NEWSLETTER WINTER/SPRING 2017/18

LSP launch it’s vision for Laois 2021

As Co-ordinator of Laois Sports Partnership it is with great pleasure that we launch our fourth Strategic Plan which we look forward to implementing over the next 5 years. While the plan outlines the many functions and priorities of the LSP, our commitment to increasing participation in Sport and Physi- cal Activity remains the key outcome sought from this Strategy. We want to continue to provide quality participation opportunities which are inclusive of all ages, abilities and fitness levels. By achieving this we hope to inform, educate and enable the people of Laois to live a positive, healthy and bal- anced lifestyle. This Strategy was developed following consultation with key Stakeholders and a review of current research and trends around participation in Physical Activity. The Strategic Sub Committee was also guided by the new National Physical Activity Plan for Ireland which was launched by Healthy Ire- land in January 2016. Key to the success of Laois Sports Partnership has been the strong involvement, support and investment by our partners, agencies, stakeholders and community organisations. A partnership approach to the planning, delivering and resourcing of LSP projects and programmes has resulted in a greater impact within the communities. We also greatly value the contribution of volun- teers within sports clubs and community groups who are crucial in providing regular Physical Activity and Sporting Opportunities throughout Laois. I would like to thank the Board of Directors (past and present) and the Strategic Sub Committee for their continued support and contribution of time and effort to the workings of Laois Sports Partnership.

Thanks to C.E. John Treacy, Sport Ireland also and in particular the staff in the Participation Unit for their constant encouragement, support and advice. Thank you to Mr. Humphrey Mur- phy (ILC) for his valued support and professional con- sultation on this Plan.

Finally, I would like to thank the staff of Róisín Lawlor, Catriona Slattery, James Kelly, Majella Fennelly, our Tutors, CE Workers, TÚS workers and volunteers for their assistance in the delivery of our programmes, without whom our goals could not be met. Page 2 #LaoisActive—Promoting Sport & PA

Laois2 OTOT hosting Walk 2 OT Returns Walks 2018 for 2017 OT Walk Returns for 2017

Get Ireland Walking

NEWSLETTER WINTER/SPRING 2017/18 Page 3

Walking Groups near you!

Get Ireland Walking aims to increase the number of people walking for health and wellbe- ing. Research has shown that the benefits of walking for at least 30 minutes a day can help improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of heart disease and en- hance mental health, as well as maintaining body weight and lowering the risk of obesity. In Laois in 2017, 6 groups have been established open to everyone to join in. For further information on meeting times and venues contact the following or find them on Facebook.

Area Leader Name Contact No. Start Date Meeting Point Portarlington Donie Molloy 086 3288858 08.01.18 Park Lane Portarlington @ 6.30pm Anne Delaney 087 9067386 09.01.18 St Fintan’s Church Car Park @ 10.45am Mary Boland 086 4026321 09.01.18 Ballybrittas Church Car Park @ 9.30am Tina Furlong 086 1020431 09.01.18 MDA Car Park Mountmellick @10am Cullohill Ciara McEvoy 086 1717546 08.01.18 Cullohill Community Hall @ 7pm Ann Simpson 086 8465876 10.01.18 Harpurs Lane (beside the parochial house) Stradbally @ 10am

Laois Community Walking Leader Training

Page 4 NEWSLETTER WINTER/SPIRNG 2017/18

SVT Community Sports Hub Review

The SVT Community Sports Hub supported by Laois Sports Partner- ship through Sport Ireland Dormant Account Funding are delighted to have accomplished the following to date, since the launch of Operation Transformation Challenge in Stradbally, & areas. The Operation Transformation programme was designed as a chal- lenge for the 3 areas to see which team could lose the most combined weight loss percentage, this objective created great driving force within the communities. Collectively as a group of 18 leaders, they lost 296lbs. Not to mention the knock-on effect with their local supporters, free weigh in at local chemist is still a service be- ing utilised with over 30 people participating, one group using this service is secondary school girls. We have many success stories; one man is down 5.5 stone.

