Press Release

European Week against Racism

As part of the European Week against Racism, South Dublin County Councils Social Inclusion Unit and Sports Officer along with the F.A.I. Football in the Community Development Officers will hold a soccer blitz in Clondalkin Sports & Leisure Centre on Tuesday 1^st and Wednesday 2^nd April 2008 utilising sport as a medium to highlight the anti-racism theme and to promote cultural integration and social inclusion through sport.

We are targeting 2nd Years in secondary schools in the county area and 6^th class in primary schools with an emphasis on fair play and equality. The event is being organized by South Dublin County Councils Social Inclusion Unit and Sports and Recreation Unit together with the F.A.I.s three Football in the Community Development Officers.

The end of the 20^th and the beginning of the 21^st centuries has been called the age of migration. As a consequence, many of the cities and towns throughout Ireland are becoming increasingly multicultural as the ethnic profile of many communities and workplaces begins to change and diversify.

Integration is one of the most important challenges faced by South Dublin County Council over the next few years.

One of the main objectives of the Council will be to facilitate initiatives to promote integration in the county and it is one of the reasons why we have organised the soccer blitz. The day is about having fun whilst being conscious of the need to promote cultural integration and social inclusion through sport. It is about participation together!

In 2006 approximately 10% of Irelands population of 4.2 million is immigrants. This compares to the South Dublin County average which is 11.5% (in 2002 it was 5.2%) but in specific electoral areas this is higher.

Discrimination, racism, the intolerance of others is borne out of ignorance. Be it in our workplace, our schools, our homes, our clubs a willingness to learn about others and to communicate with others is the key to a successful, fair and open society.

The following Schools will be participating:

Tuesday 1^st April 2008

Arch Bishop Ryan, National School

Lucan Educate Together

Scoil Aine Naofa, Esker

St Peter the Apostle National School

St. Marys SNS. Rowlagh

St Bernadette SNS, Quarryvale

St Cillians SNS, Ballymount

Wednesday 2^nd April 2008

Lucan Community College

Colaiste Cois Life

Tallaght Community School

St Aidans Community School

Collinstown Park Community College

St Kevins Community College

Deansrath Community College

This years trainees from the Spoirt Teic programme will also assist on the two days.

For further information contact:

Maria Finn Alison Casserly

Social Inclusion Officer Sports & Recreational Officer

Tel: 086 3803060 Tel: 086 8516669

Email:mfinn@sdublincoco.ie Email: acasserly@sdublincoco.ie