For Sport, By Sport Features in this issue
•ISC PUBLISH FIRST ANNUAL REPORT ON PARTICIPATION
The Key Findings of the first annual Irish Sports Monitor which looks to record and track participation in sport can be seen below. •IRISH SPORTS COUNCIL ANNOUNCE 2009 NGB GRANTS
The ISC announced details of €13million funding to National Governing Bodies of sport, including support granted under Women in Sports Programme for 25 sports. Further Details set out below.
•BEIJING REVIEW PUBLISHED
Irish Sports Council have published their review of Ireland’s performances during the 4 years, up to and including the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games. Further Details are set out below.
•FINDING IRELAND’S NEXT PARALYMPIC GENERATION
Greatness could be in your midst. Do you know an individual interested in sport? If so, please read below for details on the Athlete Search Day hosted by the Paralympic Council of Ireland on May 2nd.
•CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP SET TO RISE IN 2009
Onside Sponsorship are expecting a 3% growth in sponsorship despite the economic doom and gloom. Read below for more
•IRISH GYMNASTICS APPOINT FIRST CEO & LAUNCH NEW STRATEGIC PLAN 2009-2012
Ciaran Gallagher has been appointed as the first CEO of Irish Gymnastics. Ciaran has spent the last two years as National Development Director, raising the profile of the organisation, following his appointment as National Development Officer in 2005.
•WHEELCHAIR RUGBY EUROPEAN QUALIFYING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Ireland will host the International Wheelchair Rugby event for the first time from February 20th to 22nd. Support wanted. Please see below for further details.
•NUI GALWAY AVAILABLE FOR HOSTING SPORTS EVENTS
NUI Sports facilities include a 25m swimming pool, natural grass and floodlit synthetic grass pitches, athletics track and more. Please read below for further details on how they can be made available to you.
•“A WINNING FORMULA”- PARALYMPIC SYMPOSIUM MARCH 21ST
The Paralympic Council of Ireland, in conjunction with Waterford Institute of Technology, will host a one day symposium entitled “ A Winning Formula – A Coordinated Approach to Paralympic Success”.
•JOBS IN SPORT
Please see below for current job opportunities in Irish Sport
•GRANTS AVAILABLE
There are a number of open grant schemes for which clubs of governing bodies may be eligible to apply. Please see below for more information
ISC PUBLISH FIRST ANNUAL REPORT ON PARTICIPATION
The 2007 Irish Sports Monitor (“ISM”) report is the first to measure and track participation in Irish sport. It is based on a nationally representative sample of nearly 10,000 adults aged 16 and over.
The Key Findings of the first annual Irish Sports Monitor which looks to record and track participation in sport include:
• 24% of the adult population is highly active, 18% is sedentary.
• Participation rates in Ireland are broadly in line with developed countries but lag behind the best performers.
• Personal exercise activities (gym, fitness classes, exercise machines) have become the most popular form of physical activity
• Income and education are significant determinants of participation
• There is a high level of social participation in sport, involving volunteering, attendance and club membership numbers at sports events.
1. FITT (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type) Analysis
There was variation by season: fewer people played sport towards the end of the year. 68% of participants played more than once a week, 69% with high effort. 62% played their sport in a non-organised setting, with family, friends or alone
2. Comparison of Social Groups
People with high educational attainment, men, younger people and those on high incomes were much more likely to play sport and much less likely to be sedentary. The estimated impact of income on the likelihood of playing sport was even higher than previously reported. Non-Irish nationals from outside the EU and the English-speaking countries were approximately half as likely to play sport as Irish nationals
3. Relative Popularity of Sports
The report notes that personal exercise activities, such as going to the gym and using exercise machines, are now the most popular sport and exercise activity in this country; almost 10% of adults are members of personal exercise clubs, followed by swimming.
Soccer is by far the most popular team sport, but ranks poorly among women relative to other sports. Combining volunteering, membership and attendance, Gaelic games remain the leading sports for social participation, but there are now more gym members than GAA members.
