Are you a Sports Volunteer?
Tell the Irish Sports Council what you think as part of a study of sports volunteers working with children and you could WIN one of three vouchers for Champion Sports worth €100. You can also WIN your club an amazing prize of a training camp for 20 people for two nights B&B with one evening meal and access to state of the art training facilities at Breaffy International Sports Hotel.
For more information, please go to www.irishsportscouncil.ie/Research/Current_Projects
Thu, 07 May 2009 14:16:00 BST
Annual Report 2008
A major drive to promote Adventure Sports in Mayo is to be launched this year by Mayo Sports Partnership. This initiative comes on the back of an action contained in the Mayo Sports Partnerships strategic plan 2006 - 2009 and is backed by key partners on the Sports Partnerships board. Members of the board include Mayo VEC, GMIT, Mayo County Council, FAS and the Mayo Education Centre who are already involved in this promotion. At the tail end of 2008 a thorough consultation process which involved public meetings and submissions by interested parties took place and a draft plan has been prepared. The input by agencies such as the aforementioned and other partners such as Failte Ireland, Leader Companies, Local Adventure Centres, National Governing Bodies and private organisations highlight the co-operation which is happening locally to bring the adventure sports agenda forward.
Mr Pat Stanton-Chairman of Mayo Sports Partnership stressed the importance of the promotion of adventure sports in his presentation of the Partnerships Annual Report 2008. “ It would be our hope that adventure sports would become available at a community level and information on events / training would become more widely accessible. This would have benefits for local tourism as well.” Mr Stanton stated.
Mr Stanton also particularly acknowleged the ongoing work of the Sports Inclusion Disability Officer and the Community Sports Project Worker noting the huge amount of work done in disadvantaged areas. The Partnership also aims to hold an evening seminar on the topic of Sports Facility Development and Usage ‘A Partnership Approach’ during March. A number of guest speakers will talk on best practice in the area and advise on sustainable approaches to future sports facility development. He also praised Mayo County Council and County Manager, Mr Des Mahon, for hosting the Partnership and providing it with key resources in order to carry out its work during this challenging environment.
Other Significant Achievements Included
§ Launching of the ‘Building Communities through Sport and Recreation Project’ .Programme of activities now up and running in 3 pilot areas ie Erris, Ballyhaunis and Balla.
§ The development and implementation of Phase 1 and 2 of the very successful ‘Be Active 55’ Older peoples project in leisure centres in partnership with Go for Life, Leisure Centres and the company seven seas.
§ Hosting of a very successful ‘Erris Festival of Sport’ in Oct 2008 which included a team adventure course challenge, activities for young people and older people as well as a day for activities for people with a disability. 248 participants attended over this two day event.
§ Co-hosting of a very successful seminar by legendary Athletics Olympics coach from America Mr John McDonnell on 19Nov08, over 130 people attended.
§ Successful and significant contributions to projects, either financially or in kind, by partner organisations such as H.S.E. West, Mayo VEC, Udarás, Mayo County Council, G.M.I.T., County Childcare Committee, Disability Organisations and N.G.B.s
§ Review document published utilising the SPEAK monitoring and evaluation software package commissioned by the Irish Sports Council
§ 22 activity projects were funded through our Special Participation Grant Scheme. 8 other activity projects were funded from the Mayo County Councils Disability Strategic Plan funding.
§ Further expansion of the Women in Sport projects through Active Women Project 2008 and the Mayo in Motion Walking Month in partnership with Anna Connor the walking officer.
§ 100% delivery of Buntús Generic Programme for National School teachers. with successful follow-on of sports specific modules and have started retraining for new teachers/refresher course.
§ The Sports Partnership contribution towards GMITs Orienteering Initiative in Moore Hall which provided participation opportunities for schools.
§ Development and launch of a strategy for involvement of people with a disability in sport and recreation this year.
§ Completion of a very comprehensive volunteer training programme in 2008.
Looking ahead to 2009, Mr Stanton said “Going forward the current economic environment will provide many challenges for us but with people having more time on their hands will also provide many opportunities for participation in sport and other community activities. We will continue to provide quality participation opportunities for all evidence of these type of opportunities are contained in this annual report and much credit must go to the Sports Co-ordinator Charlie Lambert and his staff. Many challenges lie ahead but continued co-operation by all stakeholders in the county will meet these demands into the future.”
The Sports Partnership is situated at the Cedar Building ( Beside Roadstone) Moneen, Castlebar however if you need more information contact the Partnership at 094-9047025 or e-mail msp@mayococo.ie
Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:17:00 GMT
Mayo in Motion Walks Publicised
Following on from last years successful Mayo in Motion Walking Month, which approximately 20 communities participated in, the Mayo Sports Partnership is aiming to promote walking throughout the county again this year. As well as Mayo County Council and other stakeholders this project has the backing of the Irish Sports Council and is part funded under the councils “Women in Sport” programme.