Each area continues to hold two physical activity sessions per week which are opened to all. A calendar of events projecting the year ahead has given the committee a clear picture of what we can achieve and now that we are midway it’s great to look back and see all the posi- tive changes, impacts and most importantly connecting communities. We have trained up 41 young people in Sport Leader Award, of this core group we had 25 that assisted at our Easter and Summer camps. The sport leader award has created a won- derful safe environment for these young people to come together and form great friendships. Other projects they have participated in are One Life Wellness Boards and live animation at our recent successful Halloween event.

16 people have completed level 2 in Kayaking & Canoeing training and are assisting on the canal at SVT events. We have set up a Kayaking & Canoeing Club and it is ready to be launched on 20th January 2018. SVT also launched the Junior parkrun on 30th July and on average 40 young people are join- ing in on a Sunday morning in Vicarstown. Two running groups have been established in Timahoe and Stradbally. We continue to have a fortnightly casual cycle in Vicarstown on a Tuesday night and Sunday afternoon followed by refreshments and social interaction.

We have engaged primary schools in art competitions. The theme was “what community looks like to them” and got pupils to design a logo for our event Beat the Barge in September, where 195 participants took part in a 4km race to beat the barge. We had a colouring compe- tition for our Halloween event to win tickets. The key is to engage pupils, and make them aware of SVT in their communities.

October was a very busy month with Laois Connects Mental Health week, Senator Frances Black gave a talk in Timahoe to 150 people on Alcohol and Mental Health. The Timahoe ICA were great to bake and give their time up to provide refreshments. 12 people took part in HSE Safetalk Suicide prevention workshop.

Go for Life gathering for older adults was a fantastic success at Vicarstown Community Hall, following 10am Mass. We had a fun filled morning with lots of new activities which included activator poles, parachute games, line dancing, bowling, disc throwing and the all-important cup of tea & social interaction. This was thoroughly enjoyed by all and a real desire for more. SVTs recent event in conjunction with Stradbally Railway and Kiki Theatre was a very successful Spooky-Tacular event at Stradbally Hall were 600 people took part in a scary train experience, we had a great response from the public to get involved and volunteer their time. We have over the past year engaged with 8,687 people in physical activity, training, social inter- action, inclusion, Easter and summer camps and older adult sessions. As the coordinator of the SVT Community Sports Hub over the past year we have achieved our objectives in increasing participation through physical activity, building strong links between local schools and sports clubs, creating and promoting opportunities for outdoor activities including kayaking, canoeing, cycling, running, walking, dancing and yoga. Promoting leadership and training opportunities within the communities and supporting local businesses in each area. There is a wonderful sense of connecting communities, people engag- ing with their neighbours, new friendships made and old ones reenergised. SVT Community Sports Hub is leaving people with an impression of increase and in turn adding Immense value to the parish and surrounding areas at large.

PARTICIPATION NUMBERS FOR SVT 2017 WE REACHED …….. 8,687 PEOPLE RANGE FROM ZERO TO HERO!!

Page 6 SPORTS INCLUSION DISABILITY PROGRAMME

Laois All County Boccia League Well done to Mooreville on winning Div 1 Final and Beechaven on winning Div 2 Final. In total 14 teams participated through centres in Laois. Two rounds were played with top 4 teams coming through division finals which were held in November. Well done to all the participants and the centres involved and a great league was had by all. Looking forward to 2018 League. Boccia is a sport that originates from the favourite Italian pastime. It's a non-contact, target driven sport, which relies on skill and subtlety, rather than size, strength or speed. The main objective of Boccia is to place your coloured ball closer than your opponent’s ball to the white target (jack) ball. 14 teams signed up for the league. A draw was held in the LSP office, with an independent inspector, to establish 4 Pools for the 1st round games. Fixtures was sent out to all the centres that had entered teams. It was explained that Teams were to arrange their games between themselves and to submit results of matches to the LSP SIDO. The main purpose of the 1st round games was to determine what teams would play off for 1st Division honours or 2nd Division honours. The top 8 teams went into Division 1 with the rest going into Division 2. Finals Event A date was set to host the Finals of the Laois Boccia League on 22nd November. The top 2 teams in each pool qualified for the final day. Two Semi-Finals were held for each division followed by both Finals in St Mary’s Hall. All participants were invited to attend to watch the finals and to join us for a light lunch after- wards. Over 60 attendees on the day.

Powerchair Soccer A recent development day in Presentation College Carlow showed the benefits of getting out there and unearthing more playing talent to introduce the sport to in as- sociation with the local sport partnerships. Another Come n Try day is s planned for early in the new year. The underlying values of Powerchair Football are to encourage people with disabili- ties to get involved in a sport that they have an interest in. This action-packed team sport combines the skill of the wheelchair user with the speed and power of the chair itself, to participate in an extremely challenging game very similar to soccer. Powerchair Football is the first competitive team sport designed and developed specifically for power wheelchair users. Powerchair Football is unisex by design, and male and female participants are often on the same team, as well as opposing sides. NEWSLETTER WINTER/SPIRNG 2017/18 Page 7

The disability program has been very busy throughout 2017 with over 590 people taking part in the various activities that the Laois Sports Partnership has to offer. Activities Adults Children Volunteers Soccer 2017 SID 40 10 Krav Maga NLN 2017 SID 12 3 Wheelchair Bball Senior 2017 SID 15 5 Wheelchair Bball Junior 2017 SID 7 6 Multi Activity SID 2017 30 15 Athletics SID 2017 3 4 10 Heywood TY 2017 80 WR Laois Lions 2017 SID 13 10 Boccia Laois League 2017 SID 80 50 Chair Aerobics 2017 - SID 20 2 Basketball NLN 2017 SID 20 6 WR LL Hosting Irish League SID 40 10 Goalball Mountrath CS 2017 30 4 Wheelchair Basketball League SID 70 10 15 Golf Dove Hse 2017 - SID 10 5 Tennis Golf House 10 5 ASW - Peoples Park NLN & St. Francis 10 15 5 Tandem Cycling Summer 2017 SID 10 10 10 Disability Inclusion Training 51 GAA NLN Jun 2017 SID 15 5 Laois Athletics Championships SID 2017 15 15 20 Tag Rugby NLN 15 8 Sports Hall Athletics St. Francis 40 5 LDS Summer Camp 5 10 8 Nordic Walking 5 5 Spinning 4 3 3 Wheelchair Hurling 10 5 Spraoi Centre Summer Camp 12 15 Total 613 126 245 Page 8 Promoting Sport & Physical Activity

Vicarstown Junior Parkrun

Laois Sports Partnership are delighted to support our local Parkruns! Why not join in the fun Junior parkrun is a collection of 2k runs for children aged between 4 and 14. They are held in areas of open space around the country. They are open to all, free, and are safe and easy to take part in. If you are not a junior please come along to one of our weekly Saturday 5k parkrun events instead. Free, weekly, timed 2k parkrun for 4-14 year olds at 11am each Sunday. Open to all, safe and easy to take part in. For further information visit https://www.parkrun.ie/vicarstownjunior

Vicarstown Park Run

What is Vicarstown parkrun? When is it? It is a 5km run Every Saturday at 9:30am Where is it? Grand Canal Bank, Vicarstown, , Co. Laois. What does it cost to join in? Nothing - it's free! But please register before your first run. You only need to register once and don't forget to bring a printed copy of your barcode. If you forget it, you won't get a time. How fast do I have to be? We all run for our own enjoyment. Come along and join in whatever your pace! Vicarstown parkrun needs you! It is entirely organised by volunteers: email [email protected] to help.

Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee in old school, 400m from Start / Finish - please come and join us!

Laois Sports Partnership are proud to support the Vicarstown Parkrun, which has seen an increase in attendance due to Operation Transformation. Caroline Myers, Coordinator, Laois Sports Partnership said “parkrun is a fantastic pathway of allowing people to take part in a weekly 5km event, completely free. We have seen in the recent Sports Monitor report compiled by the Irish Sports Council that running is the 3rd most popular physical activity amongst the Irish adults, with 8.5% of the population taking part in regular sessions. We are delighted to be in a position to support parkrun inVicarstown and envisage that it will prove to be an extremely successful and popular event”.

For more information on Vicarstown Parkrun visit http://www.parkrun.ie/vicarstown/

Page 10 NEWSLETTER WINTER/SPRING 2017/18

LSP Inflatable Arch free to hire to Clubs & Communities Due to the high volume of fun run’s/ walks / cycles being organised by clubs, schools and organizations we have added an Inflatable arch free to hire to our organizer’s pack to facilitate local communities with recreational runs/walks/cycles. This pack includes start/finish signs; registration forms; male/female, 1- 10k signs; caution signs and also an easily transporta- ble Inflatable Arch. Bookings will be taken on first come basis and we will endeavour to do our best to facilitate everybody. To book please contact us on (057) 8671248.

