ABOUT 100 young people took part in the launch of the Dublin Street Olympics yesterday which aims to promote sport and active living among young people in their own communities.
Aideen O’Connor, sport and active living co-ordinator for the Dublin City Sports Network, said yesterday’s showcase was ahead of a big event in the offing for next year.
“The idea is to tie this into the 2012 Olympics next year so we decided this year to pilot in a few areas of Dublin City Council.”
It is hoped that the street Olympics will also be taken on board by community groups who can bring the concept to their own areas. The sports network would act as a link for community groups which might not have the equipment to stage the event themselves.
“So if they wanted to do soccer, for example, we would get the FAI involved but the community would lead the project,” Ms O’Connor said. “The idea is that the community takes ownership of the street Olympics.
“To get people fit, active and healthy, just to get them active more often, that’s the whole idea, to get everyone to have a go.”
Young people aged between 14 and 21 took part in basic boxing training, athletics, volleyball, soccer and rowing in Dublin’s Merrion Square.
The rowing machines proved a great hit and, although there was one person involved who definitely fell outside the age limit, Lord Mayor of Dublin Andrew Montague did not let his chains of office stop him getting involved.
“It’s about sports which are easy to do and accessible. We want people to be able to do this in their own streets,” he said.
Olympic champion boxer Michael Carruth, who was on hand at the boxing ring, said that sports like those showcased yesterday showed young people that “there’s more than hanging around at that corner. Go and join a club.”