Donegal Sports Partnership hosted its Play and Connect celebration event at Aura Leisure Centre in Letterkenny, bringing together pupils and teachers from six participating primary schools for a shared day of play, movement and connection.
The schools involved were St Mary’s NS, Castlefin, Robertson NS, Stranorlar, Moyle NS, Newtowncunningham, Scoil Cholmcille, Newtowncunningham, St Eunan’s NS, Laghey, and Glebe NS, Donegal Town.
The event marked an important milestone in the Active Play Programme, a teacher-led initiative supported by Donegal Sports Partnership since the start of the 2025/2026 school year.
Through the programme, teachers received training and resources to deliver fun, inclusive and accessible play sessions within their own school communities.
Having fun at the Play and Connect event at the Aura Leisure Centre
Schools from similar regional areas had already come together for shared play sessions, but the celebration event at Aura Leisure Centre was the first time all six participating schools came together in one venue.
Activities on the day included inclusive games using simple play equipment such as cones, hula-hoops and activity-based challenges, showing how active play can be delivered in a practical, enjoyable and inclusive way within schools.
The event was supported by students from the Atlantic Technological University Sports Science course, who helped deliver activities and support pupils throughout the day.
Declan Boyle, CEO, Donegal Sports Partnership, said: “The Play and Connect programme highlights the value of inclusive opportunities for children to be active together, build friendships, and support integration in a fun and welcoming environment.
“We are delighted to see the enthusiasm from children, teachers, and school communities, and we look forward
to continuing this programme of work as part of our commitment to Inspiring an Active Donegal.”
Danny Gillespie, Play and Connect Coordinator with Donegal Sports Partnership, said: “Our Play and Connect programme is about building cross-community connections, so bringing the six Donegal schools together for this celebration event was a great success.
“With the support of ATU lecturers and sports students, the children enjoyed a fun and inclusive day of activity.
“We are already looking forward to year two, when three schools from Northern Ireland will join the programme”
This project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.
For more information, visit www.activedonegal.com.