Community invited to celebrate health, wellbeing and participation on Wednesday, 17th June.
Ballyhoura Development CLG, in partnership with Limerick Sports Partnership, local agencies and community organisations, is delighted to invite the community to the official launch of the Kilmallock Community Sports Hub at the Community Connections Event, taking place on Wednesday, 17th June from 10:00am to 1:00pm at the People's Hall, Kilmallock.
This free community event will bring together local people, organisations, activities and support services in a welcoming and inclusive environment designed to promote wellbeing, participation and community connection.
The launch marks an important milestone for the new Kilmallock Community Sports Hub, a community-based initiative supported by Limerick Sports Partnership through the Dormant Accounts Fund. The Hub aims to support people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to become more active, connected and involved in their community through sport and physical activity.
The Community Sports Hub will play an important role in creating opportunities for local people to participate in sport and recreation, improve wellbeing, build confidence and strengthen community connections. Working collaboratively with local organisations and community groups, the Hub will help make physical activity more accessible, inclusive and welcoming for everyone.
Throughout the morning, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities and engage with local organisations, services and support programmes available across the area.
Activities on the day will include:
- Taster physical activity sessions
- Community information and support stands
- Healthy eating demonstrations delivered through the Community Food Initiative
- Healthy snacks and refreshments
- Information on local training, wellbeing and support programmes
- Family-friendly activities taking place throughout the morning
A special highlight of the event will be an address by Dessie Fitzgerald, a coach, motivational speaker and wellbeing advocate whose inspiring personal journey has helped many people to overcome challenges and achieve positive change in their lives. Following a life-changing spinal cord injury in 2011, Dessie has dedicated his career to supporting others through coaching, personal development and wellbeing programmes. Dessie will speak at 11:00am, sharing his experiences and highlighting the importance of resilience, community connection, physical activity and wellbeing.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Hugh Guest, Community Sports Hub Coordinator, said:
"The Kilmallock Community Sports Hub is about creating opportunities for everyone to get involved, get active and feel connected within their community. We are delighted to work alongside Limerick Sports Partnership and local organisations to create a welcoming environment where people can discover new activities, build confidence and strengthen community connections through sport and recreation."
Information and supports will also be available from a range of Ballyhoura Development initiatives and local services, including the WorkAbility Programme, Kilmallock Family Support Project, East Limerick Traveller Project, community supports, and opportunities linked to the Migrant Apprenticeship Partnership (MAP).
The event will also feature healthy eating demonstrations delivered through the Community Food Initiative, showcasing simple, affordable and nutritious meal ideas using fresh ingredients. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample healthy snacks and refreshments and receive recipe and ingredient packs to help recreate some of the dishes at home.
The Community Connections Event is designed to be practical, informative and enjoyable for people of all ages and backgrounds, creating opportunities to connect, learn new skills, discover local supports and celebrate community participation together.
