Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

South Armagh GAA clubs donate kits to South African children

Published: 15 September, 2009

South Armagh GAA clubs have donated hundreds of jerseys as well as football boots and footballs to underprivileged children in South Africa through ASSA (African School Sports Association).

Commending the generosity of the local clubs Sinn Féin councillor Anthony Flynn said,

"I want to commend the work of the local GAA clubs in South Armagh who have come together to donate to this worthy cause.

"For many children throughout Africa, there is limited or no access to basic sports equipment facilities. These children and youth who are socially and economically deprived, are at risk to influences of crime regimes, leading to much unnecessary pain and misery.

"The work of organisations such as ASSA is hugely important in bettering the lives of children in South Africa and across the African continent.

"ASSA president Patrick Maphoso also gave a presentation to the Armagh County Board yesterday evening and outlined the importance of supporting this cause.

"I understand that he received a warm welcome from representatives of the 45 clubs in Armagh and we are hopeful that more equipment will be donated shortly."

Outlining the work of ASSA Patrick Maphoso said;

"I established the Irish Branch of the African Schools Sports Association (ASSA) in 2007 as part of the struggle for a fairer and more equal society that I have been part of since childhood.

"ASSA provides sporting equipment and the full range of sporting gear for as many primary and secondary African schools as resources allow, to facilitate underprivileged African children and to allow them to participate in School Tournaments.

"The efforts of these children are rewarded and encouraged by the awarding of trophies and medals in various categories.

"Sport throughout the world is known to be a very important part of every child's upbringing, well being and direction in life.

"Similarly by enabling these African children to participate in sport it is limiting their risk of ending up on the streets and being force into prostitution, drugs and perhaps falling under the masters of ambush and disorder.

"Funds are urgently needed to expand the tournaments to include as many schools as possible throughout Africa.

"The 2010 World Cup will be in South Africa and ASSA wants to have as many African children as possible playing and understanding the skills and rules to enable them to relish the occasion.

"We intend to bring two school teams from Ireland this year to compete in the tournament leading up to the World Cup 2010.

"For further information please email assa.irl@gmail.com or visit www.assaireland.org

"Many thanks for the kind support of the people of South Armagh."