Some 5,000 children and their families are descending on Athlone in Westmeath today for the Community Games. The August event is mainly track and field as well as some team sports including camogie, gaelic football and hurling.

The HSE Community Games are in their 45th year and take place until Sunday.

Sonia O'Sullivan, Rose-Anne Galligan, Sarah Lavin, Brendan Boyce, Mark English and Sean O'Brien are just some of the past participants in the games.

"It's all about participation" - President of the HSE Community Games

Sonia O'Sullivan gave advice to the games recently when asked about encouraging children to do sport.

"I have 2 girls Ciara 14 and Sophie 11, they are both involved with sports at school and I encourage them as much as I can to take part in lots of different sports with the main focus being on having fun and being active" she said.

"They take part also in competitions as it is good to experience competition to see how you react. Competition is all around us in school and in work, it is not just limited to the playing field" she added.

Gerry Davenport is National President of the HSE Community Games.