TODAY 30 LOCAL authorities will participate in National Recreation Week which will see the Department of Children and Youth Affairs fund a range of activities for young people.

This year, the department said the focus is on giving children an opportunity to try things they’ve never done before. Events included in the initiative include beach cricket, orienteering, swimming for young people with disabilities, hip hop and musical theatre classes, film production, a battle of the bands and tree-top walking.

Minister Charlie Flanagan said National Recreation Week is underpinned by a recognition of the importance of these kinds of activities for the physical and mental wellbeing of all children.

“The scope and variety of activities planned throughout the country provide good examples of the type of recreational activity for teenagers that can be provided at local level, and I hope that as many young people as possible get to take part this year,” he said.

The events are supported by a network of local authorities across the country which was established to introduce a more coordinated approach to play and recreation policies at both local and national level.

• A full list of activities can be found here. 

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