There is little overlap between the two groups with less than 5 per cent of gym members also GAA members.
4. Walking
14% of the population went for a recreational walk every day the previous week, while 42% did not take a walk at all. Women walk more than men and seem to be a strong influence, since men in couples walk much more than single men. 40% walk regularly for transport, although the figure is much lower in rural locations
5. Comparison by County/ Council
The report also looked at levels of participation in sport in different parts of the State.
It found that people living in Mayo and the Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown local authority area were the most active.
Residents of Dublin city, Limerick, Kildare, Offaly, Leitrim and Westmeath recorded low participation.
6. International Comparison
The report notes that active participation in sport and exercise in Ireland is broadly in line with participation in other developed countries. However participation rates are far behind those of the best performing countries, which are the Scandinavian countries and English-speaking Commonwealth nations.
7. Social Participation
Volunteering
8% of adults had volunteered for sport-related activity in the previous 7 days, equivalent to 280,000 volunteers.
Disabled people who said they could not actively participate in sport were more likely to be involved as volunteers than those without a disability.
The average time devoted to volunteering in the previous 7 days was two hours, but women and, especially, men over 65 years of age devoted very much more time
Club Membership
32% of adults are members of sports clubs
Club membership was strongly related to high income and educational attainment
Attendance
17% of adults had attended a sporting event in the previous 7 days
Men were more likely to attend than women, but women with children under 18 were particularly likely to attend and more likely to attend two or three events
Attendance was strongly affected by income and social class
The report represents the latest in a series of research collaborations between the Irish Sports Council (“ISC”) and the Economic and Social Research Institute (“ESRI”) on sport and physical activity. The ISM contains a wealth of information which will be of great interest to policy makers and everyone involved in the promotion and development of sport in Ireland.
The Irish Sports Monitor Report and other joint ISC – ESRI publications in the series on sport, are available to download @ www.irishsportscoucil.ie and www.esri.ie
For Further Information please contact:
Peter Smyth, Research Manager Irish Sports Council, 087-6846713
Paul McDermott, Irish Sports Council, 087-6486295
IRISH SPORTS COUNCIL ANNOUNCE 2009 NGB GRANTS
€11.47 million in Core grants to 57 sports
€1.53 million in Women in Sport grants to 25 sports
The Irish Sports Council revealed details of its 2009 core grants announcing some €11.47 million in Core Grants to 57 sports and €1.53 million in dedicated Women in Sport Funding directed at 25 sports.
The €11.47 million in core grants is to support the principal activities of governing bodies covered including administration of the sports, the employment of professional staff, coach development as well as the hosting of events and programmes aimed at increasing participation.
Ossie Kilkenny, Chairman of the Irish Sports Council commented; “The work of the Governing Bodies is essential to the sports sector. There is outstanding work being carried out by them all and we have sought to protect those sports that are most reliant on our funding. We want to pay tribute to Minister Martin Cullen who has been strongly supportive of our work and he has ensured that we can continue investing in the sports of Ireland”.
John Treacy, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council, commented: “€13 million is a significant investment is these sports. The sports organizations understand the financial situation and are committed to the continuing provision of excellent services to the sports community in 2009”.
Some highlights for 2009
• €30,000 awarded to Triathlon Ireland to part fund a new CEO position on an all Island basis with investment also coming from Sport Northern Ireland.
• €23,000 to support Mountaineering Council of Ireland’s “Girls Outside” programme aimed at teenage girls.
• A 20% growth in membership of the Irish Table Tennis Association is primarily due to the success of its Women in Sport schools programme. A further investment of €43,800 will continue the roll out of this schools programme and support the recruitment of a national Women in Sport Co-ordinator.
• €35,000 was awarded to the Irish Sailing Association to roll out its Match Racing Programme which will be targeting over 500 young women to participate in the first year alone.
• The Irish Judo Association has received assistance to move towards employment of a full time business manager in its allocation of €82,000.
• Cycling Ireland has received €31,315 to roll out its Mountain Biking Coaching Framework in conjunction with Coaching Ireland.
