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Study Abroad

Belfast, Northern Ireland

November 26, 2019

Lasell students with school children

Today started off a little rough when we missed our metro-transit bus to the Dundonald Ice Bowl, one of two ice rinks on the entire Isle of Ireland. The rink is located in a suburb of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Luckily, we bounced back quickly and arrive on time to set up for our planned activities with the local public-school kids! My classmates and I planned a dynamic warm-up to kick off the session, followed by four stations of "fun" physical activities. We ran four distinct 45-minute sessions, for four different local schools as part of a community service event.

In total we worked with over 200 children ranging in age from 4-10. The event was a HUGE success! We were well organized and prepared, while the children were engaged and having a blast. Each of us were able to lead different stations where we taught the children the importance of staying active (also having a lot of fun along the way!). It was very rewarding to us all to see our semester-long planning come to fruition and all the children's smiles! The activity sessions took place from 10am-2pm. 

After the hard work was done, we all got to let loose a little and go bowling! We had a great time while taking part in a little competition to see who the best bowl is in the group. Grace won!!!

To finish off the day, students got to explore the city, which included going to the Christmas Market at City Hall and eating at local restaurants! We had a wonderful day.  

Keep a look out for the next day in our journey tomorrow at the SSE Arena — Home of the Belfast Giants Professional Ice Hockey team and host site for the Friendship Four Hockey Tournament. We will also have a morning of Academic Lectures from Ulster University faculty and our very own Dean Cris Haverty and Professor Ron Laham. 

Community service activities at Dundonald Ice Bowl with elementary school-age students 
Lasell students teach hockey

Community service activities at Dundonald Ice Bowl with elementary school-age students

Community service activities at Dundonald Ice Bowl