Among the events on offer will be: -

• an outdoor Diversity Games day for primary school pupils of all ethnic backgrounds from 3rd to 6th class; and
• the FASTKIDZ Africa sprints for primary school children of African heritage

Both events are designed to celebrate the success of African athletes and athletes of African heritage on the world stage; as well as to recognise the emerging pool of talented children of African heritage living and competing in Ireland. Children of African heritage from nine different counties - Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Sligo, Westmeath and Wicklow - will compete across the events on the day. 

Africa Day, which falls on Wednesday, 25th May, celebrates the richness of African cultures and the contribution of people of African descent to Irish life. Africa Day celebrations are organised by Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs in partnership with African embassies in Ireland and local authorities around the country. 

Commenting, Cllr Declan Harvey, Cathaoirleach Offaly County Council said:

“Offaly County Council is delighted to be hosting these Africa Day athletics events. We would like to acknowledge the work of Offaly Sports Partnership in developing and delivering these events which are providing opportunities for children of African heritage and other new communities in Ireland”

Cllr Robert Mc Dermott, Chair Offaly Sports Partnership said: 

“Offaly Sports Partnership is delighted to continue its work in promoting the integration of new communities through sport; particularly in the area of athletics. We would like to acknowledge the support of Sport Ireland, Athletics Ireland and the Tullamore Harriers is supporting the delivery of these Africa Day athletics events”

This year will see Ireland’s largest-ever Africa Day programme, with events being held nationwide. Africa Day 2022 will see the return of in-person events for the first time since 2019.

Minister for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy TD, said: 

“Ireland has been enriched in so many ways by the presence of a vibrant African community. Ireland’s arts, culture, business, community development, sport and so much more have been strengthened by people of African origin or descent. Africa Day is about recognising that contribution and celebrating the culture and potential of the continent as a whole.

After two years of online events, this year will see the welcome return of in-person events nationwide. Irish Aid’s partnership with local authorities will bring the fun of Africa Day to communities around the country. I am delighted that Africa Day 2022 is set to be our biggest-ever Africa Day celebration.”

For more information visit www.AfricaDay.ie 

ENDS

Contact: Eamonn Henry, Coordinator Offaly Sports Partnership (Offaly County Council) on 086 7948054 for further information

Notes to Editors:

• Eamonn Henry, Coordinator Offaly Sports Partnership (Offaly County Council) is available for interview on request.
• Africa Day is an international day that commemorates the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963. It falls on 25th May each year. 
• Irish Aid has hosted Africa Day celebrations since 2006. Activities in 2020 and 2021 were held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Thirty local authorities will stage events and activities to mark Africa Day 2022. Funding for these events has been provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Events will take place nationwide from 21st – 28th May. These events will be listed on local authorities’ social media channels and websites, as well as on www.AfricaDay.ie.