Ukrainian children in local school to join Gaelic games activities

Tullamore Educate Together NS has joined an initiative organised between Allianz and Cumann na mBunscol, that will support Ukrainian schoolchildren participate in local Gaelic game activities through their schools. The initiative sees Allianz provide 26 schools across Ireland with 500 footballs, 200 hurleys and 200 sliothars to help Ukrainian refugee schoolchildren fall in love with our national games.

In total, the twenty-six participating schools will help 383 Ukrainian schoolchildren join local Gaelic game activities across the country. The Offaly school has welcomed in 10 of these Ukrainian children.

The sports equipment was successfully delivered to Tullamore Educate Together NS, last week, in advance of Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Week.The initiative welcomes schools from fifteen different counties across all four provinces. It is envisaged through the campaign these schools will play a key role in helping Ukrainian schoolchildren integrate into their local communities through the national sport.

“We are thrilled with the outpouring of support from schools and across the country, including Offaly, as part of this initiative with Allianz. These schools are playing such an important role in welcoming Ukrainian schoolchildren into our communities. By joining these local GAA activities, we hope the Ukrainian children feel welcome in our communities and learn the skills they need to enjoy our national games. Ukrainian children have featured in Cumann na mBunscol activities already this school term, thus making new friends and integrating more easily in their new surroundings. We look forward to working with all of the schools involved and seeing these children flourish,” said Joe Lyons, Chairman of Cumann na mBunscol.