Mayo Sports Partnership is delighted to announce the launch of its new Strategy and Action Plan 2017-2021. Following on from the successful delivery of its previous two plans 2006 - 2010 and 2010 - 2014 the partnership plans to further deliver on its commitment to the people of Mayo, greater participation in recreational sport by all.

To download a copy of the plan please click here http://www.mayosports.ie/media/Media,29610,en.pdf

To download MSP Infographic portraying the impact of the Partnership since 2005 click here http://www.mayosports.ie/media/Media,29612,en.pdf

The document, recently launched in the wonderful setting of Ballinrobe Golf Club by Minister for Rural & Community Development Michael Ring and Caitheoirleach Mayo County Council Cllr Richard Finn, was part of a programme which included an interactive sports forum titled "Inclusion through sport in Mayo. Are we succeeding?". Minister Ring was joined by local sports personalities and policy makers including Mayo GAA manager Stephen Rochford, Mayo Ladies GAA star Fiona Mc Hale, Sports Editor Mayo News Mike Finnerty, Paralympian Jerry Towey, Special Olympics Co-ordinator Teresa Ward , FAI Intercultural Co-ordinator Des Tomlinson, Sport Ireland board member Pat O Connor, Head of Community and Engagement Mayo County Council Siofra Kilcullen and Chairman Mayo Sports Partnership Cllr Brendan Mulroy.

Mayo Sports Partnership is a Sport Ireland initiative, hosted locally by Mayo County Council and supported by local agencies / stakeholders. It seeks to establish a vibrant culture of participation in sport and physical activity by all sectors of the population, promoting the benefits of exercise and unifying the efforts of all organisations and agencies interested in promoting sport in Mayo.

Mayo Sports Partnership promotes recreational sport to all members of society regardless of age, location or ability. The new strategy and action plan with its vision of "More People Enjoying More Sports" outlines actions across four strategic pillars; participation and location: programmes, people and local partners, strengthening play: sport shapers, makers and places, insight and influence: information, partnerships communication and finally perform: attract and administer resources. These themes complement each other to provide a multifaceted approach to increasing participation in sport / physical activity in Mayo.

In welcoming all to the wonderful setting of Ballinrobe Golf Club Caitheoirleach Mayo County Council Cllr Richard Finn paid tribute to all who are involved in promoting sport at local level " The role of the sports volunteer involved in promoting whatever sport in Co Mayo should not be underestimated. On behalf of all in Mayo County Council I would like to thank you for all your hard work and through Mayo Sports Partnership we will seek to support you as best we can in your future efforts"

Launching the plan, Minister for Community and Rural Development Michael Ring, said: "Supporting rural communities and clubs in providing sport and recreation opportunities is a key function in my Department. Through Dormant Account funding I have been able to fund initiatives such as Community Sports Hubs and Community Coaching Programmes which Mayo Sports Partnership have rolled out across the county. Also in my previous role as Minister of State for Sport and Tourism, when the country was in the grips of recession, I ensured that Sports Partnerships were adequately resourced to deliver quality participation opportunities for all ."

John Treacy CEO Sport Ireland commented: "I am delighted to see the launch of Mayo Sports Partnerships new strategic plan " More People Enjoying More Sports". Mayo Sports Partnership was established in 2005 and aims to promote a culture of active participation throughout Mayo. The benefits of participation in sport / physical activity, physically, mentally and socially, cannot be underestimated. The strategy outlines actions across four important pillars, which will work to promote a better quality of life for people in Mayo."

Dr Una May Director of Participation & Ethics in Sport Ireland added: " Mayo Sports Partnership has always been very innovative in the way it targets the general population to get active, such as "Men on the Move" and the "West of Ireland Womens Mini Marathon", and we look forward to working with them on future programmes and initiatives".

Since 2005 Mayo Sports Partnership has delivered over 300 adult participation programmes targeting 37,052 participants. A further 250 children's initiatives with 30,563 participants were also supported plus 158 disability sports programmes with 3,903 participants. Womens participation in sport and physical activity has been one of the Partnerships key priorities since its foundation with 34,526 participants taking part in 62 Women in Sport initiatives. Over €7 million in funding has also been leveraged for sport in the county with the support of Sport Ireland, Mayo County Council, HSE, Dormant Accounts and other local partners.

Chairman Mayo Sports Partnership Cllr Brendan Mulroy commented "Mayo Sports Partnerships Strategy and Action Plan offers a clear vision in promoting sport participation across the county. Without the support of John Treacy in Sport Ireland, our own CEO Mayo County Council Peter Hynes, Minister Michael Ring and other partners, Mayo Sports Partnership would not have been able to have such a positive impact on the quality of peoples lives in the past 12 years. On behalf of all in Mayo Sports Partnership I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us and we look forward towards working with all partners in the future".

Mayo Sports Partnerships Strategy and Action Plan 2017-2021 is available at www.mayosports.ie/news or by contacting the Partnerships offices at 094 9047025 email msp@mayococo.ie