The 2009 Vhi GAA Cúl Camps was officially launched in Croke Park by Criostóir Ó Cuana, in his first official outing as President of GAA,
Now in its fourth year, the Vhi GAA Cúl Camps is a nationally co-ordinated programme that encourages primary school children between the ages of 7 and 13, not only to learn and develop sporting skills irrespective of sporting skills or ability but also to develop a keen sense of fair-play and personal achievement by participating in Gaelic Games, in a fun, non-competitive environment. The individual camps are managed by experienced coaches who have devised a specific programme to ensure the participating children not only learn skills but also to place an emphasis on fun and team-building activity.
This year, the Vhi GAA Cúl Camps are offering children the chance to train with their heroes and play in Croke Park with the introduction of the Vhi GAA Cúl Day Out. The Vhi GAA Cúl Camps are the only summer camp to offer children the chance to win one of 240 places to train and play with GAA greats in Croke Park on September 28, 2009.
Over 83,000 children will attend the Vhi GAA Cúl Camps throughout the summer – there are camps taking place in almost every GAA club around the country and in over 20 overseas GAA clubs, in the US (New York, Boston, San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia), Canada (Toronto), the UK (London, Scotland, Bristol, Birmingham, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Herefordshire) and it is hoped to have a camp in Europe (Brittany, France) also.
Speaking at the launch, GAA President, Criostóir Ó Cuana, said, “The Vhi GAA Cúl Camp initiative is a hugely important vehicle for us as an association presenting us and our coaches with the chance to cater for so many children through the medium of fun and games in a safe environment. The Club is at the heart of this initiative and in some instances the camps provide children with an opportunity to interact with their local clubs for the very first time. With this in mind visits made by ambassadors always adds interest and excitement to the camps and this year’s line up includes a number of top GAA personalities and players. The Association’s partnership with Vhi Healthcare has helped strengthen the concept and we look forward to building on the impressive attendance figures achieved in previous years.”
The 2009 Vhi GAA Cúl Camps are expected to be extremely popular therefore parents are advised to book early to ensure they get a place at the camp of their choice. This year parents will have the option to book places online through the newly revamped Vhi GAA Cúl Camps website which can be accessed through www.gaa.ie or www.vhi.ie. The website contains application forms, county-by-county details regarding camps and the dates they are taking place on, contact details regarding the individual county co-ordinators and information regarding the camps, nutrition tips and much more. As with previous years application forms and information about the Vhi GAA Cúl Camps will also be available in clubs nationwide.
St Brigids GAC Cul Camp takes place from 17th – 21st August, application forms can be obtained at Fun Sunday training at the YMCA from12pm, or download one from the club website.
Camp Co-ordinator is Martin McCarney and can be contacted on martin.mccarney@yahoo.co.uk
