The first ever national celebration of GAA Go Games takes place this week, April 14th-20th , with three days of blitzes in Croke Park, involving 1500 children from all 32 counties.A very special event takes place today in Croke Park (Monday) with the Artane Band leading a pre-event parade which included representatives of all 32 counties.
Go Games blitzes will also take place in every county, with many in county grounds. This marks the start of the GAA Go Games playing season and highlights the new policy on Go Games, now played from Under-7 to Under-11.
Go Games, which provide a positive introduction to Gaelic games for children, also contribute to a healthy lifestyle for participants. In essence they represent the children’s first inter-action with the GAA and Gaelic games and they ensure participation for all players – exemplified by the Go Games Week’s slogan – ‘Every Child Gets a Go’.
This week’s initiative was warmly welcomed by Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Liam Ó Néill. He said: “Go Games have been a resounding success for the GAA with 1377 clubs or 94% per cent of our clubs participating and catering for players up to 11 years of age”.
“Over 3,000 or 85% of Primary schools do likewise. Registration figures have increased to almost 150,000 children playing Go Games in recent years. This level of involvement and buy has transformed how young players take their all important formative steps in our games and place an emphasis on fun and participation in a safe and encouraging environment”.
“I laud this initiative and hope it helps to draw even more attention to what is a hugely important entry level introduction for football and hurling for young players, many of whom will go on to enjoy a life time of involvement in the GAA.” See www.gaa.ie/gogames for more details.
For further information please contact Pat Culhane
National Child Games Development Coordinator