• €52,450 was awarded to Cumann Peil Gael na mBan to roll out its coaching programme for Ladies Gaelic. It has also been allocated €250,000 through the Women in Sport programme as continued support for its Regional Development Officer network.
• Comhairle Liathroid Laimhe (handball) has received €15,900 for phase 2 of its Ball girls programme and to support its Wall Ball programme.
• Badminton Ireland received €25,000 to implement its Buntús Badminton, Junior Badminton and Club Development programme.
For Further information contact the Irish Sports Council:
T: (01) 8608800
Email: info@irishsportscouncil.ie
W: www.irishsportscouncil.ie
NGB 2009 Funding
National Governing Bodies Core Funding 2009 Women in Sport 2009
Badminton Ireland 379,192 144,400
Basketball Ireland 650,050 250,000
Baton Twirling Sport Association of Ireland 15,250 6,000
Bol Chumann na hÉireann 20,422 0
Bowling League of Ireland 28,000 0
Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland 64,212 0
Comhairle Liathróid Láimhe na hÉireann 127,846 15,900
Cricket Ireland 427,500 0
Croquet Association of Ireland 4,200 0
Cumann Camógaíochta na nGael 187,000 31,858
Cumann Peile Gael na mBan 220,296 250,000
Cycling Ireland 316,065 8,500
Horsesport Ireland 989,217 0
Golfing Union of Ireland 110,000 0
Horseshoe Pitchers Association of Ireland 5,850 0
Irish Amateur Archery Association 25,500 0
Irish Amateur Boxing Association 209,936 50,000
Irish Fencing Federation 28,400 0
Irish Amateur Rowing Union 193,900 17,500
Irish Amateur Weightlifting Association 17,400 0
Irish Amateur Wrestling Association 16,500 0
Irish American Football Association 18,750 500
Irish Blindsports 45,500 0
Irish Canoe Union 280,250 0
Irish Deaf Sports Association 71,250 0
Irish Gymnastics 169,545 89,000
Irish Hockey Association 270,908 90,945
Irish Judo Association 82,000 0
Irish Ladies Golf Union 51,000 80,000
Irish Martial Arts Commission 25,000 5,000
Irish Olympic Handball Association 40,000 0
Irish Orienteering Association 52,800 0
Irish Sailing Association 334,019 35,000
Irish Squash 215,000 18,193
Irish Surfing Association 69,950 15,800
Irish Table Tennis Association 111,100 43,800
Irish Tae Kwon Do Union 21,100 10,000
Irish Tenpin Bowling Association 25,100 0
Irish Tug of War Association 22,940 0
Irish Underwater Council 65,105 4,000
Irish Waterski Federation 13,500 0
Irish Wheelchair Association 281,125 0
Motor Cycle Union of Ireland 78,600 0
Motor Sport Ireland 150,000 0
Mountaineering Council of Ireland 227,000 23,000
National Community Games 308,845 36,000 0
Shooting Sports Association of Ireland 35,450 0
ONAKAI 11,500 0
Pitch and Putt Union of Ireland 73,433 0
Racquetball Association of Ireland 17,400 0
ROI Snooker & Billiards Association 87,569 0
Special Olympics Ireland 2,564,269 0
Speleological Union of Ireland 26,050 0
Swim Ireland 890,000 120,000
Tennis Ireland 414,295 0
Triathlon Ireland 70,000 85,000
Volleyball Association of Ireland 214,250 95,000
Total 11,471,339 1,525,396
BEIJING REVIEW PUBLISHED
The Irish Sport Council’s review of Ireland’s performances at last year’s Olympics and Paralympics in Beijing revealed Ireland exceeded their medal target by returning with eight from the Olympics and Paralympics in total compared to four medals won in Athens.
The report called for continued state investment in sport but also asserted that “finance is no longer a barrier to Irish success at international level”.
The review maintained significant improvements in performances at both the Olympic and Paralympics represented a tangible return on the increased State investment in high performance sport over recent years.
