mayosports partnership

Annual Report

Tuairisc Bhliantúil 2013 CONTENTS Page

Foreword from the Chairman of Mayo Sports Partnership Cllr Henry Kenny and Sports Co-ordinator Charlie Lambert 3

Key Findings, Background, Resources and Funding 4

Challenges to MSP 5

Section One: Background, Resources and Funding 6 1.1 Background to LSP network and Mayo Sports Partnership 6 1.2 Project funding sources 7 1.3 MSP Management and Staff 8

Section Two: Achievements of Mayo Sports Partnership in 2013 9 2.1 Introduction 9 2.2 Development of Local Sports Infrastructure 9 2.3 Delivering Irish Sports Council Programmes 15 2.4 Programme Delivery 17 2.5 Building and Sustaining Partnership 20

Section Three: MSP Programme Case Studies 23 3.0 Introduction 23 3.1 Club Development / Disadvantaged 23 3.2 Integration 25 3.3 People with a Disability 27 3.4 Urban / Tourism Development 29 3.5 Active Communities 31 3.6 Unemployed / Mental Health 33

Section Four: Next Steps 35 Appendices 39 Appendix A – List of Local Sports Partnerships 40 Appendix B – Glossary of Terms 41 - 43 Appendix C – MSP Board 44 MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2013 MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Foreward

FOREWORD FOREWORDOn behalf of Mayo Sports Partnership, we are delighted to welcome this annual report, which provides an overview of the work of the Partnership in 2013.

On behalf of Mayo Sports Partnership, we are delighted to welcome this annual report, which provides an OnIn anbehalf era of changeof Mayo and uncertaintySports Partnership, we are still delighted we toare report delighte that interagencyd to welcome and stakeholder this annual report, which provides an overview of the work of the Partnership in 2013. collaboration is a major factor in the successful delivery of many participation opportunities for all. This report overviewgives a snapshot of ofthe these work interventions of the and Partnership of trends in modern in recreational2013. sport / physical activity.

In an era of change and uncertainty we are still delighted to report thatSimilar interagency to previous years, and thestakeholder Partnership has co madellaboration significant advances and has particularly increased Inthe an number era ofof locally change delivered and programmes. uncertainty Target we areas are focused still on del duringighted 2013 included to report communities, that interagency and stakeholder collaboration is a major factor in the successful delivery of many participation opportunitiesurban / tourism, for integration all. This initiatives, report people gives with a snapshota disability, unemployed and teenage girls/ women. The isPartnership a major is factoralso continuing in the to deliversuccessful projects todelivery increase the of participation many pa andrticipation involvement ofopportunities harder to for all. This report gives a snapshot of these interventions and of trends in modern recreational sport / physicalreach groups activity. such as those living in disadvantaged communities. of these interventions and of trends in modern recreational sport / physical activity. A particular highlight from the report has been the success of the Operation Transformation programmes and Similar to previous years, the Partnership has made significant advancesthe Meetand and has Walk particularly Initiative in Spring increased 2013. the number of locally delivered programmes. Target areas focused on duringSimilar 2013 to previous included years,communities, the Partnership urban / has made significant advances and has particularly increased the numberMSP continues of locallyto be very thankfuldelivered to County programmes. Manager Peter Hynes, Target the Irish are Sportsas Council,focused HSE, andon Ministerduring 2013 included communities, urban / tourism, integration initiatives, people with a disability, unemployed andRings teenage Department girls/ of Transport, women. Tourism andThe Sport Par fortnership their continued support and investment which enables is also continuing to deliver projects to increase the participation andtourism, usinvolvement to do our integration job. of harder initiatives, to reach people groups withsuch a disability, unemployed and teenage girls/ women. The Partnership as those living in disadvantaged communities. isFinally, also thecontinuing Partnership thanks to deliver all those whoprojects have contributed to increase to the compilation the participation of this annual report and andinvolvement of harder to reach groups such asalso those to the teamliving of instructors in disadvantaged / tutors who were communities. involved in the many programmes. Special mention goes to the Mayo Sports Partnership Administrator Padraic Durcan, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer Ray Mc Namara, A particular highlight from the report has been the success of the Operation Community Transformation Sports Project Worker programmes Anne Ronayne and and Jobbridge the placement workers Aíne O Reilly and Sean Meet and Walk Initiative in Spring 2013. ABrophy. particular highlight from the report has been the success of the Operation Transformation programmes and the Meet and Walk Initiative in Spring 2013. MSP continues to be very thankful to County Manager Peter Hynes, the Irish Sports Council, HSE, and Minister Rings Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport for their continuedMSP support continues and investment to be very whichthankful enables to County us Manager Peter Hynes, the Irish Sports Council, HSE, and Minister to do our job. Rings Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport for their continued support and investment which enables us toHenry do our job.Kenny Charlie Lambert Finally, the Partnership thanks all those who have contributed to the compilationChairman of this annual report and alsoSports to Co-ordinator the team of instructors / tutors who were involved in the many programmes.Finally,Mayo Sports the Special Partnership Partnership mention thanks goes to all the those Ma yowhoMayo Sportshave Partnership contributed to the compilation of this annual report and also to Sports Partnership Administrator Padraic Durcan, Sports Inclusion Disabilitythe team Officer of instructors Ray Mc Namara, / tutors Commun who wereity involved in the many programmes. Special mention goes to the Mayo Sports Project Worker Anne Ronayne and Jobbridge placement workersSports Aíne Partnership O Reilly and Administrator Sean Brophy. Padraic Durcan, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer Ray Mc Namara, Community Sports Project Worker Anne Ronayne and Jobbridge placement workers Aíne O Reilly and Sean Brophy.

3 Henry Kenny Charlie Lambert Chairman Sports Co-ordinatorHenry Kenny Charlie Lambert Mayo Sports Partnership Mayo SportsChairman Partnership Sports Co-ordinator Mayo Sports Partnership Mayo Sports Partnership

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Key Findings This report is the 7th annual report of MSP using the SPEAK self-evaluation system.

Background, Resources and Funding • MSP is a central pillar, within Mayo, of Delivering Irish Sports Council Programmes the Irish Sports Councils plans for increasing participation in sport to 45% by 2020 Buntús Start • €516,600 was invested in MSP in 2013. This • 349 Pre School practioners from 132 centres figure includes benefit-in-kind funding of have participated in the programme since €191,600 from partners its inception • Funding from the Irish Sports Council accounts for 40.5% of the total LSP funding Active Leadership in 2013, the remaining 59.5% is raised from • 144 sports leaders have been trained in 10 other sources. These figures include Active Leader Courses since it commenced. benefit-in-kind funding. 18 in 2013. • 18 people served on the MSP board in 2013. Code of Ethics • In 2013, 4 people worked full-time on behalf of MSP. 2 were 100% directly funded by the • 320 participants from 102 clubs completed ISC with the Sports Disability Officer funded 17 Code of Ethics Basic Awareness courses 50%. The Community Sports Project Worker • 21 participants completed 2 Club Children’s is funded by partners and generated Officer Courses. income. Two Interns were also employed under the governments Jobbridge Initiative. Programme Delivery

• 8140 people participated in 61 locally Achievements of Mayo Sports delivered participation programmes Partnership in 2013 • An additional 4,380 female participants Development of Sports Infrastructure in Mayo took part in 9 local Women in Sport • In 2013, MSP has provided 560 sports clubs, programmes groups and organisations throughout the county with important information and Building and Sustaining Partnerships advice in the area of funding. • In 2013 MSP played an important role in • 80 clubs / groups were supported in making facilitating 13 networks and forums funding applications and fundraising • MSP were also actively participating on 8 • 80 groups have been supported in the local committees and networks and held delivery of their activities 12 awareness raising events • 50 groups have been supported with regard to developing their organisational or Information Provision management structures Over 8,000 individuals contacted MSP in order • MSP planned and delivered 12 training and to access general or specific sport-related education courses, workshops and seminars information. • 533 people participated on these courses.

4 Challenges to MSP

With the advent of the new structure in the local of sharing facilities and other resources. authority LCDC Local Community Development The ongoing issue of obesity amongst all Committee, MSP is awaiting instructions along sectors of the population continues to be an with other organisations in the system where issue. we are to be situated. There continues to be a lack of parental As we are situated under the local authority awareness of the importance of physical activity we are continually making efforts to make and sport. Recognition for participation in sport councillors, staff, directors of services and / physical activity by education authorities and county manager aware of the Partnerships others needs to be prioritised. work and this continues to be a challenge. Mayo is largely a rural county and isolationism Financial contributions from partner agencies is a major challenge as identified in the Irish on the board are also a challenge and while Sports Council /ESRI report on participation in some are excellent we do need more support sport and physical activity for Mayo. from others. Need for more qualified leaders and people Continuing high levels of unemployment to champion sport / physical activity in the have caused us to look at delivering quality community Programmes for young people at sports programmes which might assist this risk in schools. target group in attaining some level of part time employment i.e. Goal to Work and activity Challenge of motivating people towards ambassadors Initiative. involvement and participation in sport / physical activity. Mental health issues within the county are also a cause for concern especially amongst youth Obtaining programme funding to assist our at risk and middle aged men. ever increasing range of programmes also proves challenging There is a particular need to provide additional Programmes for young people at risk in schools opportunities for teenagers. need to be further developed Decreasing discretionary finance available A huge challenge of motivating people to people is perhaps impacting on peoples towards involvement and participation in sport participation in sporting activity in clubs, / physical activity. participation in events etc. Need to encourage organisations and clubs to look at the bigger picture and outside their own environment and to look at the possibility

5 1 BACKGROUND, RESOURCES AND FUNDING

1.1 Background to LSP Network and Mayo Sports Partnership In its two strategies to date Mayo Sports Partnership has promoted the concept of the inclusion and participation in sport and physical activity by all. In 2001 the first 8 local sports partnerships were core funded by the Irish Sports Council. Initially LSPs were established as limited companies however in November 2004 MSP was one of the first LSPs to be incorporated under the local authority (i.e. Mayo County Council) County Development Board. 2014 will see County Development boards abolished and replaced with Local Community Development Committees (L.C.D.C.) with sub structures such as MSP still unsure of where it will be placed under the Local Authority structure. Since 2008 LSPs were rolled out on a phased basis, to become a national network operating in and covering every area of the country.

The LSP network is central to the Irish Sports Council’s plans for increasing participation in sport to 45% by 2020. Increasing participation in sport and physical activity requires multi-sectoral efforts involving agencies from education, transport, environment, health and sporting bodies at national and local level across private and voluntary groups. MSP has been active in generating support from all these sectors through its board which comprises of 19 representatives from both community and local agencies.

Mayo Sports Partnerships mandate is to create a sustainable structure for all Mayo people to become involved in sport at a level of their choosing, regardless of their ability, gender or background.

The Irish Sports Council (ISC) has recognised that the Partnerships are an excellent mechanism for delivering recreational sport to local people and addressing specific gaps in the sports sector.

Some of the outcomes we seek are: • Club development • Volunteer training • Enhanced planning of sport at local level • Local directories of sports bodies & facilities • School, club, community and National Governing Body (NGB) links • Increased levels of local participation, especially amongst specific target groups such as older people, girls and women, people with disabilities, unemployed people and those who live in identified disadvantaged communities

MSP is a central pillar of both Mayo County Councils and the Irish Sports Council’s strategies in sport and recreation. This report is the 7th annual report of MSP, utilising the SPEAK self evaluation system reflecting all its workings in 2013.

6 MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2013

1.2 Project Funding Sources Funding from the Irish Sports Council accounts for 41% of the total MSP funding in 2013, the remaining 59% is raised from other sources. These figures include benefit-in-kind funding.

Total € %

MSP Monetary Funding Leveraged 112,339 22 Locally

MSP1.2 Benefit-In-KindProject Funding Sources(BIK) Leveraged 191,600 37 LocallyFunding from the Irish Sports Council accounts for 41% of the total MSP funding in 2013, the remaining 59% is raised from other sources. These figures include benefit-in-kind funding. ISC Core/Programme 180,540 35 Total € % ISCMSP Disability Monetary Funding Funding Leveraged locally 25,000 112,3395 22 MSP Benefit-In-Kind (BIK) Leveraged Locally 191,600 37 ISCISC Women Core / Programme in Sport Grant 3,500 180,5401 35 ISC Disability Funding 25,000 5 TotalISC Women in Sport Grant 512,979 1003,500 1 Total 512,979 100

Figure A – Total funding received by MSP in 2013

After core funding from the ISC, Mayo County Council were the next most significant source Figureof monetary A – Total funding funding and in-kind received support by for MSP MSP in in 2013 2013. Other significant funders and in kind contributors were the HSE, VEC, Mayo North East Leader Partnership, South West Mayo AfterDevelopment core funding Company, from Department the ISC, of MayoTransport, County GMIT, Udaras,Counci Disabilityl were Organisationsthe next most and thesignificant source of monetary fundingWestern andPeople in-kind Newspaper. support for MSP in 2013. Other significant funders and in kind contributors were the Irish Sports Council funding to MSP increased by €11,978 or 6% from €197,062 in 2012 to €209,040 HSE,in 2013. VEC, Mayo North East Leader Partnership, South West Mayo Development Company, Department of Transport,MSP monetary GMIT, funding Udaras, leveraged Disability locally Organisationsdecreased by €13,849 and twithhe Western in-kind support People for Newspaper.the Partnership increasing by €13,200 which accounts for 37% of overall support to MSP. IrishTotal Sports MSP Funding Council has increased funding by to €11,329 MSP orincreased 2.25% (net) byin 2013. €11, This978 increase or 6% is attributablefrom €197,062 to in 2012 to €209,040 in 2013.increased funding by the ISC and increased in kind support from partner agencies. The investment of €512,979 is a considerable contribution in promoting sport within County Mayo. MSP monetary funding leveraged locally decreased by €13,849 with in-kind support for the Partnership increasingMSP is onceby €13,200 again pleased which to accounts note that for50% 37% of its of costs over areall being support provided to MSP. locally. TotalThis MSP follows Funding a recommendation has increased from by the €11,329 2005 Fitzpatrick or 2.25% and Associates(net) in 2013.review of This increase is attributable to increased funding by thethe Local ISC Sportsand increased Partnership in Programme. kind support from partner agencies. The investment of €512,979 is a considerable contribution in promoting sport within County Mayo.

MSP is once again pleased to note that 50% of its costs are being provided locally. This follows a recommendation from the 2005 Fitzpatrick and Associates review of the Local Sports Partnership programme.

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MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2013 1.3 MSP Management and Staff Boards1.3 MSPof Management Management andParticipation Staff and Representation

• A totalBoards of 18 of peopleManagement served Participation on the Mayo and Representatio Sports Partnershipn board in 2013.

