HSE Community Games launches plan to promote social and cultural inclusion
HSE Community Games launches strategic plan to promote social and cultural inclusion
HSE Community Games launches national recruitment programme for volunteers
Sunday 25th February 2007
This weekend, the HSE Community Games launched their 2007 – 2010 strategic plan. The plan, which sets out the goals for the HSE Community Games over the coming 3 years aims to promote social and cultural inclusion and tackle health inequalities by implementing a national recruitment programme for volunteers and actively encouraging more children to take part in the HSE Community Games.
“This is an exciting and progressive plan and I’m positive that both the HSE and the Community Games will achieve their shared goals to benefit children, young people and their families by providing opportunities to improve their health, both physical and mental, through the spirit of participation and good fun”, said Donal Buggy, HSE Community Games, CEO. “We look forward to implementing the plan, which has been developed in the best interest of the children of Ireland”, he continued.
Research conducted by the National Health & Lifestyles Surveys, (SLAN) (1) showed only 35% of 15-17 year olds exercise on a regular basis. Over the coming three years, the HSE Community Games plans to develop a programme specifically for young people over the age of 16 to address the growing trend of inactivity amongst this age group.
“On behalf of the HSE, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Community Games for their commitment and vision in developing a comprehensive Strategic Plan to continue to build the reach of the Community Games across the country”, said Catherine Murphy, Assistant National Director, Population Health,
Health Promotion, Health Service Executive.
“The HSE and the Community Games have similar objectives in fostering the development of healthy communities and improving individual health and well-being. The points set out in this strategic plan will enable us to increase awareness of the HSE Community Games and to highlight health promotion issues such as obesity, nutrition, positive mental health and physical activity,” she continued.
The future direction of the organization was decided through the election of it’s Board of Directors at the launch of the strategic plan held jointly at the National AGM in the Slieve Russell Hotel, Co. Cavan. Positions contested included National Youth and Security Officer.
Over 500,000 young people compete annually in the HSE Community Games which emphasises participation rather than a competition based approach and provides great opportunities for young people to have fun, make new friends and experience new and exciting activities.
The HSE Community Games is a voluntary organisation operating through local communities at Area, County, Provincial and National level with over 500,000 participants, 20,000 volunteers and 1.3 million supporters annually.
References
1. The National Health and Lifestyle Surveys SLءN (Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition) and HSBC (Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children). Commissioned by the Health Promotion Unit, Department of Health and Children.
Editors Notes:
• HSE stands for Health Service Executive
• The launch of the HSE Community Games Strategic Plan marks the first anniversary of the HSE Community Games partnership which will continue until December 2008.
ENDS
For more information please contact;
Margaret Bolton, National PRO, 087 9364248
Joanne Mooney, PR Manager 087 9873767