Countdown begins to start of Winter Games

All areas are now in possession of their Winter Games panel forms (Badminton, Chess, Draughts, Indoor Soccer, Table Tennis etc.). Areas have been holding practice sessions over the winter months and have now selected their teams, which they should now fill out and return on or before the 12th January to the County Secretary in order that they will be entered in the draw which will be made immediately. Only panel forms received on this date will be accepted and areas are reminded that late entries will NOT be accepted (no matter what the excuse). Because of time restrictions, county winning teams in the above events must be registered with Leinster by 12th February, so team managers will appreciate the importance of getting the games played early and by the dates that will be set out on the fixture list that will be drawn up on 12th of January. Panel Forms Areas who did not receive a panel form for an activity they wish to compete in, i.e. badminton, choir, projects, table tennis and talent (singing, recitation, music and dance) competitions should contact the County Secretary immediately. Panel forms for art, model making, basketball and all of the summer team games will be sent out shortly, Is Your Area Affiliation? All Areas must now be registered. While the vast majority of Areas have now affiliated and paid their insurance, here are still a small number who have held their local AGM's, but have not sent in their forms and fees (plus any outstanding monies). These Areas are reminded that, in order to comply with the National Rules, every area must be affiliated immediately in order to take part in the Games. New and Lapsed Areas As another year of fun and games begins, Westmeath Community Games would like to hear from Areas that have lapsed over the last couple of years, Rosemount, Rathowen, Milltownpass, St. Patrick's and St. Colman's. There are large numbers of children living in each of these areas who would benefit greatly by taking part in healthy sporting activities of their choice, if only their parents would give a little of their time to organise just some of the many activities Community Games have to offer. If you live in any of the above Areas, then please contact Brid at 087 2584691 or 087 7755984 where a meeting can be arranged and every possible assistance will be given to help these areas get up and running for the coming year. Please make that phone call today, don't leave it for someone else to do. Dates For Your 2010 Diary National Area Awards - Saturday, 9th January in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. Boys U-13 & U-15 Indoor Soccer Blitz - Sunday, 7th Feb. in Mullingar. Girls U-13 & U-15 Indoor Soccer Blitz - Sunday, 14th Feb. in Mullingar. Closing date for winter programme teams to County is 12th January and for Leinster, the 12th February. National A.G.M. - Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 26th, 27th, 28th February. Summer Team Games - Closing date 16th March. Closing date for Quiz, Culture Corner, Projects, Singing, Dancing, etc. - March 31st. County Quiz Final - (Provisional) Friday, 2nd April. Swimming - Closing date 31st March (County Final to be arranged.) Art & Model Making - Closing date 31st March. County Final (Provisional) Saturday, 17th April) Gymnastics - Closing date - 31st. March. County Final to be announced. First Rounds - 1st to 8th March. Second Round - 11th to 18th March. Semi-finals and finals - Sunday, 28th March in Carlow. First Weekend in Athlone A.I.T. - Fri., Sat., Sun. 28th to 30th May. Closing date for summer programme teams to Leinster is the 15th May. First Rounds - 3rd to 10th June. Second Round - 17th to 24th June. Semi-finals and finals - Saturday, 10th July in Carlow. Athletic County Finals - (Provisional) Sunday, 13th June. Field Events Monday, 14th June. Closing date for entries, Saturday, 31st May. National Finals in Athlone A.I.T. - 2nd Weekend - August 13th/15th. Third Weekend - August 20th / 22nd. Copy of BIRTH/BAPTISMAL CERTS - should accompany panel forms. Only panel forms properly filled out and received by the closing date will be accepted - No Late Entries. Dates Subject To Change - areas will be notified of same. Project Titles 2010 The following are the project titles for 2010: Under-11 - Does Sport Encourage 'Fair Play' or 'Foul Play'? Under-13 - 'Substance Use and Abuse in Sport. Under-16 - 'Does Sport Unite or Divide our Community, Country and World'? Panel forms for the above events consists of teams of four, boys, four girls, mixed. Progressive 25 Thanks to all who support the weekly card game in the Community Games Centre, Mullingar Business Par, during the past year. The first meeting of the new year will take place on Monday, 11th January, at 9pm.