Sports Partnership Grant Scheme Closing Date Draws Near
The Board of the Mayo Sports Partnership has announced details of its upcoming Special Participation Grant Scheme for 2013. This scheme invites clubs and organizations who have sport / recreation as their central focus to submit proposals which would increase participation amongst target groups such as youth at risk, disadvantaged communities, unemployed, women, traveling community, disabilities and ethnic minorities. This may include setting up of new clubs or additional activities which would increase participation within existing organizations.

Over the last couple of years a particular focus is being placed on inviting communities / organizations to think about forming walking and jogging groups in their locality. Mayo Sports Partnership Sports Co-ordinator Charlie Lambert explains

" There has been a huge explosion in walking, jogging and cycling throughout the county and we would like to capitalize on this by inviting clubs / groups to think about having a Meet and Walk / Jog group in their locality. These groups can have a fantastic social element to their activities and having fun while exercising. We would be delighted to assist groups in setting up these initiatives"

Projects which received funding under the scheme in the past included a water sports initiative in the Erris Area, setting up a new athletic club in Ballinrobe, Spike ball programme in Barncarroll Sports Centre, adventure sports opportunities, mass participation programmes in running / walking cycling initiatives, and the set up of a new Camogie Club in North Mayo.

Organisations / Groups are asked to note that any capital / building projects are not eligible for funding under the schemes criteria.

Closing date for applications is 4pm on Wednesday 8th May 2013, the maximum allocation to any one project can be €1,000 and this is dependent on the quality of the initiative. The Mayo Sports Partnership board will decide on all successful applications and its recommendations are final.

For further information on the scheme contact the Sports Partnership office at
094-9047025 or log on to our website at www.mayosports.ie/news to download a copy of the application form.