Irish GAA Healthy Clubs Programme celebrates European Week of Sport

Clubs across Ireland encouraged to open their doors and provide opportunities for everyone to be active, connect and belong

The Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme is inviting GAA clubs across Ireland to take part in Healthy Clubs Inclusion Day on September 26th as part of European Week of Sport, supported by Sport Ireland.

The initiative encourages clubs to open their doors to the wider community and showcase the role GAA clubs can play in creating welcoming, inclusive and connected spaces for everyone. Inclusion happens every day in Gaelic games clubs across the country. The event provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on this work, welcome new people through the club doors and encourage clubs to consider how they can continue to make their facilities, activities and communities more accessible and inclusive throughout the year.

Clubs are encouraged to organise an open day or run specific activities, which could include a community walk, inclusive games, GAA taster sessions such as Rounders, family and intergenerational activities, activities for older adults or people with disabilities, health and wellbeing workshops to name a few. Any activity already planned for between September 23rd to 30th is eligible for Healthy Clubs inclusion day. Clubs are also encouraged to work with local organisations and community groups to reach those who may not be already connected to the club.

Two clubs, Éire Óg Inis in Clare and Na Gaeil Nua in Dublin, have been highlighted as examples of clubs already delivering significant work around inclusion, participation and community connection. Their experiences will be shared as case studies to inspire other clubs and demonstrate the different ways GAA clubs can create opportunities for people to get involved beyond traditional competitive games.

You can watch their case studies here: Na Gaeil Nua, Dublin: https://youtu.be/okI9GZPfBm0 Eire Og Inis, Clare: https://youtu.be/0LTuBmpoqz8

The initiative supports the aims of European Week of Sport, which promotes participation in sport and physical activity through the #BeActive campaign. It also reflects the GAA’s ‘Where We All Belong’ ethos, celebrating the role clubs play in bringing communities together.

For more information or to register your club for GAA Healthy Clubs Inclusion Day, visit https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/hJbQMr5RzJ