• On average• A 18total hours of 18 waspeople committed served on the by Mayo the board,Sports Partne includingrship boardthe work in 2013. undertaken by board sub-committees in 2013. • On average 18 hours was committed by the board, including the work undertaken by board sub- Mayo County committeesCouncil, Mayo in 2013. Sports Forum and Mayo Community Forum continue to be the three organisationsMayo County who have Council, the Mayomost participants Sports Forum on and the Mayo board. Comm (Seeunity appendix Forum continueA) to be the three organisations who have the most participants on the board. (See appendix A) MSP Staff MSP hasMSP staff Staff which are funded by the ISC and staff funded through other sources. Along with the co-ordinatorMSP has staff and which the are administrator, funded by the whoISC and are staff funded funded by through the Irish other Sports sources. Council, Along with both the the co- Sports ordinatorInclusion and Disability the administrator, Officer whoand theare fundedCommunity by the SportsIrish Sports Project Council, Worker both are the funded Sports Inclusionthrough board partners.Disability Officer In 2013 and MSP the Communityavailed of theSports Jobbridge Project W orkerScheme are fundedand employed through board an assistant partners. SportsIn 2013 MSP availed of the Jobbridge Scheme and employed an assistant Sports administrator and a Public administrator and a Public Relations Officer. Mayo County Council employs staff on behalf of the Relations Officer. Mayo County Council employs staff on behalf of the Partnership. Partnership.

Male Female Total Male Female Total Full time staff, funded by ISC, other programmes 3 1 4 and agencies Full time staff, funded by ISC, other 3 1 4 programmes and agencies

Figure B - Mayo Sports Partnership Staff Figure B – Mayo Sports Partnership Staff

Charlie Lambert Ray McNamara Padraic Durcan Anne Ronayne Sports Co-ordinator Sports Inclusion Sports Administrator Community Sports Development Officer Development Project Worker

MSP also contracted a further 30 tutors to deliver programmes, MSP also contracted a further 30 tutors to deliver programmes, courses and initiatives within the courses and initiativespartnerships within structure the partnerships structure

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8 2 ACHIEVEMENTS OF MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP IN 2013

2.1 Introduction through the local media, newsletters and general email distribution. 5,000 euro was The extensive work of MSP is characterised as also allocated to 5 athletics clubs as a result falling under four main headings: of assisting in the preparation with the mini • Promoting the sustainability of Mayo marathon in 2013 where clubs were invited to sporting infrastructure by supporting club, assist with the volunteering and administration coaches and volunteers of the event. The funding was used for the • Working to increase levels of local promotion and development of the meet and participation, especially amongst specific train programme in all the areas. target groups • Building sustainable partnerships across Go for Life Grant Scheme 2013 local sports clubs, agencies and working partners to influence and support sports The annual Go for Life Grant Scheme for older and physical activity provision people resulted in 46 Mayo groups receiving • Acting as a provider of information about a total of €13,100. The scheme allocated small sport and physical activity at a local level to grants of 300 to 500 euro which groups could create awareness and drive opportunities. allocate towards equipment, programmes etc. MSP would have publicized the scheme 2.2 Development of Local Sports through our own electronic mailing systems, Infrastructure social and local media etc with at least 20 groups obtaining advice and support from MSP. Sustainable club development is a key priority for Mayo Sports Partnership. They work with Erris Community Health Forum local sports clubs and groups to ensure that In 2013 the Erris Community Health Forum local structures are in place to enable people were allocated funding from the Community to participate in their chosen sport or physical Gain Fund towards initiatives which would activity. MSP also ensure there are local increase participation in the area. To assist the opportunities for volunteers and coaches to group Mayo Sports Partnership had to draft develop their skills and improve the quality of a project proposal which had to be signed of sports participation in their communities. by the committee. Initiatives included Goal to Work Sports Coach Training Programme, Funding Work Community Fit Walk Programme, Men on MSP has provided 560 sports clubs, groups the Move, Primary Schools Sports Camp, and organisations throughout the county with Disability Sports Programme, Girls Active etc. important information and advice in the area Erris Mens Shed received funding from MSP to of funding. MSP has worked directly with 80 purchase and distribute pedometers to Men of these clubs to assist them in developing on the Move Participants in the Erris area to funding applications. be used in conjunction with the Men on the Move handbook. These have proved useful to Special Participation and Bike Week Grant participants in keeping them motivated and Schemes 2013 will be used in the forthcoming Men on the 41 clubs/groups were allocated 22,000 euro Move sessions to track activity and build on through the annual special participation and same. Bike Week grant scheme which was promoted

9 “We are deeply indebted to Mayo Sports Partnership for their funding under the Special Participation Grants scheme, as this has allowed us to continue to flourish as a community organisation, by increasing activity within our Community Centre and by improving the lives of an expansive group of people within our community.”

Colm Mc Loughlin, Community Development Manager; Sean Duffy Community Centre Ballina

Club Development Work In encouraging individuals to be more active MSP ensure that there are sustainable quality pathways for their lifelong participation. MSP continue to support existing providers of sports and physical activity across the county and work with sports clubs, communities and individuals in order to introduce new sports opportunities. To this end, in 2013:

• Some 80 groups have been supported in the delivery of their activities • Some 50 groups have been supported with regard to developing their organisational or management structures • A further 40 groups were assisted in tackling development or policy issues.

This support work assists clubs to improve and develop and better assists them to attract and retain members. For example, MSP advise and help clubs in the areas of club planning and in the development of policies in the areas of membership, disability awareness, social inclusion, health & safety and child protection. For example several clubs have received assistance from MSP to help make their organisations more inclusive and attract members of the wider community to their club. Several examples of this are given below.

Ballina Athletic Club Ballina Athletic Club is a member of the Moy Sports Forum and engages in providing recreational opportunities for disadvantaged youth in the Ballina Area. In 2013 a new committee was formed in the club which proceeded to develop an action plan to seek funding towards the development of the athletic track in the town. The plan seeks to develop the competitive and recreational part of the club with plans for further expansion of is very successful meet and train initiative. The Fit4Life group is almost 5 years old. Since its inception the Ballina AC has grown 150%. There have been very positive social effects and although difficult to measure there has been an increase in social capital surrounding club activities for example the club now have 10 new juvenile coaches in the club who became involved in the club as a direct result of the fit4life programme. The club plans to have further activities for beginners by holding walking classes and also plans to run Operation Transformation sessions supporting people who would just like to get more active. In November 2013 the club was informed that they were successful in obtaining funding for the track and all because of their developmental work.

10 Westport Tennis Club Westport Tennis Club were assisted through MSPs Special Participation Grant Scheme in 2013 to deliver a youth based participation initiative for the area during the summer months. The initiative involved 50 children and the funding enabled the club to purchase new balls, racquets and mini nets. However the impact of the programme has been far reaching with a huge increase in the facility usage by families and tourists to the area. This can be attributable to the fact that increased activity through the youth programme helped to showcase the club. The club now has 4 teams participating in the Mayo league which is the most ever. Westport Town Council are also engaged with the club as a result of the Get Out There strategy due to the facilities being in close proximity to the Greenway. The club promotes a Smarter Travel policy amongst its youth members and this helps to promote health and wellbeing in the general population.

Manulla Soccer Club In September 2013 Manulla Soccer club approached Mayo Sports Partnership about hosting the Men on the Move Initiative utilizing their trackway around their pitch. The club was seeking to further their activities and attract new people into the club. The initiative has been a resounding success with over 30 men attending and even an Operation Transformation Group attending on a separate night.

Ballina Cycling Club In 2013 Ballina Cycling Club sought assistance from Mayo Sports Partnership to develop the youth section of their newly established club. The club presented a plan to MSP who then grant aided the club through its annual special participation grant scheme. A number of initiatives took place including safe cycling skills course, introduction to cyclocross and mountain biking. 14 new youth members joined the club with help from 1 level 1 coach and 4 adult members. In November 2013 6 members of the club attended a cycling Ireland foundation level training course and the club organized a Child Protection in Sport Course for all involved in the youth section. The club embarked in late 2013 with a drive in all second level schools in the area with information on the club with the aim of attracting more members. There is a strong girls participation in the club with the objective of continuing to build further on this.

Claremorris Colts Rugby Club Claremorris Colts RFC is one of seven rugby clubs in Connacht who provide a girls (ages 7 -12 years old) only mini rugby programme. The programme was initiated after the number of girls playing mini rugby declined in season 2011/12. Feedback from parents suggested that starting a girls only programme would bring those players back into the game and the girls only programme was started in season 2012/13. The Mayo Sports Partnership has provided financial support to Claremorris Colts RFC to develop the girls only mini rugby section with the funds going towards the purchase of equipment and training of women coaches to manage the programme. As a consequence the club now have 28 girls aged 7-12 registered in season 2013/14 (an increase from 19 girls in 2012/13) who train each week or participate in blitzes with the other clubs in Connacht offering girls only mini rugby.

11 Camán Ab The first ever Camán Abu Adult Recreational Hurling Blitz took place in March 2013, as over thirty players descended on the Sportlann in Castlebar to have a go at the novel game introduced by Croke Park in recent years. Players from Ballina, Westport and Claremorris along with members of the Mayo Ladies Senior Football panel were on hand to give the event a strong launch - after being introduced to clubs in Mayo in the past few months. Since its introduction, four centres have sprouted up around the county - with the appetite for the mixed game in a friendly and sociable environment proving very popular for all participants. The event was promoted by the Camogie Association with the support of the GAA and the Mayo Sports Partnership. Camán Abú centres in Mayo are based in Westport, Ballina, Ballyvary and Claremorris

Ballina Stephenites GAA Club

Sometimes great work can go virtually unnoticed within the GAA. An example of this is the joint project undertaken by Moy Sports Forum and Ballina Stephenites GAA club. The Connacht Inclusion and Integration Committee were made aware of the tremendous work being undertaken in Ballina as a result of a presentation given by Vivienne Fitzmaurice Clarke, Anne Ronayne and Cora Staunton of the Moy Sports Forum. In their presentation they explained that their new initiative aimed at (1) Building closer relationships and (2) encouraging involvement of Traveller children participate in Gaelic Games. The Moy Sports Forum was formed in autumn 2010 with the aim to increase usage of Urban Council Outdoor facilities and received excellent support from Ballina Urban Council, Mayo Sports Partnership and Mayo North East and FAI joined forces initially to bring about a possible forum encouraging all people in the local community to participate in sport and recreational activities. The mission statement of the Forum is “to provide inclusive, safe and fun sporting / recreational opportunities and programmes for all people in the Ballina area most especially those that are disadvantaged and hard to reach, as well as increasing physical activity and improving health, fitness and quality of living for all.” At a recent Connacht Inclusion and integration committee meeting Padraig Staunton, Co. Mayo GAA inclusion and integration officer reported on the ongoing success achieved by the Moy Sports Forum and Ballina Stephenites GAA Club.

He stated that this new initiative in Ballina was specifically aimed at building closer relationships with the area and encourages children from Parkside in Ballina to participate in Gaelic Games at their local GAA club. Parkside has been recognised as one of the areas of most disadvantaged in Ballina and has a high population form the Traveller community. The Ballina Stephenites GAA Club is positioned in close proximity to the Parkside area in Ballina. Vivienne, Fitzmaurice and Cora Staunton both Primary Health Care Coordinators with Mayo Travellers Support Group together with Anne Ronayne from Mayo Sports Partnership are all members of the Moy Sports Forum. In their presentation to the Connacht Inclusion and integration committee, they outlined that this joint programme arose from the previous history of children form the Parkside area not engaging with the club. Representatives from the club and the forum met to address the issue and a joint initiative of an outreach programme was developed.

12 Training and Education Courses MSP provides quality opportunities for education and training at local level for volunteers, coaches and administrators. • MSP planned and delivered 12 training and education courses, workshops and seminars with their partner agencies • 533 people participated on these training courses. Similar to previous years the most popular courses run by MSP were Club Development Courses ie First Aid, Social Media Training etc, Sports Seminars, Active Leadership, Disability Awareness/ Inclusive Games Training, Walking / Cycling Leader Training and coach education.

Castlebar Kayak Club In 2013 the club received a Club Training / Development Grant from Mayo Sports Partnership. With the funding received the club put together a Level 2 Instructors Course which was run by Canoeing Ireland, the governing body of the sport. Six members from the club participated in the course and three of those members have since qualified as Level 2 Instructors. Already Castlebar Kayak Club had two Level 3 Instructors and one Level 2 Instructor in the club. As a result of running the course it means a total of five Instructors and other Trainee Instructors are waiting to be assessed. The Instructor / Student ratio for a Level 2 Instructor is 1:6 on flat water and for a Level 3 Instructor is 1:8. Due to the ratios the club was always confined in the number of new participants it could take on in any given year but for the first time ever this year the club ran two introductory courses and the number of participants in the courses increased dramatically. Also more club members than ever participated in National Events / Challenges such as The Liffey Descent; The Atlantic Sea Challenge, The Galway Bay Sea Challenge etc. Castlebar Kayak Club Instructors also work in conjunction with the Special Olympics and five of the athletes that we train have qualified for the National Special Olympic Event that is to be held in Limerick in June 2014. The club are optimistic and hopeful that some of these athletes will qualify for the Special Olympic World Summer Games that are to be held in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. in 2015.

Erris Goal to Work The Erris Community Health Forum engaged with Mayo Sports Partnership in 2013 to produce a plan for the Erris area which would deliver training courses and programmes in the area. One of which was he Goal to Work Programme which had been delivered in other areas previously. This programme produced 11 coaches in the soccer, rugby and gaelic football disciplines and included other elements such as disability awareness training, social media training, first aid etc. It instilled greater self-confidence among the participants who delivered training in the local primary schools and will hopefully be a major stepping stone for them in their future careers. The involvement of a number of agencies namely Mayo Sports Partnership as well as the FAI, GAA, IRFU, Mayo North East Leader, Mayo County Council, Udaras na Gaeltachta and the Erris Community Health Forum is a perfect example of teamwork and facilitated the delivery of a professional and worthwhile programme. One of the course attendees obtained the position of classroom sports assistant in one of the local post primary schools.The local Udaras Company is also proposing to advertise a Sports Co- ordinator Rural Social Services Scheme Position for the area who will be able to link in with Mayo Sports Partnership.

13 Local GAA Clubs Cill Chomain and Kiltane are also looking at taking on GAA trained sports coaches as Coaching Officers in their clubs. In addition in February 2013 the Goal to Work Sports Coach Training Programme won an Aontas Adult Learners STAR Award at a presentation function in the Burlington Hotel Dublin. This award was presented to Siobhán Carroll-Webb Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Co, Charlie Lambert Mayo Sports Partnership and John Magee Mayo County Development Board by Minister of Training and Skills Ciarán Canon and John Lonergan former Governor of Mountjoy Prison.

Westport Activity Ambassador Training Programme In the month of June 2013 a group of 5 unemployed people underwent training to become Westport Activity Ambassadors under the Jobbridge Initiative. The role of the Activity Ambassador is to engage with the Tourism Operators and visitors to Westport. The activity ambassadors aim is to enhance their experience and help them become fully aware of what makes Westport a premier destination for active holidays. The second role for the Activity Ambassador is to engage with the local community and support it improving their lifestyle by becoming more active.

The programme has been successful in both aspects. During the peak of the tourism season the Activity Ambassadors engaged with the local providers of accommodation, recreation and activities. This enabled the ambassadors to provide up to date information to tourists when engaging with them either in their hotels or around the town.

In relation to the community of Westport, 4 different Community Centres have been targeted. A variety of activities have been offered according to the profile identified by the local community development officers. Walking groups have been established in every one of the community centres, meeting at least once, sometimes twice a week for one hour walk. The focus is switching towards the organisation of games targeting primary school children and recreational activities targeting adults. In relation to all this and in conjunction with other bodies, the support from the Mayo Sports Partnership has been vital for both the training and the realization of the programme.

