First Ever Dublin Sportsfest Announced

Dublin City Council has announced the first ever Dublin Sportsfest – a week-long celebration of sport and physical activity throughout the City of Dublin to take place from 23 – 30 September.

Irish hockey players Emily Beatty & Gill Pinder, 2017 Operation Transformation Leader Chris McElligott, Irish International footballer Aine O'Gorman and Irish athletics future stars Rhasidat Adeleke and Sarah Healy are encouraging everyone to 'Make Some Me Time' by getting active and enjoying the wealth of sport & recreational amenities Dublin City has to offer.

Dublin Sportsfest is spearheaded by Dublin City Council and Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership, and is supported by the FAI, Ireland Active, Sport Ireland, Cycling Ireland, Age & Opportunity, parkrun, Junior parkrun, Ballyfermot Youth Service, Swim Ireland, Tennis Ireland, Trinity Sport and the Dublin Institute of Technology - among numerous other national and regional governing bodies and sports clubs.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Nial Ring, said: "Dublin Sportsfest is a great initiative of Dublin City Council and Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership which encourages the people of Dublin to leave the couch, leave the screens, leave the mobile and get active. There is a huge variety of fantastic fitness activities across the City, designed to inspire participation in physical and mental health improving activities. So let's all embrace this opportunity and enjoy Dublin Sportsfest - we'll all be the winners!"

The week-long festival takes place during European Week of Sport and comprises of a programme of innovative sporting related activities and educational events, including a seminar for TY students on 'The Olympic Experience & An Insight into Elite Sport', a 'Sports History' Cycle Tour and a host of other exciting events in sports clubs and recreational spaces across the city. The Docklands Fitfest, Sports Stadium @ Dalymount Park, the Lord Mayor's Liffey Bridge Paddle, Yoga @ City Hall and numerous 'Glow' activities are expected to attract significant interest during Dublin Sportsfest.

Dublin Sportsfest ambassador, Dean Rock commented at the launch: "I have experienced the benefits sport and physical activity can have in people's lives first hand. Besides my time on the playing field as a footballer, I have also devoted my career to sport and helping to ensure people lead healthier and more active lives. I know all about the difficulties of juggling a hectic lifestyle, but taking a step away from the hustle and bustle of life to make some me time, and getting active is a brilliant way to switch off.

"I am delighted to be supporting Dublin Sportsfest in its first year running. It is a fantastic initiative that will offer a variety of activities for the people of Dublin to try and I am encouraging everyone in the City of Dublin to take full advantage of this."

Assistant Chief Executive, Dublin City Council, Richard Shakespeare, added: "Dublin City Council is delighted to be able to announce the inaugural Dublin Sportsfest to be hosted during this year's European Week of Sport. We hope that the event will inspire the people of this incredibly fast paced city to take a moment away from the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy the activities on offer throughout the week."

(MH/LM)