Community Games saved for 2018

The future of the Community Games in Westmeath is secured for another summer following a recent crisis meeting in Athlone.

The Westmeath team’s participation in the national finals, which take place in Limerick at the end of next month, was guaranteed after county chairman Laura Walsh agreed to reprise her role as secretary, a position she had held for a number of years.

Although county finals have been under way for a number of weeks, the Westmeath team’s participation in this year’s national finals had been under threat as the position of county secretary had remained vacant since the end of last year.
The national committee had warned that unless the position was filled at the meeting, the Westmeath team would not be able to participate in Limerick.
Ms Walsh’s replacement as county chairperson, Emily Wallace, said that everyone involved with Community Games in Westmeath is relieved that the worst case scenario was averted.
“We are delighted. I’d like to thank Karen for all of work over the years. There is a huge army of volunteers involved in keeping Community Games going.
“I’d like to encourage people to get out and get involved in their localities.
“It does make a huge difference and is of real benefit for all of our kids.”
Because children can only compete in one discipline at the Community Games national final, boys and girls who finished in second or third place in the county decider often get to represent Westmeath.
The inclusive nature of Community Games is something that should cherished, Ms Wallace believes. “I go back to my days as a kid. There was a real honour representing your county and people knowing who you are. It’s also important because for a lot of kids it’s the only opportunity some of the them will get to wear the maroon and white. We need to foster that.”