Sports Partnership Newsletter “Increasing participation in sport, exercise and physical activity in Cork”.

March 2013 www.corksports.ie Issue 7

Welcome to the Cork Sports Partnership E-zine

Welcome to Issue 7 of the Cork Sports Partnership E-zine. Inside this issue:

In this Issue, we highlight some of our recent and upcoming participation initiatives. These include some of our sports and physical activity CSP Events programmes, education and training courses and events.  OT Walk  OT Run Some of the highlights in this issue, include the recent Operation  Leisure World 10km Rebel Run Transformation walk and run in Blarney and , which had  An Post Rebel Tour over 1,500 and 2,000 participants respectively. Additionally, other highlights  Cork Walking Month include the Cork Safer Cycling Programme, the Cork Schools Marathon  Youth Marathon Challenge Challenge and the continued expansion of the Cork SportsAbility portfolio.

We also look back on a busy 2012, with many high points including; the An Training & Education Post Rebel Tour, the Cork Walking Month, the Leisure World 10km Rebel Code of Ethics Courses

Run, as well as our many sport and physical activity initiatives. Children’s Officer Courses Cork Coaching Forum We hope that you enjoy this publication and have the opportunity to get GAA Coaching Conference involved in some of the many sports and physical activity programmes taking place across Cork City and County. Schools Programmes  Buntús Start - Pre Schools For the latest news and information on the Cork Sports Partnership log on to any of the following or click any of the links throughout this publication:  Cork Safer Cycling Programme  Cispheil na mBun Scoil

Club Programmes

www.corksports.ie  Basketball/GAA Programme

Older Adults @CLSP1  Energise your Life

 Fitline

 PAL’s Cork Sports Partnership  Go For Life - The Games

SportsAbility Cork Sports Partnership  SportsAbility Day

 SportsAbility Programmes

Activity Programmes

The Cork Sports Partnership Team  Fitwalk  Project Weightloss

Cork Sports Partnership, Yeats House, Barrack Square, Ballincollig, Cork

Tel: 021-4665 081 Website: www.corksports.ie Email: [email protected] 1 Cork Sports Partnership Recent Event News

Operation Transformation 4.5 km Walk

The 3rd Annual Operation Transformation walk took place in Blarney on Saturday, January 19th and it was a resounding success for all involved, with over 1500 people turning out. The streets of Blarney Village and the walk ways of Blarney Castle were taken over by men, women and children, who donned their walking shoes for the 4.4km route. The RTE camera crew filmed this years walk which was attended by Cork leader Deirdre Hosford, Karl Henry from the Operation Transformation Show and their RTE crew who were on hand to offer advice and support to the many people who are following the show, now in its 6th series.

Blarney GAA played host to the throngs of people who gathered in their grounds to register and warm up before embarking on the route at 11am. Joined by Co Cork Mayor Councillor Barbara Murray and Cork City Mayor Councillor John Buttimer, the people took to the streets to show not only their support for local leader Deirdre Hosford, but to show that walking is a perfect way to kick start an active and healthy 2013. The organisers of the event, Cork Sports Partnership and the Health Promotion Department of the HSE South, would like to sincerely thank Blarney GAA, Blarney Castle, Blarney Village walking group, The Red Cross and Sergeant Pat Murphy and his team for their efforts on the day to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all involved. Also a huge thank you to all our volunteers and stewards from the local clubs and organisations who turned up to assist with the running of the event.

If you would like more information on this event or any of the Cork Sports Partnership events or programmes log on to www.corksports.ie or call 021 4665081. To follow any of the OT leaders click here

Cork Sports Partnership, Yeats House, Barrack Square, Ballincollig, Cork

2 Tel: 021-4665 081 Website: www.corksports.ie Email: [email protected] Cork Sports Partnership Recent Event News

Operation Transformation 5km Run comes to Cork

The annual Operation Transformation 5km run at the end of the TV series, which for the last number of years has only taken place in Phoenix Park Dublin, this year came to Cork as a second venue!!

Cork Sports Partnership, and Cork County Athletics Board welcomed 2,000 participants to Tramore L-R: Cllr Barbara Murray, Cork County Mayor, Deirdre Hosford, Operation Transformation Leader and Cllr John Buttimer, Lord Mayor of Cork and Cork LSP Board. Valley Park, off South City Link Road, Cork on Saturday 23rd of February.

Men, women and children of all ages took to the route on a cold but dry morning. There were many special guests on the day including Olympian walker Olive Loughnane, past Cork hurlers and footballers, including; Tomas Mulcahy, Kevin Hennessey, Teddy McCarthy, , , and Jimmy Barry Murphy. Grace Batterberry from the 5th series of Operation Transformation was on hand to warm up participants prior to the event.

