Youthreach members pay visit to YRFest
Members of Bray Youthreach attended YRFest last Wednesday, the national 30th anniversary event.
In 1988, the Youthreach Programme was first established with the first centre opening its doors in O’Connell Avenue, Limerick in 1989.
So last Wednesday, to kick off the anniversary year, Bray Youthreach learners and staff joined over 1,500 other young people, 500 staff and over 100 invited guests and stakeholders in the impressive surroundings of the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown for a festival of sport, fun, learning and information.
The event, organised by the National Association of Youthreach Co- Ordinators, was opened by George O’Callaghan, Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board and was officially launched by Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Vincent Jackson.
The newly appointed Minister for Education and Skills, Minister Joe McHugh spoke passionately about seeing the importance of young learners for the future economy through his previous youth work experience in Donegal, and how it is never too late to learn.
The event gave students and staff alike the opportunity to engage in sporting activities ranging from long jump, sprints and hockey to dodgeball, table tennis and a hang tough challenge in the National Indoor Athletic Training Centre.
The atmosphere was electric and MC Evanne Ní Chuilinn did a fantastic job keeping the Arena hopping and introducing some fantastic speakers and entertainers during the day on the Arena stage.
The creative space of the National Indoor Training Centre Sports Hall next door was equally exhilarating with MC Emma Power adding her unique flare to the atmosphere and keeping everyone engaged and entertained. Here young people and staff were treated to over 35 exhibitors, they took part in workshops and watched live performances from fellow learners, guests and some amazing speakers on the amphitheatre style stage. Between the two stages everyone was treated to input from Rory’s Stories, John Doran on ways to well-being and Stephen Howell from Microsoft Ireland to name but a few.