Success in Sport. What does it take? Seminar Former Irish international rugby manager Eddie O’Sullivan and Sunday Game analyst Kevin McStay led out a strong team of sports men and women at a special seminar to explore what it takes to succeed in sport in todays world where injuries, heartache losses and set-backs have to be overcome and where the lure of an easier life is never too far away.

The Seminar, titled ‘Success in Sport ? What Does it Take?’ took place on Tuesday, November 12th 2013 at The Breaffy House Hotel and was attended by 130 sports volunteers / leaders, sports enthusiasts etc. Chaired by Ballinrobe native and well known GAA commentator Liam Horan the panel included local Ladies GAA football star Cora Staunton and 2013 FAI Cup Winner Alan Keane from Sligo Rovers. Mayo GAA Team Doctor Sean Moffatt also attended and gave an insight in to the health and wellbeing of current day high performance sportspeople.

The event was organized by the Mayo Sports Partnership in association with the Western Region Drugs Task Force (WRDTF) and South West Mayo Development Company.

14 2.3 Delivering Irish Sports Council Programmes

There are two flagship national Irish Sports Council programmes: Buntús and Code of Ethics.

Buntús

The Buntús Start and Buntús Generic programmes provide an important opportunity for MSP to engage with pre-school and primary school going children and their teachers. The programme involves training teachers / practitioners to deliver an inclusive & fun sports programme, schools are also supplied with a significant amount of sports equipment. Since their introduction in 2005, over 16,000 children in Mayo have been beneficiaries of both programmes. The Buntus Generic Programme has been fully rolled out to all primary schools in the county who wished to participate. The Búntus Start programme is supported by Mayo Childcare Committee but due to funding restrictions delivery was suspended in 2013.

Figure B - Summary of Buntús Generic and Buntús Start outputs for 2005-2013.

Buntús Generic Buntús Start

Total number of schools/centres that received training 180 145 (since introduction of Buntús Generic/Start)

Total number of teachers/practitioners trained 811 382

Total number of children in trained schools/centres 14,108 2800 (since introduction of Buntús Generic/Start)

Code of Ethics The Code of Ethics training programme targets sports leaders and adults involved in the organisation of sport for young people to promote child welfare and protection policies and procedures.

The Code of Ethics programme consists of two workshops: • A 3-hour basic awareness training module for leaders within sports club and • A further 6-hour club children’s officer workshop to support club children’s officers in the implementation of the code in their clubs.

15 Basic Awareness club children’s officer 2011 2012 2013 2011 2012 2013

No. of courses delivered (14) (16) 17 (2) (2) 2

No. of participants (217) (219) 320 (14) (23) 21

Figure C - Summary of Code of Ethics outputs for 2011, 2012 and 2013. Figures in brackets are for 2011 and 2012.

“As a tutor for the Code of Ethics with Mayo Sports Partnership I occasionally receive requests from people to assist them in developing policies and procedures for their clubs. Of late, I had occasion to work with a newly formed club just outside Castlebar. Throughout the course of the discussions, I found that the leaders had some concerns about whether they would be “doing things right” by the children. I recommended that they make contact with the MSP with the specific purpose of attending a Code of Ethics course. I met with them again after two of the leaders attended the course, and it was like meeting a totally different group. The feeling of being unsure was almost totally eliminated, and rather than leading them through the policy development, I took on more of a role of confirming their own ideas. I have since visited the club several times, and am delighted with the progress being made. The catch- phrase of the club leaders has become safe-fun-learning. What a tremendous environment for young people to be a part of. This kind of thing needs replication on as grand a scale possible and while leaders must be open to this way of thinking, it is ultimately through the Sports Partnership here in Mayo that education like this is available to leaders, to give them the confidence in themselves to say, we are here for the children, and with them as the central focus, we wont go too far wrong. “ Martin O Malley Child Protection in Sport Tutor

“As a tutor, I feel it is remarkable the change in hearts and minds which occurs as a result of the Code of Ethics and Children’s Officer training. When we ask them what they remember most about the COE training when we are starting the CO training, the results are always the same. Here are some quotes from the last training course we completed in November 2013. ”Children come first, no matter what.” ”A coach can be replaced but a childhood cannot.” ”Don’t look on this as just Child Protection but worker and volunteer protection as well.” ”If the child’s welfare, safety and protection is at the heart of what we do, we will never go far wrong.” The issues which they are still struggling with after the training course tend to be around social media and using it so it is of benefit to the Club and yet keeps the children safe. More people comment on that than anything else. Louise Mc Bride Child Protection in Sport Tutor

16 MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2013 MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2013

2.4 Programme Delivery

2.4 Programme Delivery 2.4 Programme Delivery MSP responds to emerging local needs by identifying, developing and implementing specific,

MSP responds to emerging local needs by identifying, developingtargeted and implementing programmes specific, to directly targeted increase the levels of local participation particularly amongst the MSP responds to emerging local needs by identifying, developing and implementing specific, targeted programmes to directly increase the levels of local participationtarget particularly groups. amongst In 2013, the MSP target continued groups. Into 2013, develop and deliver a range of suitable and innovative programmes to directly increase the levels of local participation particularly amongst the target groups. In 2013, MSP continued to develop and deliver a range of suitable and participationinnovative participation programmes: programmes: MSP continued to develop and deliver a range of suitable and innovative participation programmes:

• 8140 people participated in 61 locally delivered participation programmes • 8140 people participated in 61 locally delivered participation programmes • 8140 people participated in 61 locally delivered participation programmes • An additional 4.380 female participants took part in 9 •local An Women additional in Sport 4.380 programmes female participants took part in 9 local Women in Sport programmes • An additional 4.380 female participants took part in 9 local Women in Sport programmes • 24 % of MSPs time was spent directly or indirectly on supporting target groups. The chart below outlines • 24• %24 of % MSPs of MSPs time time was was spent spent directly directly or or indirectly indirectly on on supporting supporting targettarget groups. groups. The The chart chart below below outlines the profile of the people in the Community with which Mayo Sports Partnership works, and how they fall outlinesthe profile the profile of the peopleof the inpeople the Community in the Community with whi chwith Mayo which Sports Mayo Partnership Sports Partnership works, and howworks, they fall into particular Target Groups. As the chart shows, MSP spends most of the time it spends working with andinto how particular they fall Targetinto particular Groups. As Target the chart Groups. shows, As MSPthe chartspends shows, most ofMSP the spends time it spendsmost of working the with Target Group Women aged 18-50. timeTarget it spends Group working Women with aged Target 18-50. Group Women aged 18-50.

Figure D - Breakdown of time spent with primary target groups in MSP local programmes in 2013. Figure D - Breakdown of time spent with primary target groups in MSP local programmes in 2013. NOTE: 24% of MSPs time was spent directly with above target groups. NOTE: 24% of MSPs time was spent directly with above target groups. Figure D - Breakdown of time spent with primary target groups in MSP local programmes in

2013. NOTE: 24% of MSPs time was spent directly with above target groups.

17 17

17 MSP strives to deliver programmes that reach both the general public and the hard-to-reach groups and minorities to ensure that everyone has a chance to take part in some form of physical activity. MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2013 Delivering over 70 quality programmes across the county requires proper planning and evaluation MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2013 to ensure that the recipients are getting the best experience possible. MSP is constantly learning from the outcomes and feedback from participants. This type of feedback is very important to MSP ensurestrives thatto deliverprogrammes programmes are running that reacheffectively. both the general public and the hard-to-reach groups and minorities to ensure that everyoneMSP strives has toa chance deliver to programmes take part in somethat reachform of both physical the activity. general Delivering public and over the 70 hard-to-reach groups and MSP continues to answer the demand for organised events which appeal to the general public. quality programmes acrossminorities the county to requiresensure that proper everyone planning has anda chance evaluation to tak toe partensure in some that theform recipient of physicals are activity. Delivering over 70 From the growth of the Western People West of Ireland Women’s Mini Marathon and the popularity getting the best experiencequality possible. programmes MSP across is constantl the countyy learning requires from proper the planning outcomes and and evaluation feedback to fromensure that the recipients are of the Operation Transformation walks and runs, MSP continues to provide high quality events for participants. This type of feedbackgetting theis very best important experience to ensure possible. that programmes MSP is constantl are runningy learning effectively. from the outcomes and feedback from those new to physical activity, and to those already participating. These mass participation events participants. This type of feedback is very important to ensure that programmes are running effectively. allow MSP to reach a much greater audience and MSP can continue to direct participants to other MSP programmescontinues to answerto ensure the they demand stay foractive. organised events which appeal to the general public. From the growth of the Western People MSP West continues of Ireland to answer Women’s the Minidemand Mar forathon organised and theevent popularitys which appeal of the to the Operation general public. From the growth Transformation walks andof runs, the MSP Western continues People to provide West ofhigh Ireland quality Women’s events for Minithose Mar newathon to physical and the activi popularityty, of the Operation and to those already participating.Transformation These masswalks partici and runs,pation MSP events continues allow MSPto provide to reach high a muchquality greater events audi for encethose new to physical activity, and MSPMSP can continue plays a tokey directand role to participants thosein providing already to other participating. opportunities programmes These tofor mass ensure those partici they peoplepation stay active. eventswho may allow not MSP to reach a much greater audience have directand access MSP can to organizedcontinue to direct sport participants or physical to otheractivity. programmes MSP creates to ensure they stay active. MSPprogrammes plays a key rolethat in will providing help opportunitiesbreak down for these those barrierspeople who for may the not minority have direct groups access to organized sport orthat physical mightMSP activity. playsbe affected MSP a key creates role i.e. in pro providing peoplegrammes opportunitieswith that willdisabilities help for break those down people these who barriers may not for have direct access to the minority groups that mightorganized be affected sport or i.e. physical people activity. with disabilities MSP creates programmes that will help break down these barriers for the minority groups that might be affected i.e. people with disabilities

Erris Men on the Move Erris Men on the Move Erris Men on the Move Men on the Move project has been an overwhelming success in Erris. In 2013 35+ men signed up to the Men on the Move project has been an overwhelming success in Erris. In 2013 35+ men signed programme most of whomMen had onnot the engaged Move projectin regular has p hysicalbeen an activity overwhelming in many years.success Coordinated in Erris. In 2013 by the 35+ men signed up to the up to the programme most of whom had not engaged in regular physical activity in many years. Erris Men’s Shed locally withprogramme Michelle Healymost ofas whomtrainer, had the not group engaged are indebted in regular to pMayohysical Sports activity in many years. Coordinated by the Coordinated by the Erris Men’s Shed locally with Michelle Healy as trainer, the group are indebted Partnership for all the helpErris and Men’ssupport Shed in deliverin locally withg the Michelle programme Healy through as train er,the the Men group on the are Move indebted to Mayo Sports to Mayo Sports Partnership for all the help and support in delivering the programme through the steering group where we canPartnership share our for experiences all the help and and ideas support with in other deliverin MotMg the locations. programme The through the Men on the Move Men on the Move steering group where we can share our experiences and ideas with other MotM programme is sustainable steeringalthough group we do where receive we addit can ionalshare funding our experiences from the HSEand ideaswhich with help other us to MotMadd locations. The locations. The programme is sustainable although we do receive additional funding from the HSE different dimensions to Men’sprogramme Health Initiatives is sustainable i.e. Weight although Management we do receive Course addit inional association funding withfrom Croithe HSE which help us to add which help us to add different dimensions to Men’s Health Initiatives i.e. Weight Management and other guest speakers different dimensions to Men’s Health Initiatives i.e. Weight Management Course in association with Croi Course in association with Croiand and other other guest guest speakers speakers

18 18 18

MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Connacht GAA Wheelchair Hurling

In 2013 Connacht GAA Inclusion and Integration Committee in association with Mayo Sports Partnership proceeded with the development of Connacht GAA Wheelchair Hurling. On 13th December 2012, Ray Mc Namara (Mayo Sports Inclusion Disability Officer) addressed the Connacht Inclusion and Integration Committee meeting on his role and expressed his willingness to become involved in any proposed activities such as wheelchair hurling in Connacht, Coach Education Training and Coordination and Disability Awareness training for volunteers. Since the launch of the first Connacht GAA Wheelchair Hurling Event in Barnacarroll Hall, near Claremorris, Co. Mayo on Saturday 29th June 2013, five sessions have taken place. The dates were as follows: 29th June, 27th July, 2nd September, 25th January 2014 (all in Barnacarroll) and 12th October 2013 in St Colmans College, Claremorris. Mayo Sports Partnerships Disability Officer, Ray McNamara, ably assisted by Neil Sheridan, Mayo County Council, have not only attended training sessions but have provided additional sports wheelchairs for use in these sessions from Mayo Sports Partnership. These sports wheelchairs have proved invaluable to the players taking part in the training and wheelchair events. The committee acknowledges John Hopkins, Connacht GAA Wheelchair Hurling Co-ordinator and Adrian Hession, Connacht GAA Wheelchair Hurling Coach for all their work in the development of Wheelchair Hurling in Connacht, as number participating continue to grow with each session. Denis O Boyle Connacht GAA Wheelchair Hurling Connacht GAA Inclusion and Integration Officer

In 2013 Connacht GAA Inclusion and Integration Committee in association with Mayo Sports Partnership proceeded with the development of Connacht GAA Wheelchair Hurling.

