The Game of Three Halves is a unique sporting initiative that brings young people from different community backgrounds together.
This initiative is organised jointly between Ulster GAA, Ulster Rugby and The Irish FA promoting Gaelic games, rugby and football.
Some sports are traditionally associated with predominantly one side of the community and it is common that young people do not get an opportunity to try out different sports, either in a school or club setting.
The success of the Game of Three Halves is that it not only provides new sporting opportunities for young people, but it brings people from different sides of the community together at the same time.
Therefore, we will have children from the Protestant/Unionist tradition, children from the Catholic/ Nationalist tradition and children from ethnic minorities backgrounds all coming together to mix and engage through sport.
The children are first of all mixed randomly with other schools or clubs and then introduced to the skills of the sports by professional coaches from the three sports organisations. Once they have a basic grasp of the skills, rules and health and safety aspects of each game they play a game which consists of a period of Gaelic Games, a period of rugby and a period of football. Hence the name ‘Game of Three Halves’.
Evidence has shown that sport is a great way of breaking down societal barriers and through this initiative young people get to know other children of the same age from different schools or clubs. They get to play as a team and experience new sports in a fun relaxed and safe environment.
The Games of Three Halves is coordinated by the Community development Department and can be organised in a school, sports club or community setting.
For further information contact Proinsias O’Kane proinsias.okane.ulster@gaa.ie
