John Treacy launches Sports Partnership Plan for Mayo
The future of sport development in Mayo was mapped out at a well attended launch of Mayo Sports Partnerships Strategic Plan last Wednesday night in Breaffy House Hotel in Castlebar. The plan, which comes 18 months after extensive consultation, gives a clear vision to the way forward under the four work areas of;
1. Increasing Participation
2. Education and Training
3. Facilities & Amenities
4. Communication & Co-ordination
Under each work area there are a set of achievable and realistic objectives which are proposed to be delivered along with partner agencies on the Board. A two year implementation plan for 06 / 07 describes the actions which will take place under each objective.
Welcoming Mr John Treacy to Mayo, Pat Stanton Chairman of Mayo Sports Partnership emphasised that the plan was designed bearing in mind the resources which were available. Actions which are realistic and achievable, not pie in the sky, is what the plan is about, he stated. Mr Stanton went on to compliment the Irish Sports Council and Mayo County Council for their assistance and support to date for the Partnership. He also thanked all the volunteers, groups, organisations etc for their contribution to the plan and to Breaffy House for sponsoring the event. The hotel was also wished best wishes in its superb sports facilities development which is due to be completed in the Autumn.
Olympic Silver Medalist and CEO of the Irish Sports Council, Mr John Treacy, outlined the necessity of the Sports Partnership model as a useful vehicle to further the ethos of greater participation for all. Mr Treacy complimented the partnership on its work in devising the strategy and on its good work to date in co-ordinating key programmes on the ground. He also stressed the need for buy in to the plan from key agencies and organisations in the county so that the outcomes can be delivered.
Mayo Sports Partnership Board was established in November 2005 and is made up of 16 representatives from Local Agencies, the Sports Forum and County Community Forum. A full-time Sports Co-ordinator, Charlie Lambert, and Administrator, Andrea McVeigh, are employed by Mayo County Council on behalf of the partnership. The Partnership is funded by the Irish Sports Council and locally it is under the wing of the County Development Board. The aim of the Sports Partnership is to increase participation in sport and maximise the use of resources on the ground.
Its three main functions are:
1. Provide Information – A one stop shop for sport in the county
2. Quality Training & Education – For sports volunteers, teachers etc
3. Implementing the Strategic Plan for Mayo
A team of part-time tutors are employed to deliver key programmes on the ground, such as the Buntús programme in primary and pre-schools, Code of Ethics and Best Practice in sport workshops and Sports for All Leader training.
Other speakers on the night included Mr Gerry Coyle, Chairperson of Mayo County Council, Paddy McGuinness, Chairperson of Mayo County Development Board and Charlie Lambert, Sports Co-ordinator for Mayo Sports Partnership.
Charlie Lambert Sports Co-ordinator,
Mayo Sports Partnership,
Mayo County Council,
Castlebar
Tel: 094 9047025 / 9047256
Email: msp@mayococo.ie