This years walks have been just announced and are available by downloading here
With the fantastic development of Waymarked Ways, loop walks and Slí na Slainte routes throughout the county under the direction of Mayo County Councils Walking Officer Anna Connor there is ample opportunities to get out there to develop a healthy and active lifestyle.
Mayo in Motion Walking Challenge
If you are not interested in taking part in an organised walk but walk in your own spare time then you too can become involved in the initiative. The Mayo in Motion Walking Challenge involves completing 120 minutes of walking each week throughout the month of June. You simply complete the challenge card each week and on completion you return it to the Partnership. The office will then forward a certificate and t-shirt to each participant. The challenge is self monitoring and is based on the participant challenging themselves over the four week period.
“ The beauty about the challenge is that everybody can participate at their leisure. Nowadays people are on shift work or have a lot of other things in their lives which draws on their time. This challenge is just for the month of June and may focus peoples minds on walking and its benefits” says Mayo Sports Partnership Sports Co-ordinator Charlie Lambert.
To obtain the details of the challenge simply contact the office at 094-9047025 to.
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Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:34:00 BSTWESTPORT GEARING UP FOR SPORTS FESTIVAL
With two weeks to go preparations are in full swing for the Westport Festival of Sport Fun Day, which is to be held in conjunction with the Gaelforce adventure race weekend Sunday 23rd August 1pm – 5pm centred around the Mall area in Westport. To see the full timetable of events and location click here
The event, coordinated by the Mayo Sports Partnership, promises to be full of fun activities such as the family sports challenge (incorporating 12 different sports), water sports, traditional games, bouncy castle/fun inflatable’s, walking challenges, street orienteering, inclusive games, a 5K Fun Run / Walk and the 4th Annual Mayo Team Challenge. To see poster click here
Speaking about the event newly elected Caitheoirleach of Westport Town Council and Festival of Sport organising committee member Cllr. Myles Staunton stated
“The day aims to showcase Westport as an active town providing opportunities for people of all age/ability to participate in a fun and cost free event”
“Many local sports organisations including GAA, soccer, rugby, golf, tennis, camogie, cycling, boxing, road bowling, water sports including canoeing, sailing etc are coming together to provide a come and try it challenge to all. All sports organisations deserve to be commended for their great community work and I would appeal for all local clubs to become involved on the day” Cllr Staunton went on to say.
It is hoped that some well known sports personalities from the soccer, GAA & rugby world will be in attendance and try out some of the challenges. Many organisations including Westport Town Council, Mayo County Council, Mayo Sports Partnership, Irish Sports Council, Failte Ireland, Chamber of Commerce, Gardaí, Mayo VEC, GMIT, Mayo Water Safety Committee, Family Resource Centre, Local Sports Organisations and many others are pooling resources in an effort to make this day a success. Many local businesses are also providing much needed support on the day.
“The support has been tremendous from all sides and on behalf of the committee I would like to thank everyone we approached. In the current climate its all about making an event sustainable and mainly cost free.” commented Mayo Sports Partnership co-ordinator and committee member Charlie Lambert.
In a further boost to the day the festival organisers were the lucky winners of a free, live, nationwide broadcast for their community event thanks to RTĒ 2fm and Kellogg’s Let’s Get Active campaign which takes place throughout the month of August.. Celebrity DJ Larry Gogan will be booming out the hits from 2pm – 5pm.
Jim McNeill, Managing Director, Kellogg’s said, “We’ve teamed up with RTĒ 2fm again this year as part of our Let’s Get Active campaign following a roaring success last year. This year is going to be even bigger and better with fun, exciting events such as the Westport Festival of Sport Fun Day. We hope everyone has a really enjoyable day out.”
So pencil in Sunday afternoon 1pm – 5pm Sunday 23rd August on the South Mall Westport for an unforgettable experience. For further information on how to enter any of the above events or on the day in general contact Mayo Sports Partnership at 094 9047025
The public are asked to note that both sides of the mall from Mc Greevys and O Gradys to the Fairgreen will be closed to traffic from 8am to 6pm on Sunday 23rd August to facilitate the activities of the festival. The committee requests that members of the public would refrain from parking their cars on both sides of the mall the night before to ensure easy set up the following day.
