Members of GAA clubs across Ireland and overseas have once again been challenged to go ‘Off the Booze and On the Ball’ in a bid to kick-start their New Year on a healthy footing and raise some funds for their club in the process.
This fun challenge with a healthy twist invites participants to abstain from alcohol for the month of January and in doing so seek sponsorship to go towards their local GAA club. The initiative is being driven by the Association’s Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) Programme – a joint initiative with the HSE that aims to reduce the harm caused by the misuse of alcohol and other substances.
Speaking at the launch Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Liam Ó Néill said, “It was encouraging to see the take up by clubs of the challenge last year that ultimately highlighted the important role an increase in physical activity and a responsible reduction in alcohol consumption can have on an individual and their club as a whole”.
The scheme also assists our clubs in generating much needed funds while continuing to promote a healthy balanced lifestyle among our members”.
Individuals and panel members can sign up at www.gaa.ie/asap where they will receive a sponsorship card and an information pack containing details on health, exercise and diet. Participating clubs are also encouraged to run a health-related activity in their community on the last weekend of January such as a charity match or a fun run/walk or cycle.
If January does not suit then your club can still participate in the challenge in February – the online registration page will remain open. One individual can also register on behalf of an entire panel if they are interested in taking up ‘The Pint Sized Challenge’.
A club from each province will be in with a chance to win a prize while one international club will also be selected. Members of the Currin club in Monaghan, the Ulster winners in 2012, raised over €2,000 as well as collecting their provincial prize.
Further information on the initiative is available at
www.gaa.ie/asap or from Colin Regan, GAA Community and Health Promotion Manager, 01-8658674 or colin.regan@gaa.ie.
Pictured: 4 December 2012; Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Liam Ó Néill and Junior Health Minister Alex White T.D. with Oulart-the-Ballagh captain Keith Rossiter, left, Senan Kilbride, St Brigid’s, Roscommon, and Stacey Cannon, Kildare, in attendance at the Off the Booze On the Ball launch. The fun challenge with a healthy twist invites participants to abstain from alcohol for the month of January and in doing so seek sponsorship to go towards their local GAA club. Croke Park, Dublin. Picture credit: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE
