PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 6^th MARCH 2009

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 Wednesday 18^th March and Thursday 19^th March 2009 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 four Football in the Community Development Officers. Trainees from the FAI/FAS Girls Football Course will be working on the day.

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.

As part of the programme we will be delivering a 90 minute anti racism work shop to all schools involved. The aim of the workshop is to highlight issues around the area of racism in sport and to raise awareness on this important issue. The workshop will be delivered in the school to all 2^nd year students prior to the tournament by the Football in the Community Development Officer. The workshop will touch on issues surrounding racism in sport, cultural diversity, and integration.

The following Schools will be participating:

Wednesday 18^th March 2009

Sruleen National School Clondalkin

St. Bernadettes National School Condalkin

St Marys, National School Greenhills Road

Ballycragh National School, Firhouse

Scoil Mhuire National School, Terenure

Divine Word National School, Marley Grange, Rathfarnham

Archbishop Ryan National School, Lucan

Ballyroan National School, Templeouge

Thursday 19^th March l 2009

Lucan Community College, Lucan

Colaiste Cois Life, Lucan

Moyle Park Secondary School Clondalkin

Tallaght Community School, Balrothery, Tallaght

Old Bawn Community School, Tallaght

St Kevins Community College, Clondalkin

Knocklyon Community School, St. Colmcilles, Scholarstown, Knocklyon, Dublin 16

St. McDaras Community School, Templeogue

For further information contact:

Maria Finn Alison Silke

Social Inclusion Officer Sports & Recreational Officer

Tel: 086 3803060 Tel: 086 8516669

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