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:09:00 BSTIrish Sports Council Publishes Irish Sports Monitor Report 2008
· Active Participation in sport fell to 30.8% in 2008, from 32.9% in 2007
· Evidence strongly suggests that the fall was caused by the recession
· Headline rates of volunteering (7.8%) and club membership (32.4%) held up in 2008
· Attendance at sporting events fell significantly (16.7% to 15%)
· Swimming overtook personal exercise activities as the number one sporting activit
The second annual Irish Sports Monitor report, for the year 2008, was published by the Irish Sports Council today, December 18. The report, written by the Economic and Social Research institute on behalf of the Council, directly compares adult participation in sport and physical activity with 2007 baseline information, included in the first Monitor report published in February this year. To see the full report please click here Sports Monitor Report 2008
The 2008 report reveals a significant drop of 2% in active participation in sport among adults, from 32.9% to 30.8%, equivalent to 1 in 16 participants in 2007 no longer participating in 2008. This drop in sports participation was somewhat offset by increases in physical activity associated with walking and cycling for transport.
The evidence very strongly suggests that the recession was behind the drop in active participation. The decline was concentrated among lower income households. The sharpest fall also coincided with the steep drop in consumer spending that occurred in early 2008. And the hardest hit activities were individual sports such as golf and exercise activities (e.g. using the gym), which tend to be more expensive.
The Monitor picked up a rise in participation among the unemployed and self employed towards the end of 2008. This suggests that these groups used additional free time to play sport. That said, the fall in participation fell disproportionately on young men of lower income with the consequent loss of associated health benefits.
As the Monitor project progresses, it is building up a wealth of new data on Irish sport. For example, the Monitor provides a breakdown on participation by geographic region. It is noteworthy that the Midlands region has the lowest level of participation due to low engagement with individual sports and despite high participation in team sports. The results by county are similar to 2007, with adults in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown demonstrating the highest likelihood of participation and those in Westmeath the lowest.
Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:22:00 GMT
A new timetable of training and events has just been announced by the Partnerships office. They include volunteer training, funding workshops and networking seminars.
To apply for a course just check out our Courses and Events (Events Calendar) section where you can download an application and forward with payment, if applicable, to our office as early as possible.
To view the list of whats available click here .
For more information on courses contact the office by email: msp@mayococo.ie by phone 094 9047025.
Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:45:00 GMTILAM have just announced a new GP Exercise Referral National Training Course which will start in February 2010.
The GP Exercise Referral Programme is a 12 week programme to help patients to develop a more physically active lifestyle.
If you are a suitably qualifed gym instructor looking to offer this course in your area please contact ILAM for futher information on this course info@ilam.ie visit www.gpexercisereferral.ie
Please note application deadline is 22nd January 2010
See attachments for futher information: GP Exercise Referral Course flyer 2010
Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:55:00 GMTLatest Edition of Sports Partnership Newsletter
Please click here Newsletter Issue 9 Autumn 2009 for all the latest activities, projects, programmes and training courses for the Mayo Sports Partnership. For more information on any of the articles etc please contact the office at 094-9047025
Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:22:00 BSTAll 3 Presentations Now Available
We are pleased to announce that the presentations of the recent Lucozade Sport Education Seminars titled Fluid and Fuel for sport, planning and get fit for sport and the female athlete are now available. Please click on these links
Workshop 1 Fuel and Fluid in Sport
Workshop 2 Planning and Get Fit for Sport
Workshop 3 The Female Athlete
For more information contact the Partnerships office at 094-9047025.
Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:11:00 GMT‘Preparing for Success in Sport’
As part of a full programme of Workshops entitled ‘Preparing for Success in Sport 3’ Mayo Sports Partnership is pleased to announce a series of Lucozade Sport Educational workshops which will take place at the Breaffy GAA ClubHouse in October and November 2009.
Below is an outline of the upcoming workshops
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Breaffy GAA Clubhouse, Breaffy, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Price: €10 per workshops. Book all 3 for just €25
Workshop 1
Monday 12th October: Fuel & Fluid (nutrition & hydration)
Workshop 2
Monday 9th November: Get fit for sport & planning for success
Workshop 3
Monday 23rd November: The Female Athlete
These workshops are aimed at all those with an interest in the development of sport and recreation including: sports clubs, community groups/organizations, agencies, schools, coaches, athletes, parents, and individuals.
To book a place: download an application form here Lucozade Sports Programme or for further information contact Anne on 094-9047022,
Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:05:00 BSTMeet and Train / Fit4Life Groups in Mayo
Are you Over 18 and interested in becoming part of a ‘Meet and Train’ Group?
If you are interested in getting fitter in a fun and relaxed atmosphere then this programme is for you.
Features of the programme are:
Leaders will organise group walks/jogs/runs on a weekly basisAn opportunity to exercise with others in a fun and sociable environmentAdvice on fitness topics and healthy lifestyle tipsThe meet and train is suitable for beginners, walkers, joggers through to regular runners. The programme will run initially for 6 weeks and the cost is €25.00. This cost is to cover insurance and covers the participant for the full year.
Now available at
Ballina Athletic Track Beleek Every Thursday Time: 7pm-8pm
Claremorris Athletic Track Racecourse Every Thursday Time: 8pm-9pm
(7.30pm from Oct 5th)
Breaffy GAA Grounds Castlebar Every Monday Time: 7.30pm
Castlebar Athletic Track St Marys Hosp (back in use in October as track is being drained)
Swinford Amenity Park Every Tuesday Time: 7-8pm
Every Sunday Time: 12-1pm
Swinford Community Centre Every Friday Time: 7-8pm
Westport Athletic Track Horkans Hill Every Tuesday Time: 7.30pm
For more information contact Anne Ronayne Mayo Sports Partnership at 094-9047022
Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:09:00 BST
National Volunteer Awards
The 2009 National Awards to Volunteers in Irish Sport is an initiative of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Sports which represents some 68 sports in Ireland. The scheme is being supported by Setanta Sports and the Irish Sports Council.The awards will honour eleven individuals who are representative of the 400,000 people who volunteer their time and effort to sport in Ireland each year through their involvement with sports clubs and organisations throughout the country. The first programme of National Awards to Volunteers in Sport was successfully held in 2007. The award winners will be selected by a committee chaired by Olympic gold medal winner Ronnie Delany and awards will be presented by the Minister at a ceremony in January 2010.
Speaking at the launch Minister Cullen said "Sport at every level in Ireland could not exist without the efforts of the many volunteers who give their time freely to encourage people to become involved in sport and nurture them through the important formative years of their sporting careers. In an age where time and community spirit are both valuable commodities, the commitment, generosity and contribution of these volunteers to our communities and society deserve recognition."Minister Cullen added "The 2009 National Awards to Volunteers in Irish Sport aims to recognise those men and women that undoubtedly helped every successful Irish athlete take the first steps to what is often a glittering career. This is epitomised by the five sports stars that have joined me today to launch the scheme."
Also speaking at the launch of the scheme, Sarah O'Connor, executive director of the Federation of Irish Sports said "Ireland has a proud history of volunteers in sport at all levels and this should be recognised. I believe it is not overstating the case to say that none of todays Irish sporting heroes who bring such honour to the country would ever have had the opportunity to fully develop if it were not for the volunteers in Irish sport. While we obviously have many professional coaches and administrators at the highest level we should also remember the many volunteers who still give freely of their time at all levels of Irish sport to ensure we all have the opportunity to participate in sport."Nominations for the awards can be made by individuals or clubs on-line at www.volunteersinsport.ie which includes full guidelines and details on the 2009 awards.
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:19:00 BST Child Protection in Sport, Sports First Aid, Sports Leadership Training and Disability Awareness Training are just some of the upcoming sports volunteer training courses which will be available through the Partnership over the coming months. Also included in the comprehensive schedule are some primary school and pre-school teacher training in the Buntús Programme which has proven to be a tremendous success throughout the county. All courses are subsidized by the Partnership and more details can be got by clicking here . For disability related training courses please click here
A full list of disability programmes can be got by clicking here . For more information contact the office at 094-9047025
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:58:00 BSTMayo Sports Partnership has complied this directory, click on this link, as a source of information for those wishing to make contact with organisers of Sports Camps around Mayo. Inclusion in this directory is not an indicator of the quality or value of the camp. All camps listed are independently run and all related queries should be directed to the camp contact as listed. The listed camps are those who we are aware of at this moment and time. If there are any others who would like to be included on our web based directory at www.mayosports.ie please contact us at 094-9047025 or e-mail us the details to msp@mayococo.ie. Click on this link to obtain information for parents on their childrens involvement in sport Parents Guide to Sport and Summer Camps
Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:47:00 BST
Meet and Train
Mayo Sports Partnership in association with Mayo Athletic Club and Athletics Ireland are happy to announce the start of Fit4Life Groups in Claremorris and Ballina and Swinford.
· In South Mayo, the Mayo Athletic Club is launching their ‘meet and train’ group on Wednesday Feb 11th at 7.30pm in Claremorris Track.
For further information about this programme Contact Michael after 7pm on 086-8534729 or Brendan Conwell on 087-2941227
· In North Mayo, the Ballina Athletic Club is launching their ‘meet and train’ group on Wednesday Feb 11th at 7pm in Belleek Track.
For further information about this programme Contact Michelle on 086-4180159 or Liz on 087-2419309
· In East Mayo, the Swinford Athletic Club have launched their program and ‘meet n train’ sessions are on every Tuesday evenings at 8pm
For further information Contact Michael on 086-8196511
Here is a chance for recreational runners to come along and enjoy training sessions in a fun and sociable way.
Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:26:00 GMT