Thumbs up for Operation Transformation: Let’s get ready to Run!!

Councillor Derry Canty, Cork LSP Board, Councillor Barbara Murray, County A selection of participants from the Cork Operation Transformation run prior Mayor, Deirdre Hosford OT Leader and Karl Henry OT Fitness expert to the event in Tramore Valley Park. pictured with some local children before the event.

Cork Sports Partnership, Yeats House, Barrack Square, Ballincollig, Cork

Tel: 021-4665 081 Website: www.corksports.ie Email: [email protected] 3 Cork Sports Partnership Event News

Leisureworld 10 km Rebel Run

The inaugural Leisureworld Rebel Run took place on Sunday 21st October 2012. With perfect weather conditions, over 550 adults of all ages and abilities took part on the day. It was a huge

success for all involved and plans are already in place for this year’s event.

John Meade from St Finbarr’s Athletic Club was the first man home in a time of 33 minutes 18 seconds, while Emma Murphy also from St Finbarr’s Athletic Club was the first woman home in a time of 37 minutes 25 seconds. The 10km course appealed to athletes of all levels and abilities, and while there was a good few club runners present, there was also a good turn out from first time runners/joggers and fit4life group members who thoroughly enjoyed the event.

This year’s event is on Sunday October 20th and will conclude Corks Rebel Week (14th - 20th October) which is an event organised for the Gathering 2013, and a celebration of all things Cork. You can keep an eye on www.rebelrun.ie.

Date for your Diary:

20th October 2013

Time: 11 am

Location:

Photo: Lord Mayor Cllr John Buttimer with CSP Chairperson Ted

Owens at the starting line on Melbourne Road.

All Smiles after completing the Rebel Run are: L-R: Claire Horan, And they’re off!- Participants from the 2012 Leisureworld 10 km Siobhan McCarthy, Helen Hunt, Emma Murphy, Lauren Martin and Rebel Run Marion Lyons.

Cork Sports Partnership, Yeats House, Barrack Square, Ballincollig, Cork

4 Tel: 021-4665 081 Website: www.corksports.ie Email: [email protected] Cork Sports Partnership Event News

An Post Rebel Tour 2013 - Saturday September 14th

The Cork Sports Partnership is delighted to announce that the Rebel Tour is returning to Glengarriff and the magical Beara Peninsula for the 2013 event. The date has been confirmed for Saturday September 14th and registration will be open before the end of May.

If for any reason you missed the event last year, have a look at some of the online feedback and make sure you get your place booked early, and get registered for one of the best and most challenging sportive on the cycling calendar.

A Wheelie on the Healy: A participant from the 2012 An Post Rebel Tour pops a Date for your Diary: wheelie while others relax and enjoy the scenery near the top of the Healy Pass.

Saturday 14th September 2013

For more information: www.corkrebeltour.ie

Cork Walking Month

Over 2,500 people took part in over 70 events for the third annual Cork Walking Month of September. There were a number of different type of walking events for people to choose from including: guided walks, orienteering events, Fitwalk tasters, Rock climbing classes and workshops.

Feedback received from participants was extremely Cork Walking Month Events 2012: (click links for info on events) positive and plans are already underway for the Cork  54 Guided Walks Walking Month 2013.  10 Orienteering Events  Fitwalk Taster Sessions  Rock-Climbing Classes for All  Introduction to Trail Walking Workshop

If you would like more information on the Cork Walking Month or would like to get involved in the Cork Walking Month 2013, email [email protected] or see Photo: Participants at the opening event of the CWM 2012 www.corkwalkingmonth.ie

Cork Sports Partnership, Yeats House, Barrack Square, Ballincollig, Cork

Tel: 021-4665 081 Website: www.corksports.ie Email: [email protected] 5 Cork Sports Partnership Upcoming Event News

Cork Youth Marathon Challenge 2013

More than 350 Cork Youths across 70 youth teams have already signed up for a marathon challenge in an initiative by the Cork City Marathon for 2013. In conjunction with the Cork Sports Partnership and the City of Cork VEC, a Youth Team Challenge is being introduced allowing youths to run, jog or even walk the course as part of a five-person team. Schools and centres across the city and county have been invited to participate and so far more than 350 young people have registered for the event which takes place Bank Holiday Monday, June 3rd. The Youth Team Challenge is aimed at providing young people over the age of 16 with the opportunity to participate in an activity which is both challenging and rewarding. Teams of five students from Second Level schools and Youthreach Centre's will participate by running, jogging or walking the 26.2-mile marathon course, each team member participating in one relay leg. It’s not a race, but a chance for young people to develop their physical fitness and participate in Munster’s largest mass participation sporting event.

Olympian’s Rob and Marian Heffernan, Cork City Marathon Sports Ambassadors, were at Colaiste Choilm, Ballincollig, on the 23rd January speaking to students, nominated Challenge Leaders, School Principals and Centre Directors. “This is an ideal opportunity for young people to get fit and have fun. Whether running or walking, the sense of achievement that comes with completing the marathon as part of a team will be a huge confidence boost for any young person. This is a nice introduction to the event for future generations of Cork City Marathon runners.” Rob said. Rob and Marian Heffernan pictured at the launch of the Cork Youth Marathon Challenge with students of Colaiste Choilm Ballincollig. Lord Mayor, Councillor John Buttimer also spoke at the launch. “Introducing young people to the marathon is an important step, not just for their health and fitness levels, but it’s sure to add to the atmosphere of fun and excitement on race day”, he said.

Teams can be all male, all female or mixed, depending on the school. Students participating have to be over 16 years of age on race day and be registered second level students in the school or centre they are representing. Each team will be led by an adult Team Leader, generally a teacher. The Challenge fits into the requirements for the Gaisce Presidents Awards, and provides a nice opportunity for students to raise awareness or fundraise for a cause or charity that’s important to them. The Cork City Marathon kicks off on Patrick Street at 9am sharp on Bank Holiday Monday, June 3rd. Since it’s revival in 2007 it has become the largest mass participation sporting event in Munster, with over 6,000 people participating in the full, half Marathon or relay.

Entry forms and full details are available online at www.corkcitymarathon.ie Follow us on @thecorkmarathon www.Facebook.com/corkcitymarathon

Cork Sports Partnership, Yeats House, Barrack Square, Ballincollig, Cork

6 Tel: 021-4665 081 Website: www.corksports.ie Email: [email protected] Training & Education News

Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport

The Cork Sports Partnership continues to offer both Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport and Children’s Officer training to sports leaders and other adults involved in the organisation of sport for young people. The course’s provide information on codes of conduct, bullying, recruitment as well as child protection guidelines. The Code of Ethics workshop is 3 hours long and costs €20 per participant. The Children’s Officer course is 6 hours and is completed over 2 evenings a minimum of 3 months after the basic awareness workshop. The Children’s Officer course costs €30 per participant.

To book private course’s please contact Egle for more information on 021 4665081 or [email protected]

Scheduled Public Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport Courses Register Date Time Venue Online Carrigtwohill Community Centre, Main Street, Monday, 4th March 2013 7.00pm - 10.00pm here Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork

Monday, 11th March 2013 6.30pm - 9.30pm Sports Village, Model Farm Road, Cork here

Tuesday, 12th March 2013 6.30pm - 9.30pm Parkway Hotel, Dunmanway, Co. Cork here

Thursday, 4th April 2013 6.30pm - 9.30pm Sports Village, Model Farm Road, Cork here

Tuesday, 9th April 2013 6.30pm - 9.30pm Fermoy, Co. Cork here

Monday, 15th April 2013 6.30pm - 9.30pm Macroom, Co. Cork here

Monday, 22nd April 2013 6.30pm - 9.30pm Sports Village, Model Farm Road, Cork

Wednesday, 8th May 2013 6.30pm - 9.30pm Sports Village, Model Farm Road, Cork

Thursday, 23rd May 2013 6.30pm - 9.30pm Sports Village, Model Farm Road, Cork here

Wednesday, 5th June 2013 6.30pm - 9.30pm Sports Village, Model Farm Road, Cork

Tuesday, 18th June 2013 6.30pm - 9.30pm Sports Village, Model Farm Road, Cork

Scheduled Children's Officer Courses

Mon - Tue, 25th-26th March 2013 18.30-21.30 Yeats House, Barrack Sq., Ballincollig, Co. Cork here Mon - Tue, 24th-25th June 2013 18.30-21.30 Yeats House, Barrack Sq., Ballincollig, Co. Cork

Cork Sports Partnership, Yeats House, Barrack Square, Ballincollig, Cork

Tel: 021-4665 081 Website: www.corksports.ie Email: [email protected] 7 Training & Education News

Cork Coaching Forum

After a brief absence, the Cork Coaching Forum will recommence in 2013. The Cork Coaching Forum was established in 2011 to provide coaches, volunteers and leaders of underage activities in Cork with access to relevant, up to date and appropriate coaching resources, training and information.

This forum aims to compliment training and education initiatives being rolled out by National Governing Bodies across all Sports. Additionally, the forum offers people from different sports and backgrounds the opportunity to share ideas and experiences and relate them back to children within their own sports. The 2013 training will focus on fundamental movements, generic games and activities for children’s sport and activity that can be adapted to suit different sports. To register your interest in any Cork Coaching Forum workshops,

email [email protected] or call Maurice on 021 46655081

Cork GAA Conference for coaches of young players

Coiste Oiliúna Chorcaí successfully ran their annual Coaching Conference for youth players in Mallow GAA complex on Saturday 9th February. The conference was run in association with Cork Sports Partnership and focused on age appropriate training for young players.

Speaking at the conference, Games Manager, Kevin O Callaghan outlined “the focus is on games based training for youth players.”

Over 120 coaches attended the key note address by Pat Daly, National Director of Games, who L-R: Maurice O’ Sullivan, Cork LSP Development Officer, Kevin O’ Callaghan, Cork GAA gave coaches an outline of the "COACH 10" Games Manager, Michael Crowley, Cork LSP Coordinator, Brendan O’ Driscoll, GAA Coaching Officer and Noel Crowley, Games Promotion Officer. coaching model which has a games based approach to training at it core.

Following the key note address, coaches were treated to an exciting line up of practical sessions in both and football. Niall Moran (Ard Scoil Rís and Limerick Senior Hurler), Damien Coleman (Portumna and Galway) delivered games based training in both defence and attack scenarios in hurling. Sean Dempsey, Laois Football All Ireland winning manager at minor level and James McCarthy, Castlehaven delivered the games based defence and attack scenarios in the parallel football sessions.

Cork GAA Games Manager Kevin O’ Callaghan gave special mention to participation promotion partners, Cork Sports Partnership “who have supported Coiste Oiliúna in the promotion of youth participation in sport across a number of projects over the past 4 years. This conference will help the GAA keep more youths playing our games. If youths are challenged and enjoy training sessions, they are more likely to remain playing our games in to adulthood. The coaches role in this process cannot be overstated.”

Cork Sports Partnership, Yeats House, Barrack Square, Ballincollig, Cork

8 Tel: 021-4665 081 Website: www.corksports.ie Email: [email protected] Programme News - Schools

Cork Safer Cycling Programme

Demand for the Cork Safer Cycling Programme continued to grow in 2012 in Cork City and County. Since the programme’s inception in 2010, over 2,500 children of all ages and abilities have received safer cycling training in Cork City and County.

Speaking recently about the success of the Cork Safer Cycling Programme, Maurice O’ Sullivan, Sports Development Officer with the Cork Sports Partnership highlighted the positive impacts the programme is having at local level. “Schools are required to commit to sustainability by promoting cycling outside of the programme. This has led to links being created with a number of different cycling initiatives including National Bike Week, Active Schools and Green Schools initiatives. He added “This along with locally developed initiatives will ensure that the legacy created from the Cork Safer Cycling Programme will be positive, long term and far reaching.” The programme is open to primary schools across Cork City and County and is heavily subsidised by the Cork Safer Cycling Partners which include the Cork Sports Partnership, HSE South, Health Promotion Department, the Cork County Council, Cork City Council and the Road Safety Authority.

Any school interested in registering for the Cork Safer Cycling Programme should contact Maurice

in the Cork Sports Partnership on 021 4665081 or [email protected]

Buntús Start Programme - Pre Schools

The Buntús Start Programme for Pre-Schools is open to Centre's and staff that have yet to avail of the training. The training consists of an initial 5 hour programme with a follow up support training of 2 hours, usually completed within 3 months of completing the 5 hour course. This training course and the resource pack, cards and materials will be available to each Centre on completion of training. The ethos behind the training is to introduce staff to a comprehensive physical activity programme for children aged three to five years, which provides a wide range of learning opportunities for young children to develop their fundamental motor skills, manipulative skills, co-ordination and balancing skills. There will be a staff contribution of €25 towards this training and resource packs can also be purchased for €150 following the training.

If you are interested you can contact Egle on 021 4665081 or email [email protected]

Cork Sports Partnership, Yeats House, Barrack Square, Ballincollig, Cork

Tel: 021-4665 081 Website: www.corksports.ie Email: [email protected] 9 Cork Basketball Development News

Cispheil na mBun Scoil continues to bounce the right direction in 2013

Cispheil na mBun Scoil is a Primary Schools Basketball event which was established in Cork in 2009. Numbers participating in the event have risen from 500 in 2009 to over 1,700 in 2013. The overall aim of the event is to provide opportunities for all primary schools to participate in a Basketball event. This three day event has become a regular event in many Cork primary schools sporting calendars and this year proved no different. Record numbers participated this year with 1,700 students from 102 teams taking part over a packed three days which could only be described as a festival of Basketball. Two separate venues were used to host the games, namely, the Parochial Hall and Neptune Stadium. 170 games took place with 4 Basketball courts in action throughout. Ian McLoughlin, Cork Basketball Development Officer, stressed the importance of the participation development at local level for Basketball. “Cispheil na mBun Scoil is critical to the growth and sustainable development of Basketball in Cork.” He added “It is an exciting way to introduce children to basketball in a fun and friendly environment. We will continue to develop Basketball with the schools involved in the event and where possible create additional participation opportunities for each of them by creating stronger local club school links”. Ian also highlighted the significant role volunteers have in the development of Basketball at local level “Events of this size would not be possible without volunteers and the Cork Basketball Boards would like to sincerely thank and show their appreciation to the Cork Basketball Officials association for providing referees who gave up their free time to help out.

Basketball & GAA link up for new Programme

A new Basketball programme between Cork Basketball and the Cork GAA was launched recently. The programme, which is supported by the Cork Sports Partnership, Basketball Ireland, Cork Men’s and Ladies’ Basketball Boards and Coiste Oiluna Chorcai introduces children from local GAA club’s to Basketball in a supportive and familiar environment. Both the GAA and basketball Ireland share a similar ethos of participation in sport by providing fun and healthy activity to children all over the country. With the aim firmly on participation in sport, playing GAA and basketball dovetail nicely as their playing season differ so a child playing both sports is ensured of year round physical activity. L-R: Kevin O Callaghan, Cork GAA, Games The programme also focuses on the development of key motor skills which Manager and Ian McLoughlin, Cork Basketball Development Officer with participants in the Cork impact on their overall physical development. There are many Sports GAA Basketball Programme Specific skills that are readily transferable to each other. This will lead to improvement of overall Fundamental and Sports Specific skills.

Anyone looking to get involved in any Basketball Programme can contact Ian McLoughlin at:

[email protected] or Tel: 021-4665084.

Cork Sports Partnership, Yeats House, Barrack Square, Ballincollig, Cork

10 Tel: 021-4665 081 Website: www.corksports.ie Email: [email protected] Older Adults

Energise Your Life (EYL) Taster Event

The Arena supported by the Cork Sports Partnership (CSP) hosted an Energise Your Life (EYL) Taster Event in the Mardyke Arena on the 21st of

September last year from 10 - 1pm. The Energise Your Life programme comprises of a series of exercise and physical activity classes designed for older adults 55+ and are designed to encourage activity by promoting fun and fitness. The programme has been running in the Mardyke Arena successfully for the past 8 years and has gone from strength to strength to become the largest of its kind in the country with over 120 older adults participating across a variety of 25 exercise classes 4 days a week!

The EYL taster event was a great success with over 25 older adults in attendance. Participants travelled from various older adult groups’ right across the County including Boherbue, Glenville, Whitechurch, Blarney, Fermoy, Donoughmore, Clonakilty, Macroom and Glanmire. Participants enjoyed a variety of taster classes on the EYL programme free of charge. Exercise classes included step aerobics, yoga, belly dancing, zumba, sit fit and a ‘Go for Life’ physical activity session delivered by the HSE South.

The Cork Sports Partnership was delighted to support the organisation of the event. Aisling Drea from the CSP commented ‘Increasing participation levels of older adults in Cork is a shared goal of the CSP and the Mardyke Arena and were are delighted to be involved in organising an event to promote such a fantastic programme’. The EYL/GP Exercise Referral Coordinator in the Mardyke Arena Claire Murphy also commented ‘Our Energise Your Life (EYL) programme is also offered to GP Exercise Referral clients. Our dedicated instructors continuously deliver safe and effective fitness classes with the emphasis being on fun, enjoyment and interaction. It is a great way to get fit, lose weight, strengthen joints and muscles while also meeting new people and making new friends’

For more information on the EYL Programme contact the Mardyke Arena on (021) 490 4751 or log onto www.mardykearena.com

Go For Life Fitline - Get Help to Getting Active!

Over 50? Need to get active? FitLine has the answer. Sign up and our mentors will call you regularly, helping you to get active. Go for Life FitLine is FREE and it’s running all over Cork City and County. Ring Go for Life on 1800 303 545 to find out more. Go for Life FitLine is part of Age & Opportunity and is supported by HSE South and the Cork Sports Partnership.

Cork Sports Partnership, Yeats House, Barrack Square, Ballincollig, Cork

Tel: 021-4665 081 Website: www.corksports.ie Email: [email protected] 11 Go For Life (GFL)

PAL’s Workshops

A new PALS Dance Workshop entitled ‘Whirling and Twirling’ was introduced to Cork PALS in 2012. The main aim of this workshop was to enable participants to organise and lead safe, fun dancing sessions for older adults. The HSE South supported by the Cork Sports Partnership held two workshops in Cork, namely, Ballinacarriga and Mallow which facilitated a number of PAL’s and Photo: PAL’s pictured at the PALS Dance Workshop in Mallow older adults from all over Cork.

PAL’s Forum

In November, the HSE South supported by the Cork Sports Partnership held a PALS Forum for the first time in St. Patricks Hospital and Marymount Hospice in Curraheen. The forum brought together 40 PALs from all over Cork City and County. The aim of the forum was to bring PALS together for networking and information sharing and also to introduce and provide a ‘come and try’ session for the Go For Life (GFL) Games. The morning session comprised of some socialisers, a seated dance warm-up followed by a presentation on The GFL Games by Mary Harkin from GFL, a games demonstration and try, followed by small group discussions to encourage information sharing among PALS. In the afternoon Marian Cronin, nurse manager in Marymount Hospice gave a presentation entitled “activity and well-being in the older person” followed by a presentation from Shirley O’Shea of the HSE on Walking PALS. Feedback received on the day was positive and all agreed that the forum is a great platform for PAL’s in Cork.

Go For Life - SportsFest

SportsFest - On the 9th of October the HSE South supported by the CSP facilitated a workshop entitled ‘Organising a SportsFest ’ in the Le Cheile Centre in Mallow where PALs from older adults groups and active retirement groups in the north Cork area were invited to attend. The aim of the workshop was to educate participants on how to organise a SportsFest which is a ‘come and try’ sports event for older adults. It is hoped that a SportsFest will run in conjunction with PALS in the North Cork area in 2013.

Go For Life - The Games

In November, Frank Fahy delivered a GFL Games workshop in Castletownbere. Organised by the HSE South and supported by the CSP, 20 older adults from various older adult and active retirement groups participated. The aim of the workshop was to introduce The GFL Games activities which include 3 games, lobbers which is an adaptation of Petanque (Boules), Scidil which is an adaptation of Ten-Pin Bowling and Skittles and Flisk which is an adaptation of Frisbee and Horseshoe Pitching.

The idea behind the games is to promote fair play and encourage For further information see participation by older people. The key principle of the Go for Life Games is to www.olderinireland.ie modify competitive sports into recreational games by adapting rules, playing areas, and equipment.

Cork Sports Partnership, Yeats House, Barrack Square, Ballincollig, Cork

12 Tel: 021-4665 081 Website: www.corksports.ie Email: [email protected] SportsAbility Section

Cork SportsAbility Day 2012 – It’s All About Ability……..!!!!

The Cork Sports Partnership and the Cork SportsAbility Forum in conjunction with UCC Disability Week 2012 hosted Cork’s 7th annual “SportsAbility Day” on the 8th of December in the Mardyke Arena. The day was a great success in promoting Sport and Physical Activity for people with disabilities in Cork. The event showcased various sports demonstrations by local sports clubs, both inclusive mainstream and SportsAbility Clubs in Cork.

The Cork SportsAbility Day has enjoyed enormous growth over the past several years and on Saturday there were over 70 people in attendance in addition to 20 information stands and sports demonstrations on show. Disability sport organisations, local leisure centres and sports clubs in Cork were represented. As well as promoting sport the event encourages information sharing among the SportsAbility community in Cork in addition to providing a platform for increasing awareness around sport and physical activity for people with disabilities in Cork.

The progressive role of Cork organisations in promoting physical activity and sport for people with disabilities was highlighted in opening remarks by Ted Owens, Chairperson and Aisling Drea, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer (SIDO) of the Cork Sports Partnership. Aisling commented “This event is all about showcasing sport and physical activity which focuses on Ability not disability which is key to increasing the participation of people with disabilities in sport and physical activity in Cork an important remit of the Cork Sports Partnership”. The event was attended and addressed by Kathleen Lynch TD Minister of State with the responsibility for Disability, Equality and Mental Health, Deputy Lord Mayor and Cllr. Derry Canty was also in attendance.

An impressive range of displays and activities were on show. The day kicked off at 12pm with demonstrations from Cork City Archery Club, Beech hill Table Tennis Club, COPE Racket Club and Rushbrook Croquet Club. This was followed by an impressive demonstration by the Amputee Football Association, a first at Cork SportsAbility Day.

The flow of activities continued in the afternoon which included, Wheelchair Karate, Wheelchair Basketball & Rugby, sit-volleyball by the Rebel Wheelers Sports club, Taekwondo by Xtra Fit Ireland /Cork Taekwondo Club, Modern Dance by Nicky’s Dance Studio, Kickboxing by UCC Kickboxing Club, Power chair football and Golf by SNAGG Golf Ireland among others.

The Mardyke Arena was abuzz with many organisations displaying stands on the day which not only proved a great opportunity for membership recruitment but also networking among disability organisations in Cork. Among these represented were The COPE Foundation, IWA-Sport, FAI, Special Olympics Munster, Deaf Sports Ireland, Siel Blue, The Irish Guide Dogs, Brainwave (Irish Epilepsy Association), Kinsale Access Sailing and Cork Autism Sports Together to mention a few.

Aisling expressed her gratitude to all that helped in making SportsAbility day as successful as possible. “The Cork Sports Partnership would like to sincerely thank David Berry Equality Officer in UCC for coming on board this year and Patsy Ryan of the Mardyke Arena for opening their fantastic sports hall for the event. I would also like to thank The Order of Malta for providing First Aid on the day and to all the volunteers that helped make the day such a success”.

Cork Sports Partnership, Yeats House, Barrack Square, Ballincollig, Cork

Tel: 021-4665 081 Website: www.corksports.ie Email: [email protected] 13 SportsAbility Section

FitWALK Programme for People with Disabilities

The Cork Sports Partnership in collaboration with the COPE Foundation Fermoy piloted the first FitWALK programme for people with disabilities in Cork in September of last year. Initially a taster session was organised to assess participant ability and following on from this the Sports Inclusion Disability Officer worked with the FitWALK tutor in adapting the 5 week programme to facilitate 10 participants with mild to moderate disabilities to participate. The FitWALK programme is a national fitness walking programme developed by FitWALK Ireland and delivered by approved FitWALK trainers through the Local Sports Partnerships.

CIT SportsAbility Programme

The CIT SportsAbility Programme is coordinated by the Sports Inclusion Disability Officer in the Cork Sports Partnership in collaboration with the Social Care Studies course in CIT. The programme re-commenced in October 2012 for 7 weeks and was facilitated by 20 students on the Social Care course. The programme consisted of three weekly physical activity sessions where over 30 participants with disabilities where facilitated on the programme comprising of service users from Cork Autism Association, Brothers of Charity, Cheshire Home, Enable Ireland, National Learning Network and the COPE Foundation. Activities included circuit training, adapted games (Badminton, Uni-hoc, Basketball), cooperative games (parachute, fun relays) and gym work (cardio and light resistance work).

UCC SportsAbility Programme

The UCC Adapted Physical Education (APE) SportsAbility Programme recommenced in September 2012 with a ‘meet and greet’ session in the Parochial Sports Hall in . The programme is coordinated by UCC, the Sports Inclusion Disability Officer in the Cork Sports Partnership and the HSE with training support provided by IWA-Sport. The programme was delivered by over forty 4th year students studying PE in UCC and is aimed at both adults and children with mild to moderate intellectual and physical disabilities. In total, 45 participants with a disability were involved in the programme comprising of service users from the COPE Foundation, Aisling Day Services and children from Scoil Padre Pio. The 8 week varied programme comprised of indoor activities in Parochial sports hall and Swimming in Leisureworld, Churchfield in Gurranabraher every Friday from 2-3pm. The aim of the programme is two-fold as it facilitates people with disabilities to get out into the community, have fun and get physically active while the PE students gain the much needed valued experience in facilitating and adapting a PE session for people with disabilities.

Douglas TY SportsAbility Programme

The Brothers of Charity - Brooke Day Centre and Focus Centre in conjunction with transition year students in supported by the Cork Sports Partnership are currently running a programme of sport and physical activity for 8 participants with intellectual and physical disabilities in Community Centre on a Wednesday from 11-12am. The aim of this programme is to increase the participation of adults with intellectual and physical disabilities in sport and physical activity while transition year students increase their disability awareness and gain experience in the area of Adapted Physical Activity. Last year an inclusive games training course was delivered by the CSP to service staff and transition year students involved to provide training and education in adapted physical activity. The CSP will continue to support this programme in 2013.

Cork Sports Partnership, Yeats House, Barrack Square, Ballincollig, Cork

14 Tel: 021-4665 081 Website: www.corksports.ie Email: [email protected] SportsAbility Section

The Cork Boccia League

The Cork Boccia League recommenced in October for 8 weeks on Wednesdays from 11-1pm in Bishopstown GAA sports hall. Teams included participants from the Aisling Day Services, Brothers of Charity, IWA, Enable Ireland and RehabCare. Each week all teams played one another with a view to increasing their skills in the game of Boccia. This weekly session also provides a great vehicle for competition, fun and socialising among participants with intellectual and physical disabilities in Cork.

Forum Network Meeting & Club Up-Date

The Cork SportsAbility Forum held a network meeting on the 6th September last year. Attendees included the COPE Foundation, Gilbert Centre Mallow, XtraFitt Ireland, Rebel Wheelers Sports Club, CIT, Cork Autism Sports Together, FAI & LeisureWorld Cork. The aim of the Forum is to bring together key organisations and clubs with an interest in increasing participation and creating opportunities for people with disabilities in sport and physical activity in Cork. If you would like to get involved or meet with the forum please contact Aisling Drea (SIDO) in the Cork Sports Partnership.

The CSP continues to support Scoil Triest in developing a sports club for students on the autism spectrum. A multi-sports club has now formed and is currently running in Christ the King Secondary School sports hall on a Friday evening from 6.15-7.15pm.

Aqua Aerobics Programme for Women with Disabilities

The CSP in conjunction with Leisureworld in Churchfield organised a second 8 week Aqua Aerobics programmes in November for 12 women with intellectual and physical disabilities from Doras Employment Service and Bonnington Training Centre in the COPE Foundation.

This programme was funded by the Women in Sport Initiative and classes were held every Wednesday at 11am for 45 minutes. The programme was facilitated by qualified aqua aerobics instructor who was supported by the sports inclusion disability officer to adapt the programme to meet the needs and abilities of participants. Participants really enjoyed the programme and gained increased water confidence with some advised to take-up swimming lessons afterwards.

Functional Zone- LeisureWorld

LeisureWorld in Bishopstown recently launched their new Functional Zone. The functional zone is a dedicated training area to be used as a resource for disability groups, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and

individuals with disabilities with direct access to equipment for wheelchair users. Click here for more information.

For further information on any of SportsAbility Programme, please contact Aisling Drea on (021) 4665085 or e-mail: [email protected]

Cork Sports Partnership, Yeats House, Barrack Square, Ballincollig, Cork

Tel: 021-4665 081 Website: www.corksports.ie Email: [email protected] 15 Cork LSP Programmes News

Fitwalk Programme

The Fitwalk Programme in 2012 went from strength to strength with over 200 people taking part. The Fitwalk programme has a number of elements that include, Indoor Fitness Walking (Fleetfeet), Fiddlesticks (using Nordic Poles) and other elements that promote physical fitness through walking.

The programmes are a series of 5 sessions delivered indoors and outdoors, and are open to people of all fitness levels. If you consider yourself inactive and you are looking for a way to get fit and healthy, then this is a great way to get started. The sessions are delivered in a way that allows you to work within your own limits and they are conducted in a fun and supportive setting, in a venue local to you.

We are currently putting together our Fitwalk Calendar for 2013, but if you would like

more information you can contact Claire on 021 4665083 or log onto www.corksports.ie

Project Weightloss

Project Weightloss is a 12 week exercise intervention programme targeted at overweight and inactive individuals. The programme is designed to highlight to the participant the areas in which their everyday activities can be changed to bring about improved health & fitness and as a result reduced excess weight. More importantly they learn how to exercise in the best way so that they enjoy the exercise and at the same time get the best results. Everyone has a valid and real reason for not leading as healthy and active lifestyle as they would like, and in order to change, they may need your guidance and support to assist them to get on the right track. Project Weightloss is coming to a Leisure/Sports Centre near you. Cork Sports Partnership in association with Leisure World and the Health Promotion Department of the HSE South ran a Leader Training Course in February where leaders were taken through this programme and its ethos. Each participating centre committed to roll out the programme in their local area.

Project Weightloss Centre’s 2013: Click here for more information on  Skibbereen Sports Centre

Project Weightloss Centre’s  Macroom Community Leisure Centre or  Club Vitae-Quality Hotel- Youghal  Mayfield Community Sports Centre contact Claire in the Sports Partnership  FittFactor Midleton [email protected]

Cork Sports Partnership, Yeats House, Barrack Square, Ballincollig, Cork

16 Tel: 021-4665 081 Website: www.corksports.ie Email: [email protected]