Big boost for Limerick economy as UL set to host Community Games National finals

THE University of Limerick has beaten off stiff competition to be chosen as the host venue for the Aldi Community Games National finals for the next three years.

More than 7,000 children aged between six and 16 years compete in the Community Games National finals each year.

UL was one of three third level institutions in the running to stage the finals along with NUI, Galway and Athlone IT.

The staging to the prestigious event at UL will provide a major boost to the local economy with the influx of thousands of visitors to the area.

The Board of Aldi Community Games met on Friday to consider the location of the National Festival for the next three years.

After lengthy consideration, UL was selected as the new venue. 

Big breaking news National Community Games Finals will be hosted on University of Limerick Campus for next 3yearssuper news for Limerick

— David Mahedy (@DavidMahedy) November 24, 2017

Speaking at the announcement, Gerard Davenport, Aldi Community Games President said: “This was a very open and transparent process and in the end the University of Limerick were the successful bidders.

“I would like to thank the other 2 shortlisted parties – NUIG and Athlone IT.   Aldi Community Games looks forward to a successful three years at our new host venue.”

To qualify for the National festivals individual competitors must first compete at an area, then at county and sometimes at provincial level. 

Community Games was established in 1967. Participants from a total of 27 counties and 575 registered areas participate in the event each year. 

The 2017 Community Games National final were staged at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus in Abbottstown.