NCBI puts new emphasis on activity for health
Release Date: Nov 6th, 2006
The importance of physical activity to the long-term health of people with sight loss was emphasised yesterday by a top Irish ophthalmologist. Professor Colm O’Brien of the UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research says that taking part in active sport and leisure pursuits can play an important role in helping people to delay or prevent the onset of many eye conditions.
Professor O’Brien was speaking at a press conference yesterday held by NCBI, and which was attended by the Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney TD, to highlight the organisation’s increased focus on supporting sport and leisure activities.
Welcoming this initiative, the Minister said she believed that steps to improve the general health of the nation was every bit as important as ensuring that the necessary services were available when needed.
NCBI provides a range of supports and services to people with sight loss and supports sporting activities through Blind Sport Ireland.
Des Kenny, Chief Executive of NCBI, said he was delighted that McInerney Homes, the country’s oldest house builder, had agreed to support its endeavours in this area. McInerney is sponsoring the Holmpatrick Cup, a national fund raising competition run in golf clubs throughout the length of breadth of Ireland, including the North, in aid of NCBI. The competition celebrates its 75th year in 2007.
Mr Kenny announced that a portion of the funds raised by the competition this year would be devoted to developing the activities of Blind Golf Ireland. “It will mean the amateur golfers will be helping to fund the development of golfers with vision impairments, a sense of purpose which we are sure will add even greater impetus to this event as it celebrates 75 years.”
Mr Jimmy Murray of Irish Blind Golf Society said he was extremely pleased to be receiving additional support, which would be used in the main to provide additional coaching and to expand the society’s membership. “With this support we would hope to be in a position in a few years time to host an international blind golf competition here in Ireland,” he said.
For further information please contact Fionnuala Murphy, communications officer with NCBI on 01 8821975 or 087 411 6925.