The recommendations of the Review include reducing the number of focus sports receiving investment in elite sport. The success of boxing and Paralympics demonstrates that top quality support systems can be created in Ireland and investment should be directed at those sports that can replicate their consistent and repeatable success.
A steering group was set up in October last year to direct its quadrennial high performance review, known as the Beijing Review. This group was chaired by Judge Rory MacCabe and comprised of Pat O’Neill and Gary Owens.
It was assisted by an independent consultant, Neil Tunnicliffe of Wharton Consulting.
MacCabe stated; “Our aim was to analyse the preparation and performances of 2008 with a view to making recommendations for the future. Previous Reviews have served Irish sport well, mapping out a successful route to better structures and ultimately improved performances. My hope is that our objective analysis will lead to further improvements in the Irish sports system”.
John Treacy, commented; “Irish performances at the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games exceeded the targets set in the Athens Review and highlight the clear improvements being made by Irish sports people across many different disciplines at international level. Irish elite sport has demonstrated its ability to provide a return on the substantial investment of the Irish tax payer”.
The review received 28 responses to 55 questionnaires sent out to Irish Olympic athletes while receiving 72 responses from 79 sent to Paralympic athletes.
Download a copy (pdf): Beijing Review
FINDING IRELAND’S NEXT PARALYMPIC GENERATION
The Paralympic Council of Ireland (“PCI”) presented on their Paralympic Awareness Programme; ParaLions at the Federation Social Networking Lunch on the 11th February.
Chief Executive, Liam Harbison, presented an overview of the PCI as an organisation as well as commenting on the success of the Irish Paralympic Team in Beijing and the objectives for London 2012. Ireland has a proud tradition in the Paralympic Games, with 5 medals (3 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze) and 22 finalists in Beijing.
Harbison also urged all National Governing Bodies to take their responsibility in terms of creating opportunities for people with a physical disability to engage in their sports seriously. The PCI performance director, Nancy Chillingworth then discussed the ParaLions programme and explained how people could engage with it.
ParaLions was launched in 2008 to coincide with the Beijing Paralympic Games. The main aim of the programme is to encourage young people into Paralympic sport. Due to data protection legislation, Paralympic sports have difficulty sourcing athletes so one aspect of the programme is the development of a database of potential athletes. A questionnaire and additional information, including a detailed information booklet, is available for download on the PCI website www.pcireland.ie/paralions.php.
As part of the ParaLions programme, the PCI will host a ParaLions Athlete Search Day on the 2nd May in DCU Sports Hall from 10:00 – 16:00. All Paralympic sports currently practised in Ireland will be represented and there will be an opportunity to meet current Paralympic athletes and try out some core skills in the relevant sports as well as hear athlete’s stories and watch some demonstration matches. All potential ParaLions are welcome to attend.
Sports which will be available on the day include:
– Archery
– Athletics
– Boccia
– Cycling
– Equestrian
– Football
– Goalball
– Rowing
– Sailing
– Shooting
– Swimming
– Table Tennis
– Wheelchair Basketball
– Wheelchair Rugby
– Wheelchair Tennis
All those ParaLions who have completed the ParaLions Questionnaire will receive a personal invitation to the event. If you have a physical disability or visual impairment, or if you know someone who has, it’s not too late for them to be included.
Details of the day will be available on the PCI website.
For Further information please contact:
The Paralympic Council of Ireland
T: (01) 6251175
Email: info@pcireland.ie
W: www.pcireland.ie
The Paralympic Council of Ireland, Sport HQ, Park West, Dublin 12.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP SET TO RISE IN 2009
Onside Sponsorship under the stewardship of John Trainor, published a report stating that the sponsorship speed in 2009 will rise by 3% to €134million. Onside state that the ability of sponsorships to stimulate sales and product trial will be key to sponsors in this regard.
