The village of Camross and SVT Activity and Wellness Hub are representing Laois in the 2023 All Island Pride of Place Competition, with judging commencing this week.
Camross is competing in the ‘Population under 500’ category, while SVT Activity and Wellness Hub in the Community Wellness Category.
The competition gives communities across Ireland, the opportunity to display how proud they are to live in, work in, and take care of their own local areas.
It is a wonderful opportunity to recognise initiatives taken by local communities and to celebrate the vital contribution that they make to society.
The judges will visit Camross between 2.00pm and 5.00pm on Wednesday, July 19.
Camross village sits at the foothill of the Slieve Bloom Mountains and is identifiable through its beautiful forestry, countryside and farms in addition to strong cultural and sporting aspects such as Comhaltas and Gaelic games.
Camross used their Community Development Plan 2019 to inform an extensive Village Regeneration Project, where recreational and quality of life services were placed to the fore.
The judges will view “The Hub”, a multipurpose recreational building providing a gym, industrial kitchen, training and remote working facilities.
They will continue their visit to the Community Park, a 4.2-acre sports and recreational facility including a 600m looped walkway meandering alongside a pristine river habitat with Outdoor Classroom, Community Garden, and extensive biodiversity features.
Meanwhile preparations are underway in Stradbally and Vicarstown, where the judges will visit between 10.00am and 1.00pm on Thursday 20th July, to experience the SVT Activity and Wellness Hub, which was established in 2015.
The aim of the SVT Hub is to improve the general health and wellbeing of the community of Stradbally, Vicarstown and Timahoe, through wellbeing initiatives and physical activities.
Vicarstown has emerged as a Hub of diverse activities and initiatives including a Natural Play Trail, summer activity camps such as Parks Tennis, older adults and retirees attending Tai Chi and Yoga classes, adults and children participating in the two weekly Park Runs, Canoeing and Kayaking and weekly cycles for both physical and mental health and wellness.
The Barrow Blueway adds another attractive element, where people can now come from further afield to experience these activities.
The judges will commence their visit with a presentation in the Stradbally Library and Arthouse, will visit some of the natural backdrops for several outdoor activities including heritage walks, cycle routes at Oughaval woods and see the peace and tranquillity that can be enjoyed there.
The itinerary includes Park Tennis in Vicarstown and finishes with an exciting showcase on the banks of the Canal at Vicarstown.
SEE ALSO – Talking Sport Podcast: 10 minutes on Camross
