26/06/2006 -
Sligo County Council in co-operation with Sligo Borough Council recently held a county awards night to select five groups to represent Sligo town and county in the Co-operation All-Ireland Pride of Place Competition.
Pride of Place is a regional / area specific competition which celebrates and showcases community group activities and contributions to society. The focus is on people coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their local area. Too often, the tremendous time and effort that people put into community activities on a purely voluntary basis is overlooked. This competition is unique in that it recognises and rewards people for their vital contributions to their local community.
The five groups selected to represent Sligo in this prestigious competition are:
This year a special category was introduced to honour communities involved in the development of initiatives in an innovative and participative manner – this year Easkey Community were selected. They are involved in an educational project that focuses efforts and resources in enhancing the quality of life, equality of opportunity and aims to promote full community participation in a unique way.
In the last two years, Sligo has been successful in winning two national awards; Riverstown Enterprise Development (Sligo) Ltd was an overall category winner in 2004 and last year, the community of Cranmore won a special endeavour award for its work in Outstanding Estate Management.
Judging for the National competition will take place on Monday 3rd July 2006 starting in Cranmore at 9.30 am followed by Easkey at 1.00 pm and Enniscrone at 3.30pm. On Tuesday the 4th July the judging will start in Coolaney at 9.30 am and finally heading for Aclare for 1.30 pm. An itinerary of two hours duration is currently being prepared by each community for the area visits which will give groups the opportunity to showcase the tremendous work and community driven activities which have evoked civic pride in the area. Unlike other competitions, judging for this competition is a very visible and community orientated event and therefore the active support and assistance of people living and working in these areas would be appreciated.
The overall winners will be announced at a special ceremony in October held in Carlow and we wish all the participants the best of luck in their endeavours.