Onside highlight that this more modest projected growth follows on from what was an extraordinary year in 2008 with new landmark deals in GAA, Golf, Sailing and Venue Naming Rights. The potential growth in ’09 is expected to be driven by new deals including the Irish Open deal with 3Mobile, Naming Rights deals on a number of Irish Venues including the new IRFU and FAI stadium and a potential swing by advertisers to use this medium.
Confidence in market forecasts are strengthened by a new survey conducted by Onside Sponsorship with key decision-makers in the Irish Sponsorship industry, which revealed that 1 in 3 Irish Sponsors expect to increase their sponsorship spend in ’09. Venue Naming Rights and Rugby are thought to contain the greatest potential opportunities for sponsors in the future while Broadcast sponsorship (Radio & TV) is perceived to offer the best value for money.
Globally it is predicted that sponsors will decrease the amount of money they spend on leveraging their partnerships and move toward lower-cost media and communication tools, especially online tools, away from costly traditional advertising. Internet Tie-Ins and Direct Marketing were identifies as key tools that Irish sponsors plan to dial up in ’09 to leverage their sponsorships, while traditional advertising scored the highest planned decrease in Onside’s industry survey. This is a growing trend globally as cost conscious marketing professionals seek more targeted and relevant channels to communicate to their consumers.
Onside’s industry survey also reveal that while band awareness and brand loyalty were identified as the most important sponsorship benefits to sponsors traditionally, it will be a sponsorships’ ability to stimulate sales and product trials that will be most important in 2009.
John Trainor, Managing Director of Onside, said: “Major global brands like Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Heineken, RBS and Adidas have recently made public their strategic intent to continue to use sponsorship to demonstrate their commitment and strength to their consumers in these uncertain times.” The sponsorship industry’s inherent advantage is that sponsorships are planned with long-term intent in mind and as a result unlike advertising, it tends to escape the significant knee-jerk costs that recessions can trigger.
2008 was a particularly strong year for the sponsorship industry; with spend on sponsorship rights growing 15% across the year. Both the GAA and Golf came to the forefront with the GAA securing multimillion euro deals with sponsors of each of its two key Championship events while the success of Golf’s Padraig Harrington on the golf course lead to rich rewards for him off it. Other major new deals included Boylesports and the FAI, Dubai Duty Free and the Irish Derby, Guinness and Munster Rugby, and major renewals including eircom and the FAI, Vodafone and the All-Stars Awards.
Another landmark new sponsorship investment that was penned in ’08 and that has set the foundations for a whole new category of sponsorship in Ireland in the coming years was O2’s Naming Rights of the new O2 venue in Dublin. This multimillion euro investment by O2 has introduced a new level for sponsorship deals in Ireland- from title sponsors like O2 to sub-partners like Audi- that will undoubtedly form the basis for other venue naming rights deals in different shapes and forms in 2009 and beyond.
In Onside’s poll of over 50 sponsors and rights holders across the Irish market, O2’s sponsorship of the renamed Point concert venue in Dublin was rated by industry peers as the best sponsorship of 2008, followed by Toyota’s sponsorship of Munster Rugby and Guinness’s sponsorship of the GAA Hurling Championship. The IRFU were spotlighted by major sponsors as rights holders that stood out in 2008, for their open, fair and supportive approach to delivering a complete partnership type approach to sponsorship. The GAA and Live Nation were also singled out by sponsors for their positive progress in ’08 according Online Sponsorship.
In terms of partnerships, Guinness was once again voted number one with its’ sponsorship of the GAA Hurling Championships. Toyota’s partnership with Munster Rugby made the biggest strides in terms of overall growth year on year- resulting in a top five position for the Auto company’s Munster partnership in ’08.
IRISH GYMNASTICS APPOINT FIRST CEO & LAUNCH NEW STRATEGIC PLAN 2009-2012
Ciaran Gallagher has been appointed as the first CEO of Irish Gymnastics Ltd. Ciaran joined Irish Gymnastics in December 2005 as National Development Officer, but has served as National Development Director since 2007. In his time with Irish Gymnastics Ciaran has led the recent modernisation drive within the organisation that has seen the profile of Irish Gymnastics grow in Irish Sport.
Irish Gymnastics President, Jim O’Leary, commented…
“I am proud to announce the appointment of Ciaran Gallagher as the first Chief Executive Officer of Irish Gymnastics. Ciaran joined us in 2005 and has been the driving force in our recent developments over the past few years – he is an incredibly dynamic young man whose passion for our sport is matched by his keen business mind. With the launch of our new strategic plan Ciaran is now responsible for driving the direction of our sport and organisation to ensure we develop to cater for all our members and make Gymnastics one of the great Irish sports”
John Treacy, CEO of the Irish Sports Council, commented…
The Irish Gymnastics Strategic Plan is the final product of an intense examination, evaluation, consultation process and discussion in the future direction of the governing body. I would like to thank all those who contributed to the strategy process and I wish everybody involved in the governing body all the best for the future.
Over the last few years Irish Gymnastics has made significant progress in professionalising its services. The recent appointment of Ciaran Gallagher as Chief Executive Officer is an elementary part in driving this process forward.
I look forward to the continued partnership between the Irish Sports Council and Irish Gymnastics and I am confident that with the hard work and support of its members that the governing body and its sport will go from strength to strength over the period of the strategic plan.
Commenting on his appointment Ciaran had the following to say…
“The Irish Gymnastics I am part of today is a very different organisation to the one I joined in 2005, we now have 3 departments and a total 7 employees including myself. This is a big change from the 1 full time Administrator and part-time Admin assistant that staffed IG when I joined in late 2005/early 2006 and is set to grow over the next number of years to see a further 3 departments come online by 2012.
While the past few years have been exciting and very progressive they have also presented a number of challenges we have had to overcome, however we now have an organisation with an active coach education department & system hailed by Coaching Ireland as one of the best in the country, a sound business model to build on, we have successfully gained inclusion in phase 1 of the Sports Campus Ireland project & are considered by the Irish Sports Council to be one of the most progressive National Governing Bodies of sport in Ireland.
With the recent adoption of the new Strategic Plan 2009-2012 the future of IG is very exciting and I look forward to playing my part in it”
The new IG Strategic Plan 2009 – 2012 is now available for download in the ‘downloads’ section of the IG Website @ www.irishgymnastics.ie
WHEELCHAIR RUGBY EUROPEAN QUALIFYING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Ireland will host the International Wheelchair Rugby event for the first time, at the Irish Wheelchair Association in Clontarf, Dublin 3 from February 20th to 22nd.
Ireland, France and Czech Republic will playoff to see who will travel to this year’s European Championships in Denmark in October.
For more information contact IWA-Sport Director Nicky Hamill
Tel (01) 8186422
Email: info@iwasport.com
www.iwasport.com
NUI GALWAY AVAILABLE FOR HOSTING SPORTS EVENTS
The National University of Ireland, (“NUI”) Galway’s new €22.5 million sports complex opened its doors in September 2008, welcoming students and visitors alike. Situated by the Quincentennial Bridge, the University Sports Complex is ideally located and fully equipped to meet all your sporting needs.
NUI Galway offers excellent sporting facilities including a fabulous new recreational complex which contains;
• A 25m 6 lane swimming pool with saunas and steam room.
• State of the art, 130 piece, Lifefitness gym facility
• International size sports hall with bleachers to hold 660.
• Squash, racquetball and basketball courts and fully equipped resistance and core training areas.
• Over 100 pieces of CV equipment incorporating cardio theatre equipment.
• Complementing these facilities are a range of outdoor amenities; multipurpose pitches, a synthetic track and pitch, tennis courts, canoeing and rowing.
In addition, there are also a number of natural grass playing pitches, a floodlit synthetic grass pitch and Athletics track suitable for a wide range of sports including hockey, soccer, athletics and general training purposes.
Corrib Village offers campus accommodation, and is beautifully situated overlooking the river Corrib just 5 minutes drive from Galway city centre. The village comprises of apartments grouped around pleasantly landscaped courtyards, on site facilities include a shop, café, crèche, etc. There are also numerous restaurants on campus where professional catering companies can cater for all your nutritional needs, from an informal barbeque to a gala dinner.
Complementing the attractions of the 250 acre riverside parkland campus are on site amenities which include an Art Gallery, Theatre, Gift Shop, Book Shop, Travel Office and Bank.
The University welcomes visiting groups who wish to rent sports venues, conference or accommodation facilities.
For further information, please contact;
Patricia Walsh, Conference Office, NUI Galway
T: +353 91 493467
Email: tricia.walsh@nuigalway.ie
W: www.nuigalway.ie/conference
NUI Galway, University Road, Galway
“A WINNING FORMULA”- PARALYMPIC SYMPOSIUM MARCH 21ST
The Paralympic Council of Ireland, in conjunction with Waterford Institute of Technology, is hosting a one day symposium entitled “A Winning Formula – A Coordinated Approach to Paralympic Success”
The symposium, to be held in the WIT’s main campus on March 21st, 2009 is aimed at sporting organisations, coaches, athletes, sports science & medical personnel of all levels with an interest in Paralympic sport and will provide a candid view into all aspects of performance, focusing specifically on the extent of planning and preparation involved for the 2008 Paralympic team.
CEO of the Paralympic Council of Ireland, Mr. Liam Harbison stated “We are delighted to host this symposium in association with Waterford Institute of Technology. The success of the 2008 Paralympic Team was due to a lot of effort, meticulous planning and dedication by many people and it is important for us to be able to share the benefit of our experiences, both good and bad, from which we and others may benefit.“
The symposium will begin with Registration at 10am on March 21st in the main auditorium of Waterford Institute of Technology’s main campus and will feature guest speakers such as
– Dr. Joe Conway, Chief Medical Officer to the Paralympic Team
– Stephen Maguire, Coach to Jason Smyth, two time Paralympic Gold Medallist and World Record Holder over 100 & 200m
– Enda Smyth, Paralympic Cyclist and finalist in Beijing 2008
– Denis Toomey, Paralympic Cycling Manager
– Nancy Chillingworth, Paralympic Performance Director
– Derek Malone, former Paralympic medallist and strength & conditioning coach to the 2008 Paralympic Team
– Fintan O’Donnell, Chartered Sports Physiotherapist to the 2008 Paralympic Team
– Brendan Kirrane, Sports Massage Therapist to the 2008 Paralympic Team
– Bruce Wardrop, Sports Physiologist to the 2008 Paralympic Team
– Alan Swantan, Performance Analyst to the 2008 Paralympic Team
For further details on how to register and the full schedule of speakers, please refer to www.pcireland.ie or alternatively you can contact the Paralympic Council of Ireland Office directly at 01-6251175
The 2008 Irish Paralympic Team was extremely successful with 5 medals (3 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze), 5 World Records, 22 finalists and 24 Personal Bests. The team consisted of 45 athletes competing in 9 sporting disciplines and including coaches and support staff numbered 75 overall.
JOBS IN SPORT
CUMANN CAMÓGAÍOCHTA NA NGAEL
FINANCE OFFICER
Cumann Camógaíochta na nGael invites applications for the position of Finance Officer. The Finance Officer will report to Sinéad O Connor Ard Stiúrthóir will be based in Croke Park.
Key responsibilities:
• The Finance Officer will be responsible for the management of all financial controls within the Association up to the preparation of the annual accounts for submission to the auditors.
• The development and maintenance of accounting systems and controls within the Association.
• The sourcing of public funding from local, national and European bodies.
The successful candidate will have:
• Professional accounting qualification.
• Minimum 2 years experience in the accounting field.
• Good IT skills with a comprehensive knowledge of an accounting package.
• Knowledge of public funding.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships internally and externally with a variety of people.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• knowledge of and an interest in sport.
• A highly motivated and positive approach.
Applications: A comprehensive CV with a brief letter, outlining why you are interested in this position, must be received by 5pm Friday 27th February 2009. Please email to soconnor@camogie.ie
Further Information:
Sinead O’ Connor, Ard Stiúrthóir
T: (01) 8364619
Email: sinead@camogie.ie
W: www.camogie.ie
GRANTS AVAILABLE
MEATH LOCAL SPORTS PARTNERSHIP GRANTS
The Sport & Physical Activity Grant Scheme 2009 is now open to all clubs registered with Meath LSP. Funding is available for Club Training and development as well as Special Participation initiatives
Meath Local Sports Partnership (“LSP”) Sport & Physical Activity Grant Scheme 2009
This Grant Scheme aims to:
• Increase participation
• Improve the management and administration of clubs
• Develop youth structures in clubs/organisations by providing sport and physical activity opportunities.
Meath LSP will provide some financial resources to assist in the achievement of these goals.
The central aim in the provision of grants will be the ability of the organisation to generate a long-term return on the monies provided.
Funding is available under two categories:
• Club Training & Development
• Special Participation Project Initiatives
Club Training & Development: (Maximum Funding €500)
Funding RUNS YEAR ROUND and is available on an ONGOING BASIS
Assistance is available to clubs/organisations in respect of participation in approved Training/Coach Education and other courses relevant to sports clubs and organisations promoting sport for Young People.
Download Club Training & Development Grant Criteria & Application Form 2009 (.pdf)
Special Project Participation Initiatives: (Maximum Funding €500)
Closing Date: 4pm on Thursday 25th June 2009
Assistance under this scheme is available to clubs/organisations in respect of projects which target groups where opportunities do not already exist – Young People, People with Disabilities, Disadvantaged, Females, Travellers and Ethnic Minorities.
Applicants will be assessed and allocation of grants determined having regard for the criteria which reflects both Meath Local Sports Partnership and the Irish Sports Council policies and priorities as outlined in their respective strategies.
Download Special Participation Project Grant Criteria & Application Form 2009 (.pdf)
Criteria:
• All applicants must be registered clubs with Meath Local Sports Partnership.
• All grants shall be allocated to successful applicants when projects have been completed.
• All applicants must be able to provide evidence of attendance at Code of Ethics Child Protection Awareness training where applicable (funding will not be provided to sports clubs or organisations who have not trained personnel in Code of Ethics – new clubs must commit to attending training where appropriate).
Please Note that all funding is awarded retrospectively and is distributed in the calendar year.
Further Information:
Marcella Mitchell, Administrator
T: (046) 9067337
Email: mlsp@meathcoco.ie
W: www.meathlocalsportspartnership.ie
Meath Local Sports Partnership, Enterprise Centre, Trim Road, Navan, Co. Meath
________________________________________
KILDARE CAPITAL GRANTS SCHEME FOR RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Status: Closing date for receipt of completed applications is Wednesday 18 March 2009.
Kildare County Council have opened the 2009 Capital Grants Scheme for Recreational Development.
The purpose of the scheme is to give practical support to local sporting clubs and organisations by helping to fund their development.
This scheme will help local groups with the purchase or infrastructural development of recreational facilities. The scheme may also be used to acquire land for recreation or amenity purposes or to develop or expand facilities.
The total 2009 budget for this scheme is €125,000.
The maximum grant per annum per organisation, group or club will not exceed €50,000.
The maximum grant per organisation, group or club in total may not exceed €50,000 over three years. Grants are available for up to 50% of project costs.
Criteria:
1. Eligible Applicants must:
• Be properly structured clubs or organisations registered with their governing bodies where appropriate.
• Have approved constitutions.
• Be located in County Kildare.
2. Priority will be given to:
• Areas where community sports have been established.
• Areas where a number of organisations are co-operating in the provision of community and multi-purpose facilities.
3. Grants can be used for :
• The purchase of community benefit.
• The capital provision of recreation and amenity land.
• The development or expansion of facilities attached to such land, such as changing facilities, support structures, and meeting rooms.
4. Applicants must provide evidence of matching resources. Efforts to resource alternative funding must