Free Cork sports sessions aiming to promote integration and inclusion

An initiative developed during the pandemic to offer free sports sessions has continued and is providing opportunities for youngsters in Cork to try something new.

The Sports on the Green scheme offers sessions in a variety of sports on the green areas of local housing estates and public parks. It removes obstacles to participation, such as cost, transport, and time.

The Cork City Council initiative will run for six weeks during the summer. The free, four-day sports camps will be held at 48 venues throughout the city.

Groups will encourage integration and allow young people from different backgrounds to take part alongside local children.

Cork City Council is working in partnership with a number of organisations and local agencies to make this programme possible, including Cork ETB, Cork Sports Partnership, An Garda Síochána, Cricket Ireland, GAA, FAI, Athletics Ireland, Tusla, Foróige, Traveller Visibility Group, Sudanese Association of Cork, direct provision centres, Ukrainian accommodation centres, local sports clubs, and community centres.

Green Party councillor Dan Boyle, Lord Mayor of Cork, was at the the launch of Sports on the Green, in Tory Top Park, and said he was delighted to see the initiative continue to grow each year.

“It’s clear to see how much fun young people are having, and it is an excellent way of encouraging new ways of being active,” said Mr Boyle.

“We aim to make Cork a responsive and inclusive city, but also a fun, active, and healthy one, and Sports on the Green ticks all these boxes.”

Cork City Council director of services (community, culture & placemaking) Rebecca Loughry, said Sports on the Green had “proven remarkable in breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity in our city”.

“Cork City Council is delighted to work so closely with local agencies and communities to promote physical activity and encourage more children to get involved in sport,” she said.