Westport school gets active flag

Westport school gets active flag


Rowan Gallagher

A WESTPORT Gaelscoil is the first school in Mayo to receive the Active School Flag.
Special guest, Pakie Bonner raised the active school flag on Friday June 18 at Gaelscoil na Cruaiche, Westport at a celebratory day in the school.
Mr Bonner who signed jerseys and school uniforms for the national school students hoisted the flag prior to a wedding he was attending in the area.
“I wish I was back in school again, I might learn a bit of Irish. This school participates in every sport and that’s great for the community,” said Mr Bonner.
“No matter what sport, go out and play you might excel and enjoy yourself. Who knows we might have some budding stars that might go on to play for the county of even the country,” concluded Mr Bonner.
Cathaoirleach of Westport Town Council, Cllr Myles Saunton told the crowd of parents, teachers and children how proud he was of the achievement.
“I am thrilled as Cathaoirleach to be here at this special occasion. To have been through accreditation and self evaluation to get the flag makes me proud and we want to congratulate you. It is great timing too that work (on the new school) started yesterday,” Mr Staunton said.
The principal of the school Mairéad Ni Ruain thanked the council, stating that the school couldn’t have done it without them.
The objective of the active flag programme is to ensure that as many children as possible participate meaningfully in physical activities, both formal and informal. The flag will remain valid for three years when it will expire and a new application will need to be made.
The initiative raises awareness of the importance of P.E. and physical activity within the school.