Community Coaching Programme The Community Coaching Programme foundation focuses on successfully assisting unemployed people to gain employment, coaching, volunteering and further education opportunities in the sports sector for example as coaches, referees, physical activity leaders etc. It will provide the participants with practical and theoretical sport-related skills and help them find relevant work experience in their local communi- ty. It will also contribute to the promotion of both physical and mental health amongst participants and in the community through the subsequent employment and/or volunteering work carried out by participants. To date the Participants have received coaching qualifications in Soccer, G.A.A. Cricket, Athletics, and Cycling. They have also completed a module in Disability Inclusion, Safeguarding 1, and Sports Ireland Active Leadership and Coaching Children. Each Friday each participant took part in a Work Experience Module of NFQ Level 4 with Laois Offaly Education and Training Board. They have also completed F.A.I. Resistance Training Course. On completion of the programme 12 competent coaches will be available to deliver a spec- trum of sports and physical activities for clubs and groups in the county. A testament to the value of this course has been stated publicly by one of the participants who is recovering from addiction. His opinion was that community coaching helped him share his story so that he may be able to help others through similar hard times. He posted his story on social media in the middle of Laois Connects week.

It must be acknowledged the part played by our valued partners on this programme, The Department of Social Protection and Laois Offaly Education and Training Board as well as our colleagues from the National Governing Bodies of Sport. For more information visit the Laois Sports Partnership website at www.laoissports.ie NEWSLETTER WINTER/SPRING 2017/18 Page 11

Active School Flag

The Active School Flag (ASF) programme is a DES initiative which recognises schools that striveto achieve a physically educated & physically active school community.

Schools who wished to apply for the ASF attended a meeting where they are advised about how the ASF application process works and were they are provided with lots of practical advice about how schools can become more physically active places.

The initiative is open to primary, post primary, special schools and Youthreach Centres to apply and support and information is available to schools from the national organisations involved. Currently Laois have 13 primary schools and 1 post primary schools whom have received Active School Flag Status.

The Active School Flag website www.activeschoolflag.ie includes an Active School Week section and all the resources you will require to assist you on your journey to the Active School Flag.

For more information, contact Laois Sports Partnership on 057 8671248; email [email protected]

Active School Week

Active School Week: 23rd - 27th of April 2018 If your organisation is interested in forging stronger links with schools or attracting new members, Active School Week (ASW) 2017 provides a very good platform to do so.

Organisations and clubs are free to choose the level and type of support the they can offer to local schools. Active School Flag welcomes any and all ideas and they will collate the NGB offers of support on a county by county basis so that smaller NGBs can offer support in the counties where they have the personnel and facilities to do so.

The Active School Flag Newsletter has just been issued and anyone interested in receiving the monthly ASF newsletter can sign-up at: http://activeschoolflag.ie/index.php/new-active-school-flag- newsletter. For further information contact [email protected] or (01) 9020704

For more information, contact Laois Sports Partnership on 057 8671248; email [email protected] Page 12 SCHOOLS PROGRAMMES

Basketball for Primary Schools

Our school’s basketball programme has been going from strength to strength since its introduction in 2012. Qualified coaches from local clubs travel to schools around the county delivering coaching sessions to pupils in 3rd/4th /5th & 6th classes. Pupils are coached in the basic skills of the game over a 4 week period. When the coaching sessions have been delivered, all of the schools in the county are invited to join our annual blitz days in May, where they have the oppor- tunity to play friendly games against each other using their new skills. The emphasis of the blitz days is on fun and friendly competition, with all pupils receiving certificates for taking part. Over 900 children participated from 33 schools in the blitz day’s. Since 2012, over 32 schools in the county have availed of our coaching programme, many of them year on year, giving pupils the opportunity to develop their skills and forge links with local clubs. Plans are also underway to pilot a mini basketball league for schools in the Portlaoise area before the end of the year. By piloting with neighbouring schools in the town, we hope to minimise transport costs, which can often be a barrier for schools. For further information on all our primary schools programme please contact us on (057) 8671248 or email [email protected]

