On 4 April, the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) officially launched its sponsorship of equipment for Cumann na mBunscoil. The NEWB is the agency responsible for encouraging children to attend school; Cumann na mBunscol is the largest sports organisation for primary school children. If children take part in school sporting activities they are less likely to miss out on their education, according to Eddie Ward, CEO of the NEWB. Sport can provide children with an enjoyable reason to attend school, it can enrich the quality of their lives and help build a strong circle of friends, as well as helping them to grow and develop personally, socially, emotionally and physically, Mr Ward said. The initiative was launched by Brian Lenihan, Minister for Children. He was joined by GAA stars Chas Fitzpatrick, voted the Young Hurler of the Year in 2006; Ronan Curran, All Star champion and one of the top hurlers of the 2006 campaign; All Star Camogie and Ladies Football champion Rena Buckley; and Liz Howard, President of the Camogie Association. 'There is a strong connection between participation at every level of school life and attendance. If students participate in sports at school, they are more likely to enjoy their time at school, develop good relationships, learn better and want to attend school more,' Eddie Ward said. 'Learning through sport can be fun. Learning to compete, being part of team, coping with success and disappointment and being physically active are all essential elements of every young person's overall development. Sport helps children for life. 'A recent survey conducted by the NEWB showed that over 54% of parents regard personal development as the most important aspect of school life, highlighting the significance parents place on the broader role school life plays in the development of their children. 'One of the purposes of the Every School Day Counts initiative is to promote regular attendance at school through sport. Promotion of sport and participation in national competitions like those organised in every county by Cumann na mBunscol helps to foster a love of school and can be a key part of an attendance strategy. 'We are very grateful to both teachers and the GAA for their hard work in building up this competition over the years. I have no doubt that playing a game of hurling or camogie has brightened up many a school day,' Mr Ward said. As part of the NEWB sponsorship, boys and girls throughout the country will be playing hurling and camogie matches with sliotars telling them that 'Every School Day Counts'. There will be an Every School Day Counts information section on the NEWB and the Cumann na mBunscol websites and the message will be promoted at regional and national finals. 'We see the benefits which sport can bring to children and young people at every practice session and every match. It is an added benefit that we can work with the NEWB to promote the message that school is about so much more than just books, and that activities like sport are often the reason why children come to school,' said Margaret Cunningham, Cathaoirleach, Cumann na mBunscol. Cumann na mBunscol Náisiúnta is now the largest sports organisation within the primary education system in Ireland. All 32 counties on the island of Ireland, and in recent years London and Birmingham, have become affiliated to Cumann na mBunscol. They have a well organised coiste promoting and organising Gaelic Games, such as boys' and girls' football, hurling and camogie, handball and rounders, for the primary schools in their counties. (Source: NEWB)