On 13th December 2012, Ray Mc Namara (Mayo Sports Inclusion Disability Officer) addressed the Connacht Inclusion and Integration Committee meeting on his role and expressed his willingness to become involved in any proposed activitiesPrimary such School as Athleticswheelchair Programme hurling in Connacht, Coach Education Training and Coordination and Disability Awareness training for volunteers. Since the launch of the first Connacht GAAOn aWheelchair number of occasions Hurling over Event the coursein Barnacarroll of the past y earHall, the near pupils from third to sixth classes in Scoil Íosa have taken up the invitation from MSP and Claremorris Athletic Club to participate in the Primary Claremorris, Co. Mayo on Saturday 29th JuneSchools 2013, Athletics five sessions Programme. have The taken sessions place. were Thevery weldatesl received were by all participants. Special mention as follows: 29th June, 27th July, 2nd September,must go 25th to Jim January Ryan for 2014 his infectious (all in enthusiasmBarnacarroll) and genuineand 12th passion for encouraging young children to October 2013 in St Colmans College, Claremorris.become actively involved in the sport. What was particularly gratifying about participating in these taster sessions was that they presented an opportunity for many of our pupils to discover their talents in the Mayo Sports Partnerships Disability Officer,various Ray pursuits McNamara, and, as ablya result, assisted a number by ofNeil the chilSheridan,dren have Mayotaken up athletics by joining Claremorris County Council, have not only attended trainingclub. The sessions experience but has alsohave helped provided to boost additional the local community sports games in the Ballyhaunis area with wheelchairs for use in these sessions from Mayomore Sports children Partnership. participating in These the athletics sports facet wheelchairs of the games. have The school has also seen a tangible proved invaluable to the players taking part benefit,in the trainingin that we and now wheelchairtake part in athletics events. comp etitions and over the past two years have had pupils qualifying for the Connaught Primary Schools Cross Country finals. Perhaps the finest indictment of the The committee acknowledges John Hopkins,Primary Connacht Schools GAA Athletics Wheelchair Programme Hurling is the enthusiasmCo-ordinator portrayed and by all pupils on returning from a Adrian Hession, Connacht GAA Wheelchair Hurlingsession. TheCoach most for frequent all their question work from in the the developmentclasses, teachers ofand pupils alike is “When can we go to Wheelchair Hurling in Connacht, as number athleticsparticipating again”.Surely continue no greater to grow measure with of each success session. of the programme exists than to be party to such a question!! Denis O Boyle Kenneth Dennedy Principal Scoil Iosa Ballyhaunis Connacht GAA Inclusion and Integration Officer

Primary School Athletics Programme 19

On a number of occasions over the course of the past year the pupils from third to sixth classes in Scoil Íosa have taken up the invitation from MSP and Claremorris Athletic Club to participate in the Primary Schools Athletics Programme. The sessions were very well received by all participants. Special mention must go to Jim Ryan for his infectious enthusiasm and genuine passion for encouraging young children to become actively involved in the sport. What was particularly gratifying about participating in these taster sessions was that they presented an opportunity for many of our pupils to discover their talents in the various pursuits and, as a result, a number of the children have taken up athletics by joining Claremorris club. The experience has also helped to boost the local community games in the Ballyhaunis area with more children participating in the athletics facet of the games. The school has also seen a tangible benefit, in that we now take part in athletics competitions and over the past two years have had pupils qualifying for the Connaught Primary Schools Cross Country finals. Perhaps the finest indictment of the Primary Schools Athletics Programme is the enthusiasm portrayed by all pupils on returning from a session. The most frequent question from the classes, teachers and pupils alike is “When can we go to athletics again”.Surely no greater measure of success of the programme exists than to be party to such a question!! Kenneth Dennedy Principal Scoil Iosa Ballyhaunis

19 MAYO SPORT S PARTNERSHIP REPORT 2013 ANNUAL MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2013MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL Further details on specific programmes aimed at target groups REPORT 2013 port. Further details on specific programmes aimed at tar get groups are included in the section 3 of this re are included in the section 3 of 2.5 this Building report. and Sustaining Partnerships Further details on specific programmes aimed at targetFurther groups details are includedon specific in programmesthe section 3 aimedof this atre port.tar get groups are included in the section 3 of this re Networks and Forums 2.5 Building 2.5 Building and and Sustaining Sustaining Partnerships Partnerships 2.5 Building and Sustaining PartnershipsIn 2013, MSP has been to the forefront in the promot port. Networks and Forums Networks and Forums Networks and Forumsand regional level. MSP has played anion important of a wide rol range of networks and forums at local In 2013, MSP has been to the forefront in the promotion of a wide range of networks and forums at locale in facilitating 13 networks and forums. In 2013, MSP hasThese been Forumsto the forefront bring together in the sportspromot clubs, agencies, voluion of a wide range of networks and forums at local In 2013, MSP hasand been regional to level. the forefront MSP has played in the an promotionimportant rol eof in afacilitating wide range 13 networks of networks and forums. and forums at nteers and other working partners across the y and regional level.county MSP and has provide played ana framework important torol influence and rese in facilitating 13 networks and forums.e local and regional level. MSP has played an important role in facilitating 13 networks and forums. ource sports and physical activity locally, regionall These Forums bring together sports clubs, agencies,These volunteers Forums and bringand other nationally. together working sports They partners promote clubs, across agencies, the theprofile volu and work These Forumscounty bring and together provide a frameworksports clubs, to influence agencies, and res volunteersource sports andreachand physical ofother MSP. activity Networksworking locally, and partners regionall Forumsy actof the as a Partnership conduit to , butnteers more and importantly other working increase partners th across the county and provide a framework to influence and res ource sports and physical activity locally, regionall across the countyand nationally.and provide They apromote framework the profile to influenceand work of theand Partnership resourcesport , butsports and more physical andimportantly activityphysical increase to theactivity community the communicate and are the message of the importance of and nationally. They promote the profile and work alsoof athe sounding Partnership board , forbut advicemore importantly and increase th reach of MSP. Networks and Forums act as a conduit to communicaterecommendations the message of as the to whatimportance MSP can of do to assist sports locally, regionally and nationally. They promote the profilereach and of MSP.work Networksof the Partnership and Forums act , asbut a conduitmore to clubs and partners. sport and physical activity to the community and are also a sounding board for advice and communicate the message of the importance ofy importantly increase the reach of MSP. Networks and Forumssport and act physical Someas a examples conduit activity to of to the Forums communicate community that MSP and were are key players in w recommendations as to what MSP can do to assist sportsrecommendations clubs and partners. as to what MSP can do to assist sports ere the Erris and alsoWestport a sounding Fora board for advice and e the message of the importance of sport and physical activity to Erristhe Sportscommunity Forum and are also a clubs and partners. Some examples of Forums that MSP were key players inSome were examplesthe Erris and of Forums Westport that Fora MSP were key players in w sounding board for advice and recommendations as to what MSP can do to assist sports clubs and ere the Erris and Westport Fora Erris Sports Forum Mayo Sports Partnership sits on the evaluation committ partners. Erris Sports Forum ee of the Community Gain Fund for Sport and Recreation. As a result of many funding applications Some examples of Forums that MSP were key players in were the Erris and Westport Fora received and also with an activity plan devised for Mayo Sports Partnership sits on the evaluation committeeMayo of the Sportsthe Community Erris Partnership Community Gain sits Fund onHealth forthe Sport evaluationForum, and it was committ felt that it would be usefulee of tothe bring Community all clubs Gain / organisations Fund for Sport and Recreation. As a result of many funding applications receivedRecreation. andwho also Ashave with a result a an physical activity of many activity plan funding devised focus applications together for for a fo rum meeting.received The informationand also with shared an activity at the plan meeting devised for Erris Sports Forumthe Erris Community Health Forum, it was felt that it wouldthe be Erris usefulwas Community very to bring useful allHealth to clubs organisations Forum, / organisations it was and felt all thatfelt thatit it w ould be wouldworthwhile be useful to meet to bring on a all quarterly clubs / organisationsbasis to who have a physical activity focus together for a forum meeting.who havelook The a at physicalinformation needs andactivity issues.shared focus Learningat togetherthe meeting about for awhat fo facilitirum meeting. The information shared at the meeting Mayo Sports Partnership sits on the evaluation committee of theitself Community a notable outcome Gain Fundof the gathering.for Sport Another es are available in the area from other clubs was was very useful to organisations and all felt that it would bewas worthwhile very useful to to meet organisations on a quarterly and all basis felt tothat it w ould be worthwhile to meet on a quarterly basis to and Recreation.look As at a needs result and of issues. many Learning funding about applications what facilities arereceived availablepresent and in onethe also areaday a withfrom week otheran in the activity clubs new was year plan to assist outcome group was that Mayo Sports Partnership is to be look at needs and issues. Learning about what faciliti s etces inare putting available together in the areaapplications from other for theclubs Sports was devised for theitself Erris a notableCommunity outcome Health of the gathering. Forum, Anotherit was felt outcome thatitself wasitCapital awould thatnotable FundingMayo be outcome Sportsuseful Scheme ofPartnership to the and bring gathering. to develop isall to clubs beAnother projects / inioutcome was that Mayo Sports Partnership is to be present one day a week in the new year to assist groups etc in putting together applications for the Sports tiatives in the area. / organisations who have a physical activity focus together forpresent a forum one day meeting. a week in theThe new information year to assist group s etc in putting together applications for the Sports Capital Funding Scheme and to develop projects / initiativesCapital in the Funding area. Scheme and to develop projects / ini tiatives in the area. shared at the meeting was very useful to organisations and allWestport felt that Sports it would Forum be worthwhile to meet on a quarterly basis to look at needs and issues. Learning about what facilities are available in the area fromWestport other Sportsclubs Forum was itself a notable outcome of theWestportWestport gathering. Sports Get Out Forum Another There Action outcome Plan 2013 was This Get Out There! Action Plan has been developed b that Mayo Sports Partnership is to be present one day a week in the new year to assist groups etc y Westport Town Council and Mayo Sports Westport Get Out There Action Plan 2013 Partnership.Westport Get The Out actions There resulted Action Planfrom 2013 a combination o in putting together applications for the Sports Capital Fundingclubs, Scheme community and organisations to develop and projects tourist bodies / in thef research reviews and consultation with sports This Get Out There! Action Plan has been developed by WestportThis Get Town Out Council There! Actionand Mayo Plan Sports has been developed b y Westport Town Council and Mayo Sports initiatives in the area. town and environs. Partnership. The actions resulted from a combination of researchPartnership. reviews The and actions consultation resulted with from sports a combination of research reviews and consultation with sports clubs, community organisations and tourist bodies in the townTheclubs, dual and communityaimsenvirons. of the Getorganisations Out There and 2013! tourist initiatives bodies in the are town and environs. Westport Sports Forum 1. to positively contribute to activity tourism in t 2. to increase physical activity levels of residents he town. The dual aims of the Get Out There 2013! initiatives are The dual aims of the Get Out There 2013! initiativesare of the town and Westport Get Out1. to Therepositively Action contribute Plan to 2013 activity tourism in the town.particularly 1. to positively those of contributelow-participation to activity groupings. tourism inhe t town.

This Get Out There!2. to increase Action physical Plan activityhas been levels developed of residents ofby the Westport town and2. to Townincrease Council physical activityand Mayo levels ofSports residentsof the town and Westport Activity Ambassador Programme Partnership. Theparticularly actions those resulted of low-participation from a combination groupings. of researchparticularly reviews those and of low-participation consultation groupings. with The Activity Ambassador progamme has been developed by sports clubs, community organisations and tourist bodies thein theMayo town Sports and Partnership environs. and Westport Tourism Organ Westport Town Council in association with Westport Activity Ambassador Programme Westport Activity Ambassador Programme sport and recreation for both visitor and resident. It is envisaged thatisation the Activity in an effort Ambassadors to increase will participation in The dual aims Theof the Activity Get Ambassador Out There progamme 2013! initiatives has been developed are by WestportThe Activity Town Ambassador Council in associationprogamme haswith been developed by ons develop and promote a weekly activity list in associat Westport Town Council in association with 1. To positivelythe Mayo contribute Sports Partnership to activity and Westport tourism Tourism in the Organ town.isationthe in Mayo an effort Sports to Partnershipincrease participation and Westport in Tourism Organ and also provide for delivery of isationion within an localeffort sporting, to increase cultural participation & visitor inattracti 2. To increasesport andphysical recreation activity for both levels visitor of and residents resident. ofIt is the envisaged townsport that and and the particularly recreationActivity Ambassadors for those both visitor will and resident. It is envisaged that the Activity Ambassadors will develop and promote a weekly activity list in association with local sporting, cultural & visitor attractions of low-participation groupings. develop and promote aactivity weekly programmes activity activity list programmes in for ionassociat specific with local for groups/families. specific sporting, groups/families. cultural & visitor attracti and also provide for delivery of activity programmes for specificand groups/families. also provide for delivery of

Westport Activity Ambassador Programme ons 20

The Activity Ambassador progamme has been developed by Westport Town Council in association with the Mayo Sports Partnership and Westport Tourism Organisation in an effort to 20 increase participation in sport and recreation for both visitor and resident. It is envisaged that the Activity Ambassadors 20 will develop and promote a weekly activity list in association with local sporting, cultural & visitor attractions and also provide for delivery of activity programmes for specific groups/families.

20 Awareness Raising and Committee Work MSP engages in a range of local activities in order to promote the key messages of the Sports Partnership initiative. This may involve membership of relevant committees or structured involvement MAYO in awareness SPORTS PARTNERSHIP raising events. ANNUAL REPORT 2013 MSP monitors the number of awareness raising events in which they have played an active role. In 2013, MSP participated in 12 such events. Examples Awareness of theseRaising eventsand Committee included Work Drugs and Alcohol Awareness Week Sports Seminar, Training andMSP Education engages inDays a range for ofthe local Unemployed, activities in order Bike to promoteWeek Sports the key Fest, messages Intercultural of the Sports Day, Partnership Traveller Pride Week,initiative. information This may seminars involve membership and other of presentations relevant committees and ortalks structured to groups involvement and resident in awareness committees raising events. in their local areas. These events assist in highlighting the work of the Partnerships and the MSP monitors the number of awareness raising events in which they have played an active role. In 2013, importanceMSP participated of sport in 12in suchcommunity events. life. A furtherExamples example of these of events the extent included to Drugswhich and MSP Alcohol IS an Aw importantareness Week part Sports of the Seminar, fabric Trainingof the community and relatesEducation to the Days ongoing for the demand Unemployed, for our Bike time Week and Sports expertise Fest, Intercultural in committee Day, work. Traveller In 2013, Pride Week,MSP actively participatedinformation on seminars 8 local and committees other presentations and networks. and talks to groups and resident committees in their local areas. These events assist in highlighting the work of the Partnerships and the importance of sport in Achillcommunity Sports Networklife. A further example of the extent to which MSP IS an important part of the fabric of the community relates Followingto the ongoing a facilitated demand meetingfor our time with and expertiserepresentatives in committee of work.the Achill In 2013, Sports MSP actively Network participated in November 2013,on the8 local clubs committees / organizations and networks. in the area have come together to plan a series of participation initiativesAchill Sports ie Operation Network Transformation 2014 and also to communicate over local fixtures. This is to ensureFollowing that a facilitated fixture meetingclashes with may representatives be avoided ofand the thatAchill betterSports Networkcollaboration in November may 2013,ensue. the They have evenclubs come / organizations together toin the organize area have an come annual together sports to plan ball a soseries that of itparticipation gets maximum initiatives publicity. ie Operation Transformation 2014 and also to communicate over local fixtures. This is to ensure that fixture Bikeclashes Week may Steering be avoided Committee and that better collaboration may ensue. They have even come together to organize an annual sports ball so that it gets maximum publicity. In February 2013 a Bike Week Steering Committee was established with the purpose of overseeing the delivery of a programme of activities for Bike Week. Members of the committee included An TaisceBike Green Week SteeringSchools, Committee Mayo County Council Road Safety Officer, Sustainable Transport Officer, HSE In February 2013 a Bike Week Steering Committee was established with the purpose of overseeing the West,delivery Smarter of a programmeTravel and of local activities cycling for Bike clubs. Week. The Members committee of the committeeorganized included a launch An Taisce and aGreen high profile localSchools, Bike Fest Mayo event County which Council attractedRoad Safety severalOfficer, Su hundredstainable Transportparticipants. Officer, The HSE committeeWest, Smarter were able to bringTravel their and expertise local cycling to clubs. the organization The committee oforgani Bikezed Week a launch and and ensure a high profilethe sharing local Bike of Fest resources. event which attracted several hundred participants. The committee were able to bring their expertise to the Westorganization Region Outdoor of Bike Week Recreation and ensure Strategy the sharing Steering of resources. Committee

In October 2013 Mayo Sports Partnership was invited to be the local authority representative for West Region Outdoor Recreation Strategy Steering Committee MayoIn Octoberto sit on 2013 the Mayo steering Sports Partnershipcommittee was for invited the developmentto be the local authority of a west representative region outdoor for Mayo recreationto strategy.sit on theThree steering meetings committee have for thetaken development place with of a westone regionof the outdoor first recreationactions beingstrategy. the Three development of ameetings directory have of taken activities place with for one the of region.the first actio Invitationsns being the were development also extended of a directory to groups,of activitie clubss and organizationsfor the region. to Invitations submit proposalswere also extended for inclusion to groups, in clubs the document.and organizations This to process submit proposals was advantageous for to theinclusion Partnership in the document. in that it This allowed process us was to advantageo get an upus to to date the Partnership picture of in whatthat it theallowed provision us to get was like in an up to date picture of what the provision was like in the area while also collecting contact data for the groupsarea while / clubs also throughout collecting the region. contact data for groups / clubs throughout the region.

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21 Information Provision

MSP hasMAYO a keySPORT roleS PARTNERSHIP in acting as ANNUAL an information REPORT 2013 hub and point of contact. The Partnership enables more sharing of information and offers a common meeting ground, along with specific access and signposting information. MSP aims to act as a strong link between those who wish to participate and those who provide opportunities for participation. Clubs and sports volunteers recognise that Information Provision their relationship with MSP links them into meaningful sports and physical activity network and a source of expertise. MSP has a key role in acting as an information hub and point of contact. The Partnership enables more sharingIn 2013, of information over 8,000 and individuals offers a common contacted meeting MSPground, in alongorder with to accessspecific accessgeneral and or signposting specific sport-related information.information. MSP aims to act as a strong link between those who wish to participate and those who provide opportunities for participation. Clubs and sports volunteers recognise that their relationship with MSPMSP links is them making into moremeaningful use ofsports on-line and physical resources activity for networkinformation and a sourceprovision of expertise. through its website and social media. MSP would continually update its website on a weekly basis with up to date information on In local 2013, and over national 8,000 individuals projects contacted along with MSP local in ord events.er to access In addition general many or specific information sport-related leaflets / posters information. have been produced for initiatives such as Men on the Move, Operation Transformation, the Mini MSPMarathon, is making moreActive use Schools, of on-line Meet resources and forTrain, informa Fit Walk,tion provision Bike Week through etc. its MSP website continue and social to produce a bi media. MSP would continually update its website on a weekly basis with up to date information on local andannual national hardcopy projects along newsletter with local as events. it is important In addition tomany give information an option leaflets to people / posters who have may been not have access producedto modern for initiatives methods such of as communication Men on the Move, ieOper Computers,ation Transformation, Mobile Devices the Mini Marathon,etc. Active Schools, Meet and Train, Fit Walk, Bike Week etc. MSP continue to produce a bi annual hardcopy Facebook and Twitter continue to give us a modern medium to get word out on our numerous newsletter as it is important to give an option to people who may not have access to modern methods of communicationprogrammes ie Computers,and events. Mobile It also Devices provides etc. a medium for blogs and comments on sporting news and announcements. Facebook and Twitter continue to give us a modern medium to get word out on our numerous programmesWith 2013 and the events. year of It the also Gathering provides a mediumMSP organised for blogs anda Sports comments Gathering on sporting Weekend news andaround the West announcements.of Ireland Womens Mini Marathon. This provided a focus to promote womens participation in sport Withwith 2013 a numberthe year of of the various Gathering events MSP organised taking place a Sports in Gathering the county Weekend town. around Having the SoniaWest of O Sullivan present Irelandon the Womens weekend Mini Marathon. to take part This providedin events a focus such to as promote a Women womens in Sportparticipation Seminar in sport and with the a Mini Marathon numberhelped of various to raise events the takingevents place profile. in the county town. Having Sonia O Sullivan present on the weekend to take part in events such as a Women in Sport Seminar and the Mini Marathon helped to raise the events profile.

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22 3 MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP - Programme Case Studies

3.0 Introduction Mayo Sports Partnership is a key mechanism for the delivery of opportunities for sport and physical activity within Mayo and in particular to hard-to-reach groups who are not engaged in mainstream sports. MSP has focused on delivering quality participation opportunities to groups and last year over 70 programmes were delivered at local level primarily by MSP (working with local partners). This section presents good practice examples of interaction with key target groups leading to capacity building of volunteers and sustainable participation.

3.1 Club Development / Disadvantaged Case study: Moy Sports Forum Outreach GAA Programme 2013 Introduction

Moy Sports Forum has an interagency approach and comprises Mayo Sports Partnership, Ballina Town Council, Mayo Travellers Support Group, Mayo North East, Involve Youth, Sean Duffy Centre, FAI and Greenhill’s Resident Representatives. The forum aims to provide inclusive, safe and fun sporting and recreational opportunities for all people in the Ballina Area. This Outreach Project was rolled out by Moy Sports Forum in partnership with Ballina Stephenites GAA to develop a GAA programme for children living in the Parkside Area of Ballina. The new initiative was aimed at building closer relationships with the community, encouraging children from the Parkside to participate in Gaelic Games at their local GAA club. The Stephenites club is positioned in very close proximity to the Parkside area in Ballina. Parkside has been recognized as one of the areas of most disadvantaged in Ballina and has a big population from the Traveller community. There was a previous history of children from the parkside area not engaging with the club. There had been a sense of a lack of trust which had developed over many years and children had just stopped engaging and playing with Stephenites. The project was the coming together of Stephenites and Moy Sports Forum to see what could be done to address the issue of children not playing.

Programme Outline

The programme comprised club coaches and members of Stepenites senior team coaching the children weekly basis at a pitch close to parkside for 8 week pilot programme. The children were taught GAA skills throughout the 8 week period. Children began to enjoy playing the game and were then invited to come to training at the Stephenites GAA grounds. An average of 20 children attends weekly sessions. The initial 8 week programme took place in a local school pitch where parkside children would feel comfortable(hence the outreach) i.e. Outdoor facilities belonging to the local primary school Scoil Íosa were used by permission and the follow on programme took place at the Ballina Stephenites GAA sports facilities. The 8 week programme was free of charge. Moy Sports Forum (through some funding from Mayo Sports Partnership and some other agencies) and Ballina Stepenites funded the programme. Stephenites gave free membership to 10 children including GAA top at a total cost of €800 including BIK of €800 for coaches. Forum members BIK €800 supported by Mayo Sports Partnership, Ballina Town Council, Involve, Mayo Traveller Support Group and Mayo North East Leader Partnership.

23 MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Outputs Outputs • This particular GAA Outreach• This Project particular has GAAbeen Outreach recognized Project by the has Connacht been recognized Inclusion and by Integration the Connacht Inclusion and Committee as a model of goodIntegration practice Committee in inclusion as w aithin model the ofGAA good which practice can be in replicated inclusion inwithin other the GAA GAA which can be clubs throughout Ireland. replicated(p40 Into the in otherWest bi-monthGAA clubsly magazinethroughout of Ireland.the Connacht (p40 IntoGAA the Council West Vol bi-monthly 4. magazine of Issue 10 December 2013) the Connacht GAA Council Vol 4. Issue 10 December 2013) • On Average of 20 children• On attended Average the of 8 20 week children session attendeds and on the completion 8 week sessions of the outreach and on programmecompletion of the outreach • 10 children registered with programme Ballina Stephenites GAA club and play on various underage teams with the club. One 16 year old plays• 10 Minor children football registered with the with club. Ballina Stephenites GAA club and play on various underage teams • It is hoped that the club willwith continue the club. to linkOne with 16 year Moy old Sports plays Forum Minor for football further with initiatives the club. to engage and embed the children further• It inis hopedthe club. that E.g. the a Club club Open will continue Day to link with Moy Sports Forum for further initiatives to engage and embed the children further in the club. E.g. a Club Open Day

Sustainability Sustainability

• Children began to enjoy• playingChildren the began game andto enjoy were playing then invited the game to come and to were training then at invited the Ballina to come to training Stephenites GAA Club grounds. at the Ballina Stephenites GAA Club grounds.

• At least 10 children from• theAt leastparkside 10 children area now from play the with parkside the Ballina area stephenites now play with club. the Ballina stephenites club.

• The club and local parkside• The residents, club and Involve local parksidethe local residents,youth club Involve and Moy the sport local forum youth are club working and Moy sport closer together to create sustainabilityforum are working closer together to create sustainability

• Children are on various• teamsChildren in the are club. on various teams in the club.

• One lad played with Stephenites• One lad Minor played team with for Stephenites the past year Minor or so. team for the past year or so.

Quotes Quotes Connacht GAA Inclusion and Integration Officer Denis O’Boyle called the programme a ‘Model of Good Practice’ in Connacht GAA Inclusion and Integration Officer Denis O’Boyle called the programme a ‘Model of inclusion within the GAA which can be replicated in other GAA clubs throughout Ireland. Good Practice’ in inclusion within the GAA which can be replicated in other GAA clubs throughout

Ireland.

Pic: ChildrenPic: participating Children participating in the Ballina in Stepheni the Ballinates OutreachStephenites Programme Outreach Programme

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24 3.2 Integration Social disadvantage has a very large impact on the likelihood that an adult plays sport. Analysis from the Sporting Lives research published by the ISC and the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) reveals that social disadvantage greatly lowers the chances that someone will take up an individual sport that is likely to be continued as an older adult. Those from less advantaged backgrounds who do play sport when young are, therefore, likely to drop out

Case study: Westport Intercultural Day Introduction

Mayo Integration Forum is an interagency forum which includes Mayo Sports Partnership as an agency. Other agencies include Mayo Intercultural Action, Mayo County Council. Etc.

Programme Outline

The programme comprised an Intercultural Day which includes a food exposé day, Cultural Music and Sport. Irish, Latvian, Lituanian, Ehthipian, South Africa, Polish, English, Russian, Ukranian and many more cultures were involved in the Intercultural day. It was an afternoon where each country displayed samples of their countries food, sang songs and played their own cultural music and took part in a common sporting activity which the Mayo Sports Partnership were responsible for rolling out. It was decided from previous years to anchor the programme onto an existing festival and so it was decided to run the event as part of the Arts Festival in Westport which took place over the entire week. The sport segment included a 2k walk/run for children and adults.

Leader

• Members of the Intercultural Action Forum • Sports Coaches from Mayo Sports Partnership

Facility

• The local Sports Hall at Rice College Westport was hired. • Outdoor facilities i.e. pitch at Rice College. • The adjacent town greenway.

Cost

• The hall cost €150.00 • The representatives from the various countries received monies approx €100 to produce the cultural food on display. • Mayo Sports Partnership funded the sports coaches for the sports section of the day costing €200 • Overall Funding was provided by Community and Integrated Development Section, Mayo County Council

25 MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Sustainability

Objective is to engage with various ethnic minorities that live in the county and encourage them to link with physical activity programmes in the future. Ideally anchoring onto a larger festival with better exposure, better access and with a greater scope would be best.

Outputs Sustainability Objective is to engage with various ethnic minorities that live in the county and encourage them Created links with various representativesto link with physical activity from programmes ethnic minority in the future. groups Ideally anchoring living onto in the a larger county. festival with better exposure, better access and with a greater scope would be best.

Created links with other agenciesOutputs e.g. Mayo Intercultural Action, direct provision centre etc Created links with various representatives from ethnic minority groups living in the county. Created links with other agencies e.g. Mayo Intercultural Action, direct provision centre etc

Westport International Sports Day 2013 Westport International Sports Day 2013

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3.2 People with a Disability Mayo Sports Partnership has played an important role in the development of sport and physical activity opportunities for people with disabilities, through its investment in the development of the Sports Inclusion Disability Programme. Since its inception in 2008, the programme has contributed directly to increasing levels of recorded participation in sport and physical activity among people with a disability. Through the Irish Sports Council the funding of this programme in 2013 has enabled the continuation of the work of the Sports Inclusion Disability Officer (SIDO). By raising awareness about the role that sport can play in the lives of people with disabilities, the programme has created a wide range of new opportunities for access to different levels of engagement in sports and physical activities across the country. The work of the SIDO has been premised on the ethical framework of MSP in terms of promoting collaborative practices, sharing of expertise and resources and a clear focus on promoting sustainable opportunities for integration and participation.

Case study: Connacht Wheelchair Hurling Team Introduction

The first ever Wheelchair Hurling team played their first competitive blitz in Athlone IT on the 2nd November 2013. The Idea was developed from taster days run by the Mayo Sports Partnership who then approached the Connacht Inclusion and Integration Officer Dennis O Boyle who brought the idea to the Connacht Inclusion and Integration committee.l Action, Mayo County Council. Etc.

Programme Outline

Leader

The team coached by Adrian Hession with the help of John Hopkins (Mayo Gaa), Denis O Boyle (Connacht Inclusion and Integration Officer) and Ray Mc Namara Sports Inclusion Development Office (Mayo Sports Partnership). Mayo Sports Partnership provides the use of their sports wheelchairs for the team.

Facility

Training takes place in Barnacarroll Sports Hall once a month with interprovincial blitz held in every province each year.

Promotion

The Sports Inclusion Development Offices, GAA and local contact all assisted in getting the word out in relation to the programme through local print media, community notes, parish newsletter, email, texts, radio, Facebook and twitter. The team was introduced to the crowd at the Connaught final between Mayo and Galway in Mc Hale Park Castlebar to highlight the success and promote the sport.

27 MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2013

MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2013 Sustainability

This is a very sustainable Programme with The Connaught Council supporting the team and treating like all other Connaught teams. Sustainability Dennis O Boyle Said 'On behalf of the Connacht GAA Inclusion and Integration Committee I wish to express our sincereThis is a gratitude very sustainable to Adrian Programme Hession and with John The Hopkins Connaug andht toCouncil Ray McNamara, supporting Sportsthe team Inclusion and treating Development like all other OfficerConnaught for Mayo teams. Sports Partnership,Sustainability for the provision of Sports Wheelchairs for use by our Connacht GAA Wheelchair Hurling team over this year. They were very much appreciated by all involved and greatly helped our teamDennis in Otheir Boyle preparations Said 'On behalf for,This and of is the ina theirveryConnacht particisustainable GAApation Inclusion Programmein the andinaugural Integration with M TheDonnelly Committee Connaught Interprovincial I wishCouncil to expressGAA supporting our the team and Wheelchairsincere gratitude Hurling to Tournament, Adrian Hessiontreating which and like wasJohn all other held Hopkins in Connaught Ath andlone to Institute Ray teams. McNamara, of Technology. Sports TheInclusion Connacht Development team play ed Officer for Mayo Sports Partnership, for the provision of Sports Wheelchairs for use by our Connacht GAA extremely well and finished Dennisrunners Oup Boyle to Munster Said ‘On in behalfthe Final. of theA special Connacht word GAAof thanks Inclusion also, andto Neil Integration Sheridan, Committee I wish Wheelchair Hurling team over this year. They were very much appreciated by all involved and greatly helped our Mayo Co. Council for all his supportto express and ourassistance sincere thr gratitudeoughout theto Adrianyear. Hession and John Hopkins and to Ray McNamara, team in their preparations for, and in their participation in the inaugural M Donnelly Interprovincial GAA Sports Inclusion Development Officer for Mayo Sports Partnership, for the provision of Sports Wheelchair Hurling Tournament, which was held in Athlone Institute of Technology. The Connacht team played Wheelchairs for use by our Connacht GAA Wheelchair Hurling team over this year. They were very extremely well and finished runners up to Munster in the Final. A special word of thanks also, to Neil Sheridan, much appreciated by all involved and greatly helped our team in their preparations for, and in their Mayo Co. Council for all his support and assistance throughout the year. participation in the inaugural M Donnelly Interprovincial GAA Wheelchair Hurling Tournament, which was held in Athlone Institute of Technology. The Connacht team played extremely well and

finished runners up to Munster in the Final. A special word of thanks also, to Neil Sheridan, Mayo Co. Council for all his support and assistance throughout the year.

Pic: Wheelchair Hurling participants pictured at Connaught GAA Final with MSP and Connaught Council

Pic: Wheelchair Hurling participants pictured at Connaught GAA Final with MSP and Connaught Council

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Pic: Wheelchair Hurling participants pictured at Connaught GAA Final with MSP and Connaught Council 28 

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28 3.4 Urban / Tourism Development In Mayo there are 3 main centres of population in Mayo, namely Ballina, Castlebar and Westport. Within the 2012 Annual Report the Moy Sports Forum was highlighted as a case study for disadvantaged in an Urban area, in this report showcases another urban intervention which has a tourism / physical activity focus. Westport Town Councils foresight in recognising the tourism potential of developing Westport as an “Activity Capital” should be complimented. Various initiatives which have been developed has helped to integrate locals with visitors alike thus ensuring a more positive experience for all. The legacy of this development has led to an all year round culture of participation in the 3rd largest town of the county and shows how sport development can make a difference in improving everyone’s quality of life.

Case study: Westport Get Out There Action Plan 2013 Introduction

This Get Out There! Action Plan has been developed by Westport Town Council and Mayo Sports Partnership. The actions resulted from a combination of research reviews and consultation with sports clubs, community organisations and tourist bodies in the town and environs. The dual aims of the Get Out There 2013! initiative are 1. to positively contribute to activity tourism in the town. 2. to increase physical activity levels of residents of the town and particularly those of low-participation groupings.

Programme Outline In 2013 two major initiatives were developed: 1. Westport Activity Ambassador Programme The Activity Ambassador progamme has been developed by Westport Town Council in association with the Mayo Sports Partnership and Westport Tourism Organisation in an effort to increase participation in sport and recreation for both visitor and resident. They will actively engage with recreation providers in the creation of complimentary programmes and also with Westport Tourism Organisation, Westport Leisure Park and Accommodation providers. It is envisaged that the Activity Ambassadors will develop and promote a weekly activity list in association with local sporting, cultural & visitor attractions and also provide for delivery of activity programmes for specific groups/families. 2. Westport Park Run Not considered a race Westport Park Run is free to attend, is weekly, and is a timed 5km run. Results are presented in time order however there are no performance related prizes or medals and the first person across the line is termed the ‘first finisher’ not the winner. Westport Park Run takes place every Saturday Morning at 9.30am from the Mill St / High St Car Park. All participants are invited to mingle in the Mill Times Hotel for a cup of tea/coffee afterwards. Parkrun events look to support rather than compete with paid races and although runners of all abilities are welcome, the focus is on recreational running and increasing participation. Currently approximately 250 people are registered to participate.Westport Park Run is supported by Westport Town Council, Westport Leisure Park, Mayo Sports Partnership and Westport Athletic Club.

29 MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2013

MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Sustainability

Sustainability In 2013 the Activity Ambassadors were recruited through the governments Jobbridge Initiative. SustainabilityIn all 6 ambassadors took up the placement. It is planned that at least 2 would be taken on under In 2013 the Activity Ambassadors were recruited through the governments Jobbridge Initiative. In all 6 ambassadors tooka local up theemployment placement. Itscheme is planned to thatact asat leastco-ordinators 2 would be fortaken future on under placements. a local employment Current indications are In 2013 the Activity Ambassadors were recruited through the governments Jobbridge Initiative. In all 6 scheme to act thatas co-ordinators future ambassadors for future placements. would be Current community indications volunteers are that future who ambassadorswould be either would retiredbe or have ambassadorstime on their took hands. up the placement. It is planned that at least 2 would be taken on under a local employment community volunteersscheme to who act aswould co-ordinators be either for retired future or placements. have time Currenton their indications hands. are that future ambassadors would be community volunteers who would be either retired or have time on their hands. Westport parkrunWestport is entirely parkrun run by volunteersis entirely co-ordi run bynated volunteers by the Westport co-ordinated Athletic Club. by Athe weekly Westport team o fAthletic Club. A volunteers is obtainedWestportweekly throughteamparkrun of isthe volunteers entirely website run or by is by volunteersobtained signing on co-ordi through eachnated week. the by The websitethe event Westport doesor byAthletic not signing take Club. place on A weekly eachwithout week.team of The event volunteers andvolunteersdoes is emphasised not istake obtained eachplace throughweek without on the site. websitevolunteers or by andsigning is onemphasised each week. The each event week does on not site. take place without volunteers and is emphasised each week on site. Outputs OutputsOutputs • A co-ordinated summer programme of activities is scheduled in the tourist town. • A• co-ordinated summer programme of activities is scheduled in the tourist town. • From Autumn A time co-ordinated activities summer are organised programme around of activities four Local is schedu Communityled in the Centres tourist in town. the town: • From• From Autumn Autumn time time activitiesactivities are are organised organised around around four Local four Community Local Community Centres in the Centres town: in the town:  McConville - ParkMcConville Park  McConville Park  Sharkey Hill,- Sharkey Hill,  Sharkey Hill,  Tubberhill - TubberhillTubberhill  The Quay Community Centre - The The Quay Quay Community Community Centre Centre • A team• ofA• community teamA team of ofcommunity leaders. community leaders. leaders. • A weekly• free A 5K weekly free 5K • • A weekly free 5K Increased• collaboration Increased collaboration between community between community and local authority. and local authority. • Increased collaboration between community and local authority.

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Pic:Pic: Minister Minister Ring Ring with with Activity Activity Ambassadors Pic: Pic: Participants Participants finishing finishing Westport Westport parkrun Pic: Minister RingAmbassadors with Activity Ambassadors Pic: Participantsparkrun finishing Westport parkrun  

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30 3.5 Active Communities January 2013 four walks took place in Claremorris, Castlebar, Belmullet and Westport as part of the National Operation Transformation television initiative to get more active. The response was fantastic with over 1,000 people participating and increased demand for follow on initiatives. MSP provides support for communities / clubs / groups to organise programmes in their locality. Support can be as basic as providing information on leadership, promotion, insurance etc. The following example is of a walking programme which illustrates how MSP can assist in club development and engaging volunteers.

Case study: Mayo Meet and Walk Introduction

As a result of the huge interest in the January Operation Transformation Walks in Belmullet, Castlebar and Westport there was an expression of interest from these and other areas for walking programmes to be supported. Through the promotion of the National Walks in Belmullet, Westport and Castlebar there was greater awareness and interest from other communities across the county. From our contacts developed in areas such as Castlebar, Claremorris, Belmullet and Westport we would have identified a local champion to link with. The Community Sports Project Worker liaised with the representative outlining the support that MSP was able to provide for programme start up.

Programme Outline Introduction In the initial set up of the programme 5 areas were identified which would have a local community contact, local trained walking leader and access to a walking loop or indoor facility. Initial insurance would have been covered under Mayo Sports Partnerships policy. The following were the key features of the programme Leader A team of 5 Fit Walk Leaders have been trained to deliver a 5 week walking programme which can take place indoor or outdoor. These leaders were contracted to deliver these introductory walking programmes Facility Access to a safe off road or indoor walking facility i.e. Community Centre, athletic track, greenway etc Promotion The Community Sports Project Worker, walking leader and local contact all assisted in getting the word out in relation to the programme through local print media, community notes, parish newsletter, email, texts, radio etc Cost The initial 5 week programme was mainly free of charge with a small cost to participants after an initial free taster session. Sustainability It was hoped that at least 2 of the 5 areas would be self sustaining with the costs of the ongoing programme to be met by participants or that the group would be led by members. 5 Fit Walk leaders were contracted to deliver a 5 week programme. Once a week for 5 weeks, Outdoor Fitness / Stride Walking with an Indoor Fit Walk Programme taking place in the Claremorris Recreational Centre

31 Outputs • 80 participants in the 5 areas • A new Castlebar Walkers Group / Club established and registered with Get Ireland Walking • A weekly walking group led by the Westport Activity Ambassadors as part of the Westport Get Out There Activity Plan MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2013 • Fit Walk Groups established in Belmullet and Claremorris •MAYO Sustainable SPORTS PARTNERSHIP walking groups ANNUAL in REPORT 4 out of 2013 the 5 areas. • 4 participants of the programme attended walking leader training held in Westport

in June 2013 Outputs In 2014 5 areas organised National Walks for the Operation Transformation Programme Outputs• 80 participants in the 5 areas • • 80 Aparticipants newSustainability Castlebar in the Walkers 5 areas Group / Club established and registered with Get Ireland Walking • • A newA weekly Castlebar walking Walkers group Group led by/ Club the establishedWestport Activity and registered Ambassadors with Get as Irelandpart of Walkingthe Westport Get Out There At least 30 people attended the inaugural meeting of the Castlebar Walkers Group / Club which is • A weeklyActivity walking Plan group led by the Westport Activity Ambassadors as part of the Westport Get Out There • ActivityFit Walk Planall Groupsinclusive established and open in Belmullet to all. The and club Claremorr meetsis twice a week and indeed has spread its wings to travel • • Fit SustainableWalk toGroups other walking established locations groups in Belmulletacross in 4 out the of and the county. Claremorr 5 areas. is • • Sustainable4 participantsMSPs walking relationship of groupsthe programme in 4 with out of attendedClaremorris the 5 areas. walking Athletic leader Clubtraining has held increased in Westport as in a Juneresult 2013 of the club supporting • In 2014 4 participants 5 areasthe organised Fit of Walkthe programme National programme Walks attended for and the walking hosting Opera letionader it inTransformation training their indoorheld in ProgrammeWestport recreational in June facility. 2013 In 2014 5 areas organisedMay 2013 National saw theWalks recruitment for the Opera tionand Transformation training of the Programme Westport Activity Ambassadors as part of the Sustainability Sustainability Westport Get Out There Activity Plan under Westport Town Council. These leaders were trained At least 30 peoplein walking attended leadership the inaugural and meeting proceeded of the Castlebar to lead Walkers local walks Group in/ Club the which area isfor all bothinclusive tourists and and locals At least 30 people attended the inaugural meeting of the Castlebar Walkers Group / Club which is all inclusive and open to all. Thealike. club Themeets Westport twice a week Leisure and indeed Park hasis also spread a keyits wings focus to travelpoint to for other the locations delivery across of community the based opencounty. to all. The club meets twice a week and indeed has spread its wings to travel to other locations across the county.MSPs relationshipprogrammes with Claremorris in the Athletic area. Club has increased as a result of the club supporting the Fit Walk MSPsprogramme relationship andIn with hostingBelmullet Claremorris it in theirthe Athletic Errisindoor ClubCommunity recreationa has increasedl facility. Health as a result Forum of the has club been supporting to the the forefrontFit Walk in Community Walk programmeMay 2013 and saw /hosting theFitness recruitment it in Initiativestheir indoor and training recreationaincluding of thel facility. theWest Menport Activityon the Ambassadors Move Programme. as part of the Following Westport Getthe local Fit Walk MayOut 2013 There saw Activity theProgramme recruitment Plan under anda miniWestport training marathon ofTown the WestCouncil. trainingport These Activity group leaders Ambassadors commenced were trained as part in in ofthe walking the area Westport leadership which Get was and a natural follow on Out There Activity Plan under Westport Town Council. These leaders were trained in walking leadership and proceeded tofor lead ladies local walks involved in the in area the for initiative. both tourists and locals alike. The Westport Leisure Park is also a key proceededfocus point to lead for thelocal delivery walks in of the community area for both based tourists prog rammesand locals in alike. the area. The Westport Leisure Park is also a key focus point for theA committeedelivery of community was formed based progfor therammes Castlebar in the area. Walkers and 4 members of the other groups attended In Belmullet the Erris Community Health Forum has been to the forefront in Community Walk / Fitness Initiatives In Belmullet the walkingErris Community leader Health training Forum in has Westport been to thein Juneforefront 2013 in Community Walk / Fitness Initiatives including the Men on the Move Programme. Following the local Fit Walk Programme a mini marathon training including the Men on the Move Programme. Following the local Fit Walk Programme a mini marathon training group commenced in the area which was a natural follow on for ladies involved in the initiative. group commencedComments in the area which was a natural follow on for ladies involved in the initiative. A committee was formed for the Castlebar Walkers and 4 members of the other groups attended walking leader A committee was“ Theformed Meet for andthe Castlebar Walk Programmes Walkers and really4 members connect of the in other with groups the social attended fabric walking of local leader communities and this trainingtraining in Westportin Westport in June in June 2013 2013 is what we are here for to support. We have the infrastructure now we are focusing on its usage” Comments Comments Anna Connor Mayo County Councils Walking and Trails Officer “ The“ The Meet Meet and and Walk Walk Programmes Programmes really really connect connect in wit inh wittheh social the social fabric fabric of local of communitieslocal communities and this and is wthishat is we w hat we areare here here for for to support.to“ Forsupport. some We Wehave members have the infrastructurethe ofinfrastructure the Castlebar now nweow areWalkers we focusing are focusing Group on its meeting onusage” its usage” Anna up ConnorisAnna the Connor highlight Mayo CoMayounty of Cotheir unty week. We have CouncilsCouncils Walking Walkinggone and and Trails to Trails Cong Officer Officer and other locations around the county and this would not have been possible without the “ For“ For some some members memberssupport of the ofof the CastlebarMayoSports Castlebar Walkers Walkers Partnership Group Group meet and meeting upMayoing is upthe County is highlight the highlight Council. of their of week. theirThanks week.We for have We everything” gone have to gone to CongCong and and other Joeother locations Staunton locations around aroundCastlebar the countythe countyWalkers and thisand Group wthisould w ouldnot have not havebeen beenpossible possible without without the support the support of of MayoSportsMayoSports Partnership Partnership and and Mayo Mayo County County Council. Council. Thank Thanks for severything” for everything” Joe Staunton Joe Staunton Castlebar Castlebar Walkers Walkers Group Group

Pic: Castlebar Walkers on one of their Pic: Taoiseach Enda Kenny and John Treacy

Pic: Castlebar Walkers on one of their trips to Ashford Castle Pic: Taoiseach Enda Kenny and John Treacy CEO Pic: Castlebartrips Walkers to Ashfordon one of Castletheir trips to Ashford Castle Pic: TaoiseachCEO Irish Enda Sports Kenny Council and John Treacyon an CEO Operation Irish Sports Council on an Operation Irish TransformationSports Council on anWalk Operation in Castlebar Transformation Walk in Castlebar Transformation Walk in Castlebar 32 32

32 3.6 Unemployed / Mental Health MSP has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at unemployed people in the community these have included the Goal to Work Sports Coach Training Programme and Link2BActive which is an initiative to create opportunities for unemployed people to access sports facilities at a reduced rate. Along with both these initiatives projects such as Men on the Move, Fit4Life, Operation Transformation, Meet and Cycle, Meet and Walk etc promote positive mental health providing increased connectivity within communities. In 2013 Goal to Work was recognised under the Aontas Adult Education Awards and received the overall winner in the Connaught category. This is a fantastic recognition of the power of the programme in reactivating unemployed people and also in the power of agency collaboration. The following is an updated case study.

Case study: Goal to Work Erris Introduction

The ‘Goal to Work Sports Coach Training Programme (GTW) – Erris was set up to give 12 unemployed people an opportunity to become trained sports coaches. The initiative recognised that many unemployed people are interested in sport and aimed to open up employment opportunities for them. The sports involved were Soccer, Gaelic and Rugby. Any person in the Erris area who was unemployed and receiving social welfare entitlements was eligible to apply. The programme involved training two days per week for 14 weeks: one day in the classroom and one day of practical training in the particular sport and of putting this into practice in a school and community. In addition, trainee sports coaches would attend one-weekend workshops. Key Objectives • Provide 12 unemployed people with coaching qualifications (12 were taken on however 1 man was successful in achieving full time employment on day 1 of the course and did not continue on) • Assist unemployed people with an interest in sport to gain employment as coaches, referees, etc. • Promote physical, mental health and well-being through participation in sport – both for the participants themselves and in the partner schools • Provide coaching for working with children with disabilities in the school and youth club setting • Motivate participants to pursue the progression routes identified as part of the initiative

Programme Outline

In August 2013, Mayo Sports Partnership with the support of Mayo County Council, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Mayo North East, Mayo Mental Health, Mayo GAA, the FAI and Connacht Rugby formed a committee to deliver Goal to Work Sports Coach Training Program – Erris This training programme gave 11 unemployed people an opportunity to become trained soccer/gaelic and rugby coaches. The initiative recognises that many unemployed people have an interest in sport and that a passion for sports may offer the potential to provide employment opportunities. It also recognises that being out of work can threaten your mental health and upset the lives of families Qualifications/Certificates achieved by newly qualified coaches include: FAI Accreditation Kickstart 1 (Coaching), GAA Foundation Level Coaching Certificate GAA Foundation Level Refereeing Certificate, Rugby Youth Level Coaching Course Irish Sports Council Accredited Active Leader Award (Community Sports Leader Award)

33 Child Protection Course, Disability Awareness Training, Physical Activity Leader Training, Occupational First Aid Certificate, FETAC awards (Level 3) in Personal Development and Information Technology. Coaches trained children in a number of primary schools within the Erris area and the Development Officers from GAA/FAI/Connaught Rugby mentored them on this work experience. Trainee sports coaches also organised a Halloween sports camp targeting children and people with a disability in the Erris community.

Outputs MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2013 MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2013 Progression rates were impressive for newly trained coaches, of the 11 who took part in the 14 week

Child Protection Course, Disability Awareness Training, Physical Activity Leader Training, Occupational First Aid Child Protection Course, Disabilitytraining Awareness programme Training (2, Physicaldays per Activity week Leader and Training,1 weekends) Occupational one progressed First Aid into full-time employment, Certificate, FETAC awards (Level 3) in Personal Development and Information Technology. Certificate, FETAC awards (Levelone into3) in Personalpart-time Devel employment,opment and Information one on an Technology. internship with a local secondary school and another onto Coaches trained children in a number of primary schools within the Erris area and the Development Officers from Coaches trained children in aa communitynumber of primary employment schools within scheme. the Erris In area addition and the 2 Development of the coaches Officers have from assisted MSP in the delivery of GAA/FAI/Connaught Rugby mentored them on this work experience. Trainee sports coaches also organised a GAA/FAI/Connaught Rugby mentored them on this work experience. Trainee sports coaches also organised a localHalloween projects sports such camp as targeting Little Athletics children and people with a disability in the Erris community. Halloween sports camp targeting children and people with a disability in the Erris community. IncreasedOutputs collaboration between local agencies such as Udaras, Mayo County Council, Mayo North Outputs EastProgression Leader rates Partnership, were impressive Mayo for Mental newly trained Health coaches, and the of thelocal 11 Erris who tookCommunity part in the Health 14 week Forum. training Progression rates were impressive for newly trained coaches, of the 11 who took part in the 14 week training programme (2 days per week and 1 weekends) one progressed into full-time employment, one into part-time programme (2 days per week and 1 weekends) one progressed into full-time employment, one into part-time Sustainabilityemployment, one on an internship with a local secondary school and another onto a community employment employment, one on an internship with a local secondary school and another onto a community employment scheme. In addition 2 of the coaches have assisted MSP in the delivery of local projects such as Little Athletics scheme. In addition 2 of the coaches have assisted MSP in the delivery of local projects such as Little Athletics

All 11 coaches had been involved in their clubs and communities, which gave them motivation and Increased collaboration between local agencies such as Udaras, Mayo County Council, Mayo North East Leader Increased collaboration between local agencies such as Udaras, Mayo County Council, Mayo North East Leader thePartnership, confidence Mayo Mental to apply Health for and this the course. local Erris They Community played Health many Forum. different roles in their clubs and, given Partnership, Mayo Mental Healththis commitment, and the local Erris they Community were encouraged Health Forum. to qualify as professional coaches, who would benefit both Sustainability Sustainability themselves individually, the clubs and their community. All 11 coaches had been involved in their clubs and communities, which gave them motivation and the confidence All 11 coaches had been involved in their clubs and communities, which gave them motivation and the confidence Theto apply schools for this were course. keen They for played the manycoaches different to work roles inwith their the clubs children and, given again this commitment, and there hasthey beenwere a huge to apply for this course. They played many different roles in their clubs and, given this commitment, they were improvementencouraged to qualify in the as professionalcoaches’ level coaches, of involvementwho would benefit in boththe schools.themselves The individually, DOs have the clubsencouraged and the encouraged to qualify as professional coaches, who would benefit both themselves individually, the clubs and their community. their community. newly qualified coaches to work within their communities and clubs, have empowered them and

given them confidence. The schools were keen for the coaches to work with the children again and there has been a huge improvement The schools were keen for the coaches to work with the children again and there has been a huge improvement Withoutin the coaches’ the leveldrive of andinvolvement expertise in the and schools. funding The DOs from have the encouraged Mayo Sports the newly Partnership qualified coaches this programmeto work in the coaches’ level of involvement in the schools. The DOs have encouraged the newly qualified coaches to work wouldwithin their not communities be what it andis currently. clubs, have The empowered positive them outcomes and given are them that confidence. we have come across people who within their communities and clubs, have empowered them and given them confidence. Without the drive and expertise and funding from the Mayo Sports Partnership this programme would not be Without the drive and expertisecan and funding are willing from theto workMayo Sportswithin Partnership Social Inclusion this programme Soccer would Programmes, not be Female programmes as well what it is currently. The positive outcomes are that we have come across people who can and are willing to work what it is currently. The positiveas mainstream outcomes are FAI that activities. we have come across people who can and are willing to work within Social Inclusion Soccer Programmes, Female programmes as well as mainstream FAI activities. within Social Inclusion Soccer Programmes, Female programmes as well as mainstream FAI activities. Next steps Next steps Next Steps It is planned that a further Goal to Work programme can be held in the Swinford area with Mayo North East It is planned that a further Goal to Work programme can be held in the Swinford area with Mayo North East Leader Partnership as the lead. Leader Partnership as the lead.It is planned that a further Goal to Work programme can be held in the Swinford area with Mayo North East Leader Partnership as the lead.

Pic: Goal to Work Sports Coaches with Pic: Goal to Work receives Aontas Award 2013

participantsPic: Goal to onWork the SportsHalloween Coaches Sports with Camp Pic: Goal to Work receives Aontas Award 2013 Pic: Goal to Work Sports Coaches with Pic: Goal to Work receives Aontas Award 2013 participants on the Halloween Sports Camp participants on the Halloween Sports Camp

34 34 34

Section 4 Next Steps 4.1 Introductions The Irish Sports Monitor is a telephone survey conducted with Irish people across all spectrums of life. The first survey was published in 2007 and the most recent in 2013. Research of this nature is critical in meeting the core objective of the Irish Sports Council in planning, leading and co-ordinating the sustainable development of competitive and recreational sport in Ireland. It ensures the effective allocation of resources to maximise participation in sport which is paramount to developing a healthy population into the future. It also identifies emerging trends in sport that require attention, and facilitates sporting organisations in developing their respective sports and maximising the potential for participation in and enjoyment of those sports. Mayo Sports Partnership can also use the information to plan and prioritise their work among target groups and the general population.

Some trends in sports participation in Ireland in 2013 included: • Participation in sports has risen considerably from 34% to 46% • While participation in team sports has remained steady, participation in individual sports such as personal exercise, running, cycling and swimming have risen considerably • Increases in sports participation are strongest amongst the younger (aged under 25) and the older (aged 55 or older) age groups • Notable increase in participation amongst the unemployed • A strong correlation between sports participation and socio-economic status and income with those in lower socio-economic and income groups less likely to participate • Individual sports show stronger rises in participation than team sports, most notably running and cycling

One notable trend is that running and cycling have now becomes the third and fifth most popular sports respectively. Initiatives such as the Meet and Train running programmes through the Sports Partnership and cycling initiatives such as Bike Week have made a contribution to these increases. Another factor that MSP may have contributed to, is the increase in participation amongst the unemployed. Along with the hugely successful Goal to Work Sports Coach Training Programme the Link2BActive programme offers reduced rates in sports and leisure facilities for the unemployed. Female sport is dominated by individual activities, with only 5% claiming to be involved in a team activity. MSP are aware of this and tailor their Women in Sport programmes to what women want, for example, the continued popularity of the Meet and Train groups and West of Ireland Women’s Mini Marathon Mini-Marathon. Importantly, the research is showing that participation is growing for the population groups that MSP has engaged with and also that it is responsive to the research by offering the types of activities that people express preferences for. This is to be welcomed and it is hoped that through the developments and examples highlighted throughout this report, MSP will continue to ensure the positive trends in participation continue.

35 MAYO SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2013

4.2 Access to, Availability and Visibility of Sporting Options

An important outcome area4.2 for MSPAccess involves to, Availability ensuring and that Visibility there ofare Sporting new and Options innovative options for people to engage with their local sports and physical activity environment. MSP have worked hard to build partnerships to An important outcome area for MSP involves ensuring that there are new and innovative options for support the delivery of suchpeople new tooptions. engage They with have their delocalveloped sports expertiseand physical in the activity marketing environment. and outreach MSP have work worked to hard ensure that there is strongto build take partnerships up of programmes. to support MSPthe delivery have alsoof such ensured new options. that they They canhave usedeveloped social expertise and in traditional media to build theirthe marketing profile. and outreach work to ensure that there is strong take up of programmes. MSP have also ensured that they can use social and traditional media to build their profile. Maximising Mass Participation Events: The West of Ireland Womens Mini Marathon Maximising Mass Participation Events: The West of Ireland Womens Mini Marathon The An West of Ireland Womens Mini Marathon, supported by the Western People Newspaper, Mayo Sports The West of Ireland Womens Mini Marathon, supported by the Western People Newspaper, Mayo Partnership and ConnaughtSports Gold, Partnership encourages and Connaught women of Gold,all ages encourages and abilities women to of get all agesout andand abilities get active to get in out and preparation for the big eventget whichactive takesin preparation place on forSunday the big May event Bank which Holiday. takes It placehas been on Sunday running May since Bank 201 Holiday.0 and It has over 10,000 participants havebeen taken running part since to date.2010 andThe over10K 10,000route hasparticipants been prepared have taken to suitpart theto date. walker, A 10K jog routeger or has been serious runner. The eventprepared has been to promotedsuit the walker, effectivel joggery or and serious professionally runner. The through event has the been Western promoted People effectively and and Mayo Sports Partnership asprofessionally a family day through out and the a fun Western event People for all. and Mayo Sports Partnership as a family day out and a fun As the profile of the seriesevent has increasedfor all. from year to year, the levels of engagement have increased in parallel. Minister Michael Ring, T.D.As commenced the profile ofthe the 2013 series mini has marathonincreased fromwith yearthe tofollowing year, the statement: levels of engagement “Women are have ke increasedy to getting more and more infamilies parallel. active. Minister If the Michael women Ring, of the T.D. country commenced lead the the way 2013 then mini the marathonrest will f ollow”.with the following statement: “Women are key to getting more and more families active. If the women of the country lead the way then the rest will follow”. In 2013 Irish Olympic Athlete and legend Sonia O Sullivan lent her support for the Mini Marathon and participated on the day while giving In much 2013 Irish needed Olympic support Athlete for and walk legenders andSonia joggers. O Sullivan Indeed lent her Sonia support signed for the hundreds Mini Marathon of and autographs etc and has agreedparticipated to return on in the 2014. day while giving much needed support for walkers and joggers. Indeed Sonia signed hundreds of autographs etc and has agreed to return in 2014. The West of Ireland Womens Mini Marathon also provides a valuable boost to local businesses such as hotels, guesthouses and restaurants.The AsWest a result, of Ireland a number Womens of Miniothe Marathonr LSPs have also run provides their own a valuable Mini Marathon boost to localevents businesses based such on the West of Ireland model.as hotels, Additionally, guesthouses each and yea restaurants.r MSP plays As aa vitalresult, role a number in the ofoperation other LSPs of haveMini runMa theirrathon own Mini training groups, Couch to 5KMarathon and 10 events for 10 basedprogramme on thes West which of prepareIreland model. the thousands Additionally, or so each participants year MSP playswho ara evital role preparing for the big day. in the operation of Mini Marathon training groups, Couch to 5K and 10 for 10 programmes which prepare the thousands or so participants who are preparing for the big day.

Sonia O Sullivan leads out participants in the 4th West of Ireland Womens Mini Marathon

Sonia O Sullivan leads out participants in the 4th West of Ireland Womens Mini Marathon

36 36 4.3 Better Planning and Evaluation of Programmes

MAYO SPORTMSPS PARTNERSHIP is acutely ANNUAL aware REPORTof the importance2013 of accountability for public spending. With local funding levels reducing in recent years, MSP has had to demonstrate more effectively how they utilise the funding they receive year on year. Programmes have always been planned prior to execution; however 4.3 Better Planning and Evaluation of Programmes there is a much greater need for prioritisation due to diminishing funds. Synergies are created with MSP is acutely aware of the importancepartners of working accountab togetherility for public on programmes spending. With andlocal poolingfunding levels monetary reducing and in human resources to enhance recent years, MSP has had toprogramme demonstrate morereturns effect andively outputs. how they utilise the funding they receive year on year. Programmes have always been planned prior to execution; however there is a much greater need for prioritisation due to diminishingMSP funds. carries Synergies out areevaluations created with of partners local programmes working together to onensure programme that sthey and are meeting the needs of the pooling monetary and human resourcesparticipants to enhance and providing programme a returnsquality and service outputs. which will encourage client retention. The aim of all MSP MSP carries out evaluations ofprogrammes local programmes is to to leave ensure a that sustainable they are meeting legacy the behind needs whenof the participanthe Partnershipts steps away and ensure and providing a quality service which will encourage client retention. The aim of all MSP programmes is to leave a sustainable legacy behind whenwith the confidencePartnership steps that aw theay and programme ensure with canconfidence run without that the the programme direct support can of MSP into the future. It is run without the direct supportimperative of MSP into that the a futurprogrammee. It is imperative can continue that a programmewith minimal can support continue wiinth an area once MSP steps away. minimal support in an area onceFeedback MSP steps from away. the participants on a programme is also crucial to ensure that MSP is providing a Feedback from the participantsquality on a programme experience is also for crucial the end-user.to ensure that Programme MSP is providing evaluations a quality are performed to seek the opinions of experience for the end-user. Programmethe participants evaluations before are performed MSP steps to seekaway. the This opinions feedback of the participantwill determines if the programme has worked before MSP steps away. This feedbackand if there will determine are any iimprovementsf the programme has which worked MSP and can if there make are in any the future. If MSP gets positive feedback, improvements which MSP can make in the future. If MSP gets positive feedback, they can be confident that the they can be confident that the programme will work and be duplicated or replicated in another area. programme will work and be duplicated or replicated in another area. The evaluations also feed into planning for The evaluations also feed into planning for certain target groups – what may work for some, may not certain target groups – what may work for some, may not work for others. This type of information is key when work for others. This type of information is key when tailoring programmes to suit different groups. tailoring programmes to suit different groups. One particular example of an evaluated programme in Mayo is the Men on the Move programme One particular example of an evaluatedwhich was programme piloted in in Mayo 2012 is inthe 3 Men areas on theClaremorris, Move programme Ballina which and wasWestport with over 100 men aged 30 piloted in 2012 in 3 areas Claremorris,plus participating. Ballina and Westport An evaluation with over 100report men was aged launched 30 plus participatin in Januaryg. The 2013 by Minister of State for Sport evaluation report was launchedand in January Tourism 2013 Michael by Minister Ring. of StateThe forMinister Sport and commented Tourism Michael on Ring.the needThe for Irish people to change their Minister commented on the needthinking for Irish on people health to ch andange to their invest thinking in peoples on health active and to investlifestyle. in peopl Thises he stressed would help to decrease active lifestyle. This he stressedthe would burden help to on decrea the healthse the burden system on in the to health the future. system Men in to theon future.the Move The now operates in 8 areas across the Men on the Move programmecounty now operates and hasin 8 areasbeen ac replicatedross the county in several and has counties been replicated including in several Galway, Donegal, Clare and Longford. counties including Galway, Donegal, Clare and Longford.

Minister Ring and Nazi Eldin HSEMinister launching Ring theand Men Nazi oEldinn the HSE Move launching Evaluation the MenReport on the Move Evaluation Report

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37 4.4 Evaluation of Performance at National Level

With the fullMAYO network SPORT Sof PARTNERSHIP Sports Partnerships ANNUAL REPORT in situ for2013 the last number of years it is important that their operation is continually assessed. The Irish Sports Council has developed a Performance Evaluation 4.4 Evaluationprocess of which Performance will assess at National the efficiency Level and effectiveness of LSPs against an ideal model. Areas that will be reviewed as part of this process will include governance, management, planning, monitoring With & the evaluation full network and of Sportsimpact. Partnerships It is intended in situ fthator the each last LSP number will of receive years it individual is important feedback that their including operation is continually assessed. The Irish Sports Council has developed a Performance Evaluation process which will assessrecommendations the efficiency and for effectiveness areas of ofimprovement LSPs against an following ideal model. the Areas process. that will LSPs be reviewed will then as par workt of with the this processISC to will further include develop governance, their management, own capacity planning, to deliver monitoring against & evaluation the strategic and impact. aims Itfor is participation.intended It is that eachalso LSP intended will receive that individual LSPs that feedback are strong including in recommendations a particular area for will areas support of improvement LSPs which follow needing the to develop process.greater LSPs will competence then work with in that the ISCarea. to further develop their own capacity to deliver against the strategic aims for participation. It is also intended that LSPs that are strong in a particular area will support LSPs which need toIn developNovember greater 2013 competence MSP were in thatvisited area. on site by ISC officials to conduct an evaluation of the Partnership, with a number of interviews held with stakeholders and staff. A number of interviews were held with In Novemberstakeholders 2013 MSP and were staff. visited A on full site report by ISC ofwithficials feedback to conduct is an expected evaluation inof theearly Partnership. 2014 with A number the Partnership of interviewsexpected were to held draw with up stakeholders a response and on staff. areas A full which report may with need feedback improvement. is expected in early 2014 with the Partnership expected to draw up a response on areas which may need improvement. The Performance Evaluation process will help MSP to become stronger and more effective with the

aim of performing at the optimum level. A stronger MSP will lead to more strategic planning for sport The Performance Evaluation process will help MSP to become stronger and more effective with the aim of at local level, more efficient use of resources and better opportunities for participants in the future. performing at the optimum level. A stronger MSP will lead to more strategic planning for sport at local level, more efficientSummary use of resources and better opportunities for participants in the future.

MSP is a key driver in the local sporting / physical activity environment in Mayo. It has built up a wide Summarynetwork of inter agency relationships and has many examples of excellent collaboration which has MSP ishelped a key driver to avoid in the unnecessarylocal sporting / duplicationphysical activity in environment the area. in Mayo. It has built up a wide network of inter agency relationships and has many examples of excellent collaboration which has helped to avoid unnecessaryThere duplicationis no doubt in the that area. sport and physical activity is undergoing a boom period at the moment and this is likely to continue into the future. As well as the obvious benefits of increased physical Therehealth is no doubt the that continued sport and contribution physical activity of is physicalundergoing activity a boom towards period at thepositive moment mental and this health is likely should to not be continue into the future. As well as the obvious benefits of increased physical health the continued contribution of physicalunderestimated. activity towards Continued positive mental collaboration health should with not be bodies underestimated. such as ContinuedMayo Mental collaboration Health with and the HSE is bodiesvital such in as combating Mayo Mental this Health social and theissue. HSE is vital in combating this social issue.

The developmentThe development and success and of MSPsuccess is down of toMSP teamwork is down and tocollaboration teamwork between and collaboration the many stakeholders, between the many agenciesstakeholders, and volunteers agencies who engage and positively volunteers with th whoe Partnership. engage It positively is with this continuedwith the co Partnership. operation that It is with this MSP willcontinued copper fasten co operation its position thatof influence MSP will withi coppern the Mayo fasten sporting its position landscape of nowinfluence and into thewithin future the. Mayo sporting landscape now and into the future.

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38 Appendices Appendix A – List of Local Sports Partnerships

Appendix B - Glossary of Terms

Appendix C – Mayo Sports Partnership

39 Appendix A - List of Local Sports Partnerships

Local Sports Year Partnership Network Established

North Tipperary Sports Partnership 2001 Sligo Sport & Recreation Partnership 2001 Roscommon Sports Partnership 2001 Clare Sports Partnership 2001 Donegal Sports Partnership 2001 Kildare Local Sports Partnership 2001 Laois Sports Partnership 2001 Fingal Sports Partnership 2001 Cork Local Sports Partnership 2002 Meath Local Sports Partnership 2002 Waterford Sports Partnership 2002 Limerick City Sports Partnership 2002 Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership 2004 Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership 2004 Mayo Sports Partnership 2004 Westmeath Sports Partnership 2004 Carlow Sports Partnership 2006 Offaly Local Sports Partnership 2006 Monaghan Sports Partnership 2006 County Limerick Local Sports Partnership 2007 South Tipperary Sports Partnership 2007 Galway City Sports Partnership 2007 Cavan Sports Partnership 2008 Louth Sports Partnership 2008 Dun Laoghaire Sports Partnership 2008 South Dublin Sports Partnership 2008 County Galway Sports Partnership 2008 Wexford Sports Partnership 2008 Longford Sports Partnership 2008 Leitrim Sports Partnership 2008 Dublin City Sports Partnership 2008 Wicklow Sports Partnership 2008

1 In early 2010, Cork City LSP (est. 2008) and County Cork LSP (est. 2002) merged to form one new Cork Sports33 Partnership.

40 Appendix B - Glossery of Terms

Active Leadership Award – An Irish Sports Council/Sport Northern Ireland award deigned to provide trained, knowledgeable and enthusiastic community based physical activity leaders.

Boccia - is a target sport played by individuals, pairs or teams. Boccia is played with 13 balls (6 red, 6 blue, 1 white). The jack ball is used to start off the game and is thrown by one of the competitors on the court. It requires a high degree of muscle control, accuracy, concentration and tactical awareness with the goal being to land six of the coloured balls closer to the white target ball than the opponent’s balls. Boccia is a non contact sport, where the game focuses around a target. The balls used are solid but pliable, that have a good rolling quality and are easy to grip. The balls also have the effect of reducing the advantage of physical strength, so that skill becomes the overriding factor

Buntús – An Irish Sports Council programme developed to support primary school teachers and childcare practitioners in introducing young people to sport and physical activity.

Come & Try – Come & Try events are sports taster events where participants can come and try a range of sports, hassle free and at their own pace. It is a perfect opportunity to see what sports are available in the locality and to meet with local sports clubs and groups.

Economic Impact of Sport - The Economic Impact of Sport is a report published by the Indecon Economic Consultants in 2010 for the Irish Sports Council. The report establishes that sport and sport-related activities generate a very significant contribution to the Irish economy, while also playing a vital role in supporting the development of social capital and contributing to the health and quality of life of the Irish population.

ESRI - Economic and Social Research Institute. The ESRI produces research that contributes to understanding economic and social change in the new international context and that informs public policymaking and civil society in Ireland.

FAI – Football Association of Ireland. The FAI is the governing body of football in Ireland.

Fitzpatrick & Associates Review of Local Sports Partnerships - The Fitzpatrick & Associates Review of Local Sports Partnerships is a report published by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism in 2005. The report evaluates the progress of the LSPs with reference to the key aims and objectives, and makes a number of recommendations for the LSP initiative.

GAA – Gaelic Athletic Association. The GAA is the governing body of Gaelic games in Ireland.

Fit4Life – Fit4Life is an Athletics Ireland programme to help participants develop their fitness in a fun sociable environment. The programme is suitable for beginners through to regular runners, and the emphasis is on meeting with people of a similar ability on a regular basis to walk or run.

41 Appendix B - Glossery of Terms (Contd.)

Go For Life– The Go for Life Programme aims to increase participation among older people in recreational sport activities, and is supported by the Irish Sports Council. HSE – Health Service Executive. The HSE is a statutory authority responsible for providing Health and Personal Social Services for those living in the Republic of Ireland. IRFU – Irish Rugby Football Union. The IRFU is the governing body for the sport of rugby union in Ireland. ISM - Irish Sports Monitor. The Irish Sports Monitor is an ongoing telephone survey of adults aged 16 and over in Ireland, which records sport and exercise activities undertaken in the 7 days prior to interview. In 2009, the Irish Sports Monitor interviewed over 9,700 adults. The survey is primarily designed to track levels of participation in sport, both for the population as a whole and various sub- populations of interest. The 2009 report is the latest in a series of collaborations between the Irish Sports Council and the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) on sport and physical activity. ISC - Irish Sports Council. The Irish Sports Council is a statutory authority that aims to plan, lead and co-ordinate the sustainable development of competitive and recreational sport in Ireland. LEADER - LEADER is the EU Community Initiative for Rural Development that provides approved Local Action Groups with public funding (EU and National) to implement multi-sectoral business plans for the development of their own areas. LSP – Local Sports Partnership. Local Sports Partnerships are an initiative of the Irish Sports Council to co-ordinate and promote the development of sport at local level. The key aims of the LSPs are to increase participation in sport, and to ensure that local resources are used to best effect. The LSP initiative lies at the heart of the Irish Sports Council’s participation strategy. Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim ETB - are local statutory education and training authorities. Their service encompasses Second Level Schools, Further Education Colleges, Adult and Community Education, Literacy Support and Youth Support Services. Meet and Train groups - Meet and Train are weekly walking/running groups, set up and supported by LSPs often in conjunction with local athletics clubs. The objective of the Meet and Train group is to provide an opportunity for participants (in particular women) of all ages and levels of fitness to get together to exercise with like-minded people, in a non-competitive environment initially under the guidance of a qualified coach. MSP- Mayo Sports Partnership. An organisation core funded by the Irish Sports Council and is under the auspices of Mayo County Development Board / Mayo County Council. National Play Day - This is a multi activity play day targeting families. NGB – National Governing Body. An organisation, recognised by the Irish Sports Council, that coordinates the development of a particular sport or sports through constituent clubs. Older People – As used throughout this report, the term older people refers to those over 50 years of age. PAL – Physical Activity Leader. A Physical Activity Leader is someone who can lead members of their own groups or communities in short exercise routines, straightforward dances and recreational sports.

42 Appendix B - Glossery of Terms (Contd.)

RAPID – Revitalising Areas by Planning Investment and Development. The RAPID Programme is a Government initiative, which targets 45 of the most disadvantaged areas in the country by focusing State resources available under the National Development Plan.

School Completion Programme (SCP) – The School Completion Programme (SCP) is a Department of Education & Science initiative that aims to have a positive impact on levels of pupil retention in primary and second level schools and on the number of pupils who successfully complete the Senior Cycle, or equivalent. SCP entails targeting individual young people of school-going age, both in and out of school, and arranging supports to address inequalities in education access, participation and outcomes.

SDO – Sports Development Officer. SDOs aim to provide opportunities for participation in sport and physical activity for all sections of the community.

SIDO – Sports Inclusion Disability Officer. SIDOs aim to provide opportunities for participation in sport and physical activity for people with a disability. See Sports Inclusion Disability Programme.

SPEAK – Strategic Planning, Evaluation and Knowledge system. The SPEAK system is a product of NEXUS Research (a not-for-profit research co-operative based in Dublin) which offers organisations the capacity to self-evaluate, leading to a comprehensive understanding of the work of the organisation and the impacts of that work.

Sporting Lives – Sporting Lives is a report published by the ESRI in 2008, in conjunction with the Irish Sports Council, on participation in sport over the lifetimes of the current generation of Irish adults. It aims to determine how participation in sport and exercise in Ireland has changed over recent decades and how it varies across the life course, from childhood to later adulthood.

Sports Inclusion Disability Programme – A programme to encourage and facilitate more people with disabilities to participate in sport and physical activity, developing sustainable clubs and programmes in all settings.

Sustainability (with regard to LSP participation programmes) – A sustainable programme is one which leads to lasting participation in sport and/or physical activity which is capable of being self- maintained (without direct LSP support).

WIS – Women in Sport. An initiative of the Irish Sports Council to increase participation of women in sport, through providing alternative opportunities and developing specific programmes.

43 Appendix C - MSP Board

The following table gives a breakdown of the level of working partner participation on the boards of management of Mayo Sports Partnership.

Working Partner Number of Representatives Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim ETB 1 Mayou County Council 3 HSE 1 Community Forum 2 County Development Board 1 GMIT 1 Sports Forum 5 LEADER 2 Mayo Education Centre 1 Udaras na Gaeltachta 1

MSP aims to ensure that the expertise they bring together at their boards reflects the target groups with whom they work.

Responsibilities of the Board –

The Board is responsible for all the activities of the Sports Partnership. These responsibilities can be divided into six main areas: • To govern the organisation through the proper administration of its affairs • To provide leadership for the organisation • To plan the strategy for the development of the organisation • To establish partnerships with other organisations who can help develop the organisation • To manage the people involved in running the organisation • To implement the strategic plans for the organisation and monitor their progress • To ensure a realistic programme of participation and performance in the organisation as a consequence of the previous six responsibilities.

44