Sports Hall Athletics

The Sports Hall Athletics Programme has been running for a number of years and participation from Laois Primary Schools has been steadily increasing. It allows for smaller schools who don’t have access to sports halls to take part in weekly indoor athletic sessions at nearby venues. The programme focuses on the fundamentals of agility, balance, co-ordination, speed and introduces im- proved techniques. It serves as a foundation for all sports, not just athletics. It is deliv- ered in a fun and entertaining manner, with a focuses on team athletics. It is tailored to it’s target audience, with certain activities being used for different age groups. It both allows for an enjoyable experience in mass participation sports and also as a pathway into mainstream athletics for our future athletes. NEWSLETTER WINTER/SPRING 2017/18 Page 13

2018 Safeguarding Training

Sports Leader Award

The Sports Leader Award is a Level 1 Award in Sports Leadership which provides an ideal starting point for learners aged 13 years and over who wish to develop their leadership skills, whilst under the direct supervision of their Tutor/Assessor or other suitably qualified adult.

The syllabus is designed to develop generic leadership skills that can be applied to a variety of sports and/or recreational situations as well as contributing to the personal development of the learner. It consists of six units of work including a one hour demonstration of leadership and the award will take approximately 33 guided learning hours. The Level 1 Award in Sports Leadership is a practical award in which learners must demonstrate their ability to lead others in simple sport/activity.

Four schools in Laois participated in this award, Mountmellick Community School , St. Fergal’s College, Youthreach Mountmellick and Youth Leaders from SVT Area. For more information, contact Laois Sports Partnership on 057 8671248 or email [email protected] Page 14 NEWSLETTER WINTER 2017/18

LSP Strategic Plan 2017 –2021 NEWSLETTER WINTER 2017/18 - LOOKING BACK ON 2017 Page

OT Walk Warm up 2017 OT Walk

Get Ireland Walking Blazing Saddles Summer Camp

Go for Life Fun Day Go For Life Games

Powerchair Soccer Nordic Walking Laois Connects 2017

Gaelic4Mothers Flare on the Square Tandem Cycling NLN & St. Francis Upcoming Courses for 2018 Safeguarding 1 Dates 20/2/18; 10/4/18; 15/5/18; 26/6/18 @ 6.30pm in Portlaosie Parish Centre

Sport Ireland have launched Safeguarding 1 Refresher, a web based education resource aimed at providing further training to those who have previously attended a Safeguarding workshop of equiva- lent . Check out our website for details www.laoissports.ie/news

Some Upcoming Events

23/12/17 - 20 under 20 parkrun at Vicarstown @ 26/12/17 - Portlaoise Athletic Club Annual St. 9.30am. Santa hats are Mandatory! Remember it Stephens Day Family Fun Run. Meeting St. is for everyone who can run, walk, waddle or skip Fintan’s Car Park start 10.30am 5k - all abilities more than welcome 26/12/17—St. Abban’s Mile race & 5k Members

24/12/17—Vicarstown Junior Parkrun @ 11am Race @ 11am 26/12/17—Clonaslee Stephens Day Walk @ 25/12/17 – GOAL Walk Stradbally Oakvale Woods 12pm 10am. 27/12/16 - PCDA Derryounce Christmas Walk 6k 25/12/17 - The Goal Mile takes place on Christ- Walk @ 11am. mas day at Port GAA Club at 11am. Run, Jog or 30/12/17 -Vicarstown Parkrun 30 Ladies under 30 Walk. No registration required, just turn up. Do- @ 9.30am nate at gate. 31/12/17 - 5k Fun Run Cullohill @ 12pm

26/12/17 - Ballyroan Abbey GAA Club 5k Road 1/1/18 – Timahoe New Year’s Day Walk 1pm. Race & Family Fun Run @11am. Contact Johnny Dalton (087) 9073323 For full list of upcoming events visit 7/1/17 – NY5K @ 12pm www.laoissports.ie Portlaoise Leisure Centre, Moneyballytyrrell, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Tel: +353 (0)57 86 71248 Fax: +353 (0)57 86 71253 Email [email protected] Website: www.laoissports.ie