OVER 2,000 children from all over the Republic took part in the Credit Union Community Games special activities event at Mosney Holiday Centre, Co Meath, at the weekend.
Children aged between six and 13 took part in a range of activities including athletics, field sports, set dancing and quizzes. Coaching and refereeing courses were held for children over the age of 16.
The event, launched by the Minister for Social Welfare, Mr De Rossa, is designed to encourage youngsters who may not qualify for the more competitive summer games to participate in sports.
"This weekend is not about winning or losing but about bringing kids who are not very involved in sport to Mosney," the games director, Mr Conal Duffy, said.
One of the competitions focused on social and environmental problems, such as drug abuse and the need to protect the environment. "Children, both urban and rural, are becoming increasingly aware of social problems such as drug abuse," the national chairman of the Community Games, Mr Michael O'Grady, said. "It is important to spell out the dangers of drugs and make them aware of what is happening."
Lorna Duffy (13) from Latton, Co Monaghan, took part in the project. "I did a project on drug addiction. I learned that they are not worth taking, because they kill you," she said.