The 2016 Community Games Festival kicked off this weekend as thousands of children came to Athlone with the hopes of bringing home a medal

The 2016 Community Games Festival kicked off this weekend as thousands of children came to Athlone with the hopes of bringing home a medal!

Everyone's a winner, whether you're in Rio or Athlone!  There has been been plenty of excitement in thousands of households in Ireland as over 7,000 children have been getting ready to take part in the Nation’s most loved sporting and cultural event.





Swimming, Soccer, Art, Model-making, Singing, Debating, Badminton – just a small flavour of the variety of events that were on offer this weekend.



Speaking at the event, Gerard Davenport, President of Community Games said:



'The opening weekend of the 2016 Community Games Festival has again provided notable displays on the field, the track, the stage and in the pool that will provide the Nation with the star performers of the future!'



PR Director Bernie Brennan said:



“Community Games, in association with HSE, is about participation and fun for everyone - it’s about making memories and making friends so that children all over Ireland can be proud of what they can achieve through keeping active: whether it be in art, debating, skittles, chess or the 100 metres.”



Community Games Festival 2016 is running over 2 weekend in Athlone IT – from 12th to 14th and 19th to 21st August.



This year Community Games is teaming up once again with Healthy Ireland, with an emphasis on healthy eating, as Athlone IT serves up only healthy options for resident children.