Tipperary ETB Mini Olympics were a big hit in Borrisoleigh!

The Tipperary ETB Mini Olympics is a county wide event that took place in Borrisoleigh last Wednesday in front of a huge crowd. 

The event is in its third year and is getting bigger and better each year with learners from Nenagh to Clonmel competing for the John Kelly Memorial Cup.

The teams involved in multiple events this year were Roscrea Youthreach, Cappawhite Youthreach, Thurles CTC, Clonmel CTC and this years host team Céim Eile, Templemore.

David Young, who is the Youthreach Céim Eile Co-ordinator in Templemore, was one of the organisers of the day and he said it was “a mighty day”. 

David said that the efforts of many from across Tipperary ensured the day was a success: “we had great support locally both within our College in Templemore but also from the other five centres that are involved here today. 

“Our leadership within Tipperary ETB have been very supportive of this over the last three years. We were in Cappawhite two years ago and in Clonmel last year and with Templemore - here in Borrisoleigh this year - it is all going well. 

“There were many different events and we are trying to cater for all as it is all about inclusivity. We have just short of 200 students from across Tipperary ETB who are learners who would have left the traditional post-primary education and returned to some form of training through Tipperary ETB.”

There was a magnificent array of activities to cater for all with everything from athletics to dodgeball, soccer and then other activities such as art, hair and make-up competitions and much more. There was ice cream, a coffee barista, a barbeque and a DJ pumping tunes alongside many other attractions for the huge crowd.

The feedback from those present was hugely positive and the day is now one firmly pencilled into the calendar. Stephen Quinn, of the Tipperary Sports Partnership, said it was an excellent event that caters for all: “We are delighted to support this. It is my first time to see this as I’m new in the role but it is a super day out. Activities move from one thing to the next, there are inflatables, food, activities, music so it is just a really great event that caters for everyone. 

“It takes a lot of organisation too so it's really well done to the ETB and well done to all those involved.This is a brilliant day that caters for everybody as the feel good factor makes it extra special and a real day to remember.”

‘Inclusivity for all’ is a key aspiration within Tipperary ETB. Jerry Griffin, who works with the Department of Education and Skills coordinates the network of Youthreach centres across the country as part of a broader network, said that people put their time into something that people really enjoyed:

“This event allows the centres to come together as a group. It also allows young people to not feel as isolated to see that as early school leavers they are away from the formal education system and today allows them to see that they are part of a broader group of centres and young people in terms of meeting their needs.

“They are not on their own, each centre has a connection with each other and in the ETB as well. It is all part of their social development and their wellbeing.”

Across the day in Bishop Quinlan Park people smiled, laughed and competed. It was a huge success. By evening people were asking where is next years event on!