Everyone really was a winner at the schools rugby blitz when over 300 Primary seven pupils from 24 schools across Ards and North Down took part in a TAG rugby ‘blitz’ aimed at encouraging participation from both female and male competitors at Londonderry Park, Newtownards last Monday (29 February 2016).
The blitz event, which was organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council with support from Ulster Rugby community representatives and Sport Northern Ireland Active Communities coaches, saw the pupils take part in a series of friendly matches throughout the day. Each child that took part received a medal and a certificate from the Council.
Each team of eight players was required to have a minimum of two female players in order to boost participation amongst this group. Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham, explained:
“Ards and North Down Borough Council is committed to encouraging participation in sport. With still significantly fewer females than males playing sport, the Council delivers a range of programmes geared at opening up participation for this group, such as last week’s TAG rugby event and its girls football league. It was great to see so many young women participating in the rugby matches, and even giving some of the lads a ‘run for their money’ out on the pitch!”
Up and coming sports star, Ulster Rugby Academy member, Jake Byrne, attended the event. He took time to share his passion for the sport with the children and encouraged them to keep active.
The following schools took part in the TAG rugby event:
* Abbey Primary School, Newtownards
* Andrews Memorial Primary School, Newtownards
* Ballyvester Primary School, Donaghadee
* Ballywalter Primary School, Ballywalter
* Bloomfield Primary School, Bangor
* Carrickmannon Primary School, Comber
* Carrowdore Primary School, Carrowdore
* Castle Gardens Primary School, Newtownards
* Donaghadee Primary School, Donaghadee
* Glencraig Intergrated Primary School, Bangor
* Greyabbey Primary School, Greyabbey
* Holywood Primary School, Bangor
* Killinchy Primary School, Killinchy
* Kircubbin Integrated Primary School, Kircubbin
* Londonderry Primary School, Newtownards
* Millisle Primary School, Millisle
* Newtownards Model Primary School, Newtownards
* Portaferry Integrated Primary School, Portaferry
* Regent House Preparatory Department, Newtownards
* St Finian’s Primary School, Newtownards
* St Marys Primary School ,Comber
* St Patricks Primary School, Ballygalget
* Victoria Primary School, Newtownards
* West Winds Primary School, Newtownards
