Teamwork was key in the stacking challenge!
Faced with challenges as varied as kayaking, stacking, Jacob’s ladder, archery and an assault course, the young people from the Southill Hub and Team Garryowen brought the gold medals home to their respective communities.
A partnership between Limerick Youth Service and Garryowen Community Development Project, Team Garryowen were crowned winners in the 10-12yrs category, with Southill Hub taking the 13-15yrs and 16yrs+ categories.
‘What a day!’ cried Suzi Cronin, Southill Hub, ‘we had 88 young people from different communities get together, have fun and enjoy a little healthy competition.’
‘The young people were speaking about it (Fittest Youth Club Challenge) for weeks beforehand and today gave them a great sense of pride as they were representing their clubs and community,’ said Suzi, youth worker.
The inspiration for the event was the result of Suzi’s keen interest in the TV show, Ireland’s Fittest Family, with the youth worker keen to make the format workable for young people and youth clubs.
‘I’ve wanted to do it for a while and with the year we’ve had with Covid-19, the time was right and the young people and other organisations were keen to get involved,’ said Suzi.
A few Zoom meetings later, Suzi and the Southill Hub crew were joined by Westend Youth Centre, LYS’ Youth and Family Support Project and Team Garryowen (LYS Garryowen Youth Project, Irishtown GYDP hub and St. John’s Youth Club).
The result was an excellent and fun filled day at Ballyhass Lakes that was enjoyed by all, particularly the young people who completely embraced the challenges.
In a race to the finish
Suzi thanked the partner organisations, the Ballyhass Activity Centre, the Limerick & Clare Education & Training Board, Tusla and SICAP (Social Inclusion Community and Activation Programme) for their support.
Southill Hub is a not-for-profit Community Centre which serves the Southill community and runs youth work programmes.
The Westend Youth Centre provides youth work programmes to young people in the Our Lady of Lourdes parish of Limerick City.
A member of Youth Work Ireland and the Irish Association of Community Training Organisations, LYS remains committed to connecting with young people and supporting them to reach their full potential.
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