€22,000 in funding distributed to 45 Sports and Recreation groups by Mayo Sports Partnership

At a recent Mayo Sports Partnership Board meeting almost €22,000 was allocated to 45 clubs / organisations in Mayo through both the Partnerships 2013 special participation and Bike Week grant schemes. Special guest at a recent presentation evening Minister of State for Sport and Tourism Michael Ring complimented the work being done on the ground by many volunteers and how it was important to support clubs / groups in these tough economic times.

" Volunteers are the lifeblood of sport across this county and I would like to put on the record my own personal appreciation for all the great work that they do. A small bit of funding can help many clubs in achieving their goals " Minister Ring stated.

The aim of the Sports Partnership is to increase participation in sport / physical activity and it is envisaged that all projects will help to do just that particularly in disadvantaged sectors of the population. This year the scheme has funded initiatives including the further development of Basketball in Mayo, junior angling participation in Newport, underage cycling section in Ballina Cycling Club, start up of new clubs in weightlifting and athletics, recreational GAA and walking groups with the Mayo Branch of Arthritis Ireland.

In addition the Partnership was able to distribute €4,250, through funding from the Department of Transport, for recreational Bike Week events which take place from the 15th - 23rd June.

"Despite cutbacks Mayo Sports Partnership is delighted to be able to continue this annual scheme supporting initiatives across the county. I would like to thank in particular the Irish Sports Council and Minister Ring for providing this funding" Mayo Sports Partnership Sports Co-ordinator Charlie Lambert added

Mayo Sports Partnership comprises of representatives from local agencies, sports organisations and community representatives, is core funded by the Irish Sports Council and is a sub-office of the Mayo County Development Board. For funding under the annual Special Participation Grant Scheme applicants need to show that the suggested project will increase participation and is sustainable.

Since 2005 the Partnership has brought an overall investment of close to €5 million to developing sport and recreation within the county. Many projects / initiatives involving pre-schools all the way up to older people have benefited from this significant investment mainly through the Irish Sports Councils direct funding. The above figure does not include the very significant input of partner agencies on the board such as Mayo County Council, Mayo VEC, HSE West, GMIT, Leader Companies, Udaras na Gaeltachta, Mayo Education Centre and other stakeholders.

Any further information on the above can be obtained by contacting Mayo Sports Partnership at 094-9047025 or by logging on to www.mayosports.ie

The full list of Clubs/Organisations who received funding are:


SPECIAL PARTICIPATION GRANT SCHEME 2013


Name of Club - Organisation Total Amount Allocated
Claremorris Colts Rugby Club - €800
TITANS Enigma Fight n Fit Academy - €500
Newport Sea Angling Club - €800
Mayo Weightlifting Club - €500
Kiltane Ladies Club - €600
Cumann Capallin Iorrais - €300
Kilmeena Ladies GAA Club - €600
Aglish Boxing Club - €700
Ballina Cycling Club - €700
Westport United - €750
Parks Tennis Ballina - €400
Ballina Tennis Club - €300
James Stephens Hurling Club - €700
Aughagower Athletic Club - €600
Westport Tennis Club - €800
Ballina Water Polo Club - €500
Castlebar Cycling Club - €500
Westport GAA - €500
Mayo Basketball Board - €500
Ballina Rugby Club - €500
Belcarra Sports Centre - €500
Club Ramhaiocht Tullaghan - €500
Mayo Traveller Support Group - €1,000
Urlaur Community Centre - €500
Balla No Name Club - €400
Ballina Family Resource Centre - €500
Erris Mens Shed - €450
Erris Womens Group - €400
Ballyhaunis Family Resource Centre - €400
Mayo Branch of Arthritis Ireland - €500
Westport Special Olympics Club - €800
Claremorris Leisure Centre - €500
Total Amount Allocated - €18,000


BIKE GRANT SCHEME 2013

Name of Club - Organisation Total Amount Allocated

Ardagh Community Council -€300
Ballina Family Resource Centre - €250
Smart Travel Castlebar - €350
Taugheen Community Council - €250
Muintir a Chorrain Teo - €400
Erris Beo - €300
Western Lakes Cycling Club - €350
Westport Covey Wheelers - €200
Kilmovee Family Resource Centre - €250
Ballina Lions Club - €200
Coiste Cultur Teanga & Forbartha Thuar Mhic Eadaigh - €200
Castlebar Mens Shed - €200
Bike Fest Castlebar - €1,000

Total Amount Allocated - €4,250

Child Protection in Sport Workshop

A 3 hour basic awareness workshop on Code of Ethics and Best Practice in Sport will be held in the Westport Leisure Park, James St, Westport next Wednesday 26th June. The course will start at 10am and finish at 1pm as it is part of a leadership training programme in the area. This ‘Child Protection in Sport' training is for Children's Officers and/or Designated Persons, Sports Leaders and other adults involved in the organisation of sport for young people.

The training will enable Children's Officers/Sports Leaders to:
· Implement best practice in protecting the welfare of participants
· Create a child-centred environment within the sports club
· List categories of abuse and some indicators associated with abuse
· Make appropriate response to a disclosure
· Make a report to designated officer or appropriate Statutory Authorities

Course fee for all participants is 15 euro . Places are limited on the course and some are still available by contacting the Mayo Sports Partnership at 094-9047025 or by e-mail to msp@mayococo.ie .