News
Young people urged to get BIGG into sport (28/11/2006)
Local young people are being encouraged to participate in the B.I.G.G. (Be Involved in Gaelic Games) project, launched today at the Balmoral Hotel.A pilot scheme has been organised by the Ulster Council of the G.A.A, St. Gall’s Gaelic football club and supported by the Youth Justice Agency. The initiative will run at St. Gall’s club every Saturday morning from January to March, 2007.
Open to girls and boys, the B.I.G.G. project aims to develop new sporting opportunities for young people aged 8 to 13 in West Belfast, and introduce a new generation to Gaelic games.
As part of the project a new youth club will also be developed for young people, aged 14 to 16, already attending St. Gall’s, where they will be mentored by a ‘Befriender’ to encourage them to continue playing and develop their skills.
To help them understand the issues and problems affecting young people today each ‘Befriender’ will participate in a series of workshops focussing on personal and social development.
Commenting on the launch Mary Brannigan, Assistant Director, Youth Justice Community Services said; “This is a great opportunity for young people to participate in positive activities in their community.
“By connecting young people to mainstream activities like Gaelic football this will encourage a sense of belonging and build teamwork skills.
“Research also shows that sport and physical activity programmes can stimulate young people’s personal growth, encouraging them to cultivate social skills, thereby developing and achieving in other key areas.”
Dairmaid Marsden, Regional Games Development Officer, Ulster Council, GAA continues; “We are delighted to be able to deliver this initiative in conjunction with the Youth Justice Agency and St Gall’s. The project is divided into two key themes which ensures that all young people have the opportunity to take part in a sport that they may not have played before, experience the wider social aspects of a sports club and for those previously involved in sport, revive their interest.”
Paddy Murray, Juvenile Committee member,St Gall’s also comments; “In many rural areas G.A.A clubs are the focus of the community. However, in city areas, such asWest Belfast this is not always the case. The B.I.G.G project has an emphasis on learning new skills, making new friends and encourages the young people to continue playing and develop role models.”
Every mentor has successfully completed child protection training and all games and training exercises played at St Gall’s will be insured through the club’s premises.
<< Go BACK
