Minister O’Donovan Launches Ireland's Participation In The European Week Of Sport

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Patrick O’Donovan T.D, today launched Ireland's participation in this year’s European Week of Sport. Sport Ireland is the national co-ordinator for the European Week of Sport in Ireland which aims to promote sport and physical activity across Europe. Speaking at the launch at the National Sports Campus, Minister O’Donovan commented: "Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, this year’s European Week of Sport provides an excellent opportunity to promote all forms of sport and physical activity. The week will see a host of events taking place throughout the country, giving everyone the opportunity to get involved regardless of age, background or fitness level. I would encourage everyone to use the opportunity of the week to get involved in sport and to get active.” Kieran Mulvey, Chairman of Sport Ireland, commented: "Sport Ireland is delighted to once again lead the European Week of Sport initiative. One of the key strategic objectives of Sport Ireland is increasing participation in sport and physical activity and with almost 1.7 million Irish adults currently participating in sport regularly we are determined to get as many people active as possible. Initiatives such as this are a great way of encouraging people to get out and get active.” One of the flagship events for the European Week of Sport in Ireland will be the Great Dublin Bike Ride (GDBR). The cycle is open to participants of all abilities, from novice to expert with a 60km and 100km route available, taking place on Sunday 11th September. Other flagship events taking place across Ireland include the Sport Against Racism Soccer Fest, National Fitness Day, Park Run events, the #BeActive Schools Campaign and Cycle 2 Work Day. Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, John Treacy said: "The European Week of Sport in 2015 was a great success, with over 250 sport and physical events taking place throughout the country. Sport Ireland will keep the momentum going into this year’s event and highlight the many opportunities to integrate sport and physical activity into our daily lives - regardless of our age, fitness level or background “I would like to acknowledge the large number of sport, health and education agencies in Ireland including Healthy Ireland, National Governing Bodies of Sport, Local Sports Partnerships, Outdoor Education Ireland, Parkrun and Ireland Active for their support and contribution." A full listing of events scheduled for the European week of Sport is available on the Sport Ireland website www.sportireland.ie and everyone is encouraged and invited to get involved and participate in their local events. Ends. For Further Information: David Gash dgash@sportireland.ie 01-8068806 Note To The Editor: The European Week of Sport takes place between the 10-18 September and aims to promote sport and physical activity across Europe. The Week is for everyone, regardless of age, background or fitness level. With a focus on grassroots initiatives, it will inspire Europeans to #BeActive on a regular basis and create opportunities in peoples' everyday lives to exercise more. As an annual event, the European Week of Sport will inspire all kinds of creative and exciting events and activities in different countries.

Over 300 sport and physical activity events will take place across Ireland from the 10th to the 18th September 2016.

Sport Ireland is the national coordinator for the European Week of Sport in Ireland which aims to promote sport and physical activity across Europe.

Speaking at the launch at the National Sports Campus, Minister O Donovan commented:

"Following the success of last year's inaugural event, this year's European Week of Sport provides an excellent opportunity to promote all forms of sport and physical activity. The week will see a host of event taking place throughout the country, giving everyone the opportunity to get involved regardless of age, background or fitness level. I would encourage everyone to use the opportunity of the week to get involved in sport and to get active."

Kieran Mulvey, Chair of Sport Ireland commented:

"Sport Ireland is delighted to once again lead the European Week of Sport initiative. One of the key strategic objectives of Sport Ireland is increasing participation in sport and physical activity, and with almost 1.7 million Irish adults currently participating in sport regularly, we are determined to get as many people as active as possible. Initiatives such as this are a great way of encouraging people to get out and get active."

One of the flagship events for the European Week of Sport in Ireland will be the Great Dublin Bike Ride (GDBR). The cycle is open to participants of all abilities from novice to expert with a 60km and 100km route available, taking place on Sunday, 11th September. Other flagship events taking place across Ireland include Sport Against Racism Soccer Fest, National Fitness Day, Park Run events, the #BeActiveSchools campaign and Cycle 2 Work day.

Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, John Treacy said:

"The European Week of Sport in 2015 was a great success, with over 250 sport and physical activity events taking place throughout the country. Sport Ireland will keep the momentum going into this year's event, and highlight the many opportunities to integrate sport and physical activity into our daily lives - regardless of our age, fitness level or background.

I would like to acknowledge the large number of sport, health and education agencies in Ireland including Healthy Ireland, National Governing Bodies of Sport, Local Sports Partnerships, Outdoor Education Ireland, Parkrun and Ireland Active for their support and contribution."

A full listing of events scheduled for the European Week of Sport is available on the Sport Ireland website,www.sportireland.ie, and everyone is encouraged and invited to get involved and participate in their local events.