Gill Education volunteers tackle the Solas Project Tag-Rugby Blitz!
We were delighted to be back in University College Dublin’s Sports Grounds for the annual Solas Project Tag-Rugby blitz this year. Gill has been supporting the amazing charity for a number of years and it was great to see teams from Gill Education use some of their Volunteer Time Off to help out at this wonderful event.
The Solas Project is based in Dublin’s south-west inner city and they support almost six hundred and fifty young people annually. Their vision is to see an Ireland where all children and young people truly know their self-worth and can take full advantage of their potential. They were first established in 2007 as an after-school club but now have many different roles in the community, including the Solas Sport Programme.
The Tag Rugby Blitz marks the completion of the Solas Sport programme, where youth workers and coaches mentor more than four hundred fifth and sixth-class pupils from eleven primary schools in Dublin’s inner city.
The blitz was a brilliant day of sports, laughs and a healthy amount of competition between the children, their coaches and the volunteers. It was incredible to see the teamwork, enthusiasm and positivity brought by each class, who you could tell worked very hard to be ready for the event. Despite the rainy weather, the schools and volunteers still brought the fun and energy! Nothing like a bit of music and some sweet treats to raise the spirits!
While some of the Gill Education volunteers got involved on the rugby pitch, others helped out with the face painting, making sure each young person was happy with their school colours, names and slogans.
The vibrant atmosphere and the excitement from the children and adults alike, really made it an unforgettable experience. Gill are looking forward to taking part again next year and continuing to support the wonderful work of the Solas Project in communities around Dublin.
"Volunteering for the Solas project tag rugby blitz was fantastic fun! Between the sports of the day, face painting and great music playing, it was a fun day for all the volunteers and the children - even the rain couldn't keep us down. Can't wait for next year!"
-Shannon Connolly, Digital Publishing Assistant
All Gill employees are awarded two paid volunteering days, in addition to annual leave, where employees are encouraged to volunteer for a cause they believe in.
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