The Community Games national finals came to a close at Mosney yesterday after some 6,000 children had competed in a range of sports and cultural activities over the past two weekends.
The games are a year-round event that culminates at Mosney for the national finals. Some 500,000 children, 20,000 volunteers and 1.3 million supporters are involved with the games.
Over the past couple of years, the national voluntary organisation has focused on integrating new communities into the games, to reflect Ireland's multiculturalism.
Yesterday 3,000 children aged from six to 16 went head-to-head in a range of activities from tag rugby to track and field, from chess to comedy and dancing.
Orla McCann (9) and Aishling Forkan (8), both from Co Mayo, competed in athletics over the weekend. "I think Derval O'Rourke is amazing and we'd like to be as good as her some day," said Aishling.
The Health Service Executive is the title sponsor of this year's games and has stressed the importance of healthy lifestyle choices for youngsters. At the finals, a dietician liaised with caterers to produce a menu that saw fried food and fizzy drinks replaced with healthier options.
The organisation aims to foster community spirit and co-operation and will next year introduce three new activities - J4 volleyball, skittles and footsol (a type of football). "We aim to offer as many games as possible and will always look at new options to keep the kids interested," said Sinéad Curran, spokeswoman for the games.
Jack Harrington (10), from Limerick, was yesterday celebrating with his team-mates after they beat Sligo to win first place in the under-11s rugby. "The best part of the whole weekend was definitely beating Sligo," he said. Sarah Hogan (15), from Limerick, and Aaron Madden (13), from Longford, said making new friends from all over the country was the highlight.
Community Games chief executive Donal Buggy said the organisation was always looking to recruit more volunteers to promote the games.