One of the principal projects for 2009 is the Chernobyl Children’s Project International.
The Garda College, Templemore, Co. Tipperary has commenced a ‘Community Engagement in Action Project’ within its training programme. This involves Student Gardai engaging with the community in areas such as social services, tidy town’s projects, sports coaching and charity work.
One of the principal projects for 2009 is the Chernobyl Children’s Project International. On the June Bank Holiday Weekend, Students and Staff from the Garda College will engage in a series of activities to raise money for the Chernobyl Children’s Project. These include:-
1) On Saturday, 30th May 2009, 50 Students and Staff abseiling down Ireland’s tallest building, the Elysian Tower, Cork. This event will commence at 9 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m. A number of celebrities, including Ali Hewson and Pat Falvey will also participate.
2) Four Garda boats will compete in the Ocean to City Cork Harbour Race crewed by Garda College Students and Staff on Saturday also.
3) On Monday, 1st June 2009, approximately 50 Garda Students and Staff will compete in the Cork City Marathon. The participants will push a ‘Home of Hope’ in relays for the duration of the event.
The monies raised from the above events will be donated to the Chernobyl Children’s Project to purchase a ‘Garda College Home of Hope’ in Belarus. Following this, it is hoped that the Home of Hope purchased can be outfitted by a Garda team in 2010.
Other projects at planning stage to raise funds include:-
Ø An attempt to break the world record for a one million metre row. The record is currently 72 hrs 15 mins – the Garda College propose to achieve 71 hrs 45 mins for this event.
Ø An attempt at a world record for indoor skiing.
Ø A marathon mountain bike event.
The ultimate purpose of this project is twofold –
(1) to raise the awareness amongst Student Gardai of the need to work at community engagement activities, and
(2) to raise funds to help those less fortunate than ourselves.
The Chief Superintendent in charge of the Garda College Jack Nolan stated -
“ This project is a practical demonstration of An Garda Siochana’s commitment to working with the community and also helps to develop an understanding among student Gardai of the need to engage with their local communities. I wish to acknowledge the efforts of all the Garda College students and staff, the event organisers, the Chernobyl Children’s Project, Mr. Michael. O’Flynn and all our various sponsors.”
There is a scheduled photo shoot and press briefing outside at the Elysian Building for 11.30am on Sat 30/05/2009.
Garda Press & Public Relations Office,
17.25 Hrs 28th May, 2009.
