools from across the county participating in 2016. The series of races caters for boys & girls from 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th class. The schools are divided into 4 local areas; Griffeen Valley Park, Jobstown Park, Clondalkin Park & Tymon Park, where races are held each month in February, March and April giving a total of 12 events catering for approx. 800 participants at each event.

This sports programme is all about participation. Schools will start training in September and by the time the local area races start in February, schools have groups of children out running before school starts, at lunch time and some after school also.

Although we only see the children that make the team to compete in the events, there are so many more hundreds of children running throughout the county on a daily basis during the course of this programme.

This year we introduced a Paralympic element to the programme, to cater for those within the mainstream school setting with a physical disability. It was very successful, with a tremendous amount of support from all involved. It has been a wonderful addition to the programme and gives those children a tremendous boost in self confidence - the ultimate power of sport.

The programme culminates each year with the "County" Finals Day in Corkagh Park in May. This year had in the region of 2500 athletes participating - the largest athletic event in the country for this age group.

The programme could not be undertaken without the tremendous support that is given from so many quarters and it would be remiss not to acknowledge the support given from the various departments within the Council and our many external partners, without them the programme would not be possible to roll out, both in the local areas but more importantly on finals day which this year had a team of 42 staff on site, led by our Sports & Recreation Officers.

Should the motion be passed it is important to acknowledge the contribution of our Partners including: