A Donegal school has joined an initiative organised between Allianz and Cumann na mBunscol that allows Ukrainian schoolchildren to participate in local GAA activities.
The initiative provides 26 schools across Ireland with 500 footballs, 200 hurleys and 200 sliotars to help Ukrainian children partake in the national sport.
26 participating schools will help 283 children join local GAA activities across the country and St. Aengus, Bridgend have welcomed 15 of these children. Sports equipment was delivered to the school in advance of Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Week.
It is hoped that, through this campaign, the schools will play a key role in helping Ukrainian pupils settle into their new community through Gaelic football and hurling.
Joe Lyons, Chairman of Cumann na mBunscol, said: “We are thrilled with the outpouring of support from schools across the country, including Donegal as part of this initiative with Allianz.
Children at the launch of the initiative between Allianz and Cumann na mBunscol at St. Oliver’s Ballycasheen, Killarney this week
“These schools are playing an important role 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.”
Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Week started in June 2020, with a focus on supporting Gaelic games and related activities in schools when it was not possible for teams to take to the field at the time.
This year, the event has engaged with around 2,000 schools who are joining in local GAA activities and competitions across the country.
Alan Black, Religious & Education Customer Relationship Manager at Allianz, said: “Sport has always been such an important vehicle for integration and GAA activities are often at the forefront of inclusion across our local communities.
“Therefore, Allianz, through our work with Cumann na mBunscol, are delighted to sponsor the donation of sports equipment to schools across the country.
“We hope it goes some way in facilitating the integration of these children into the school and wider community through participation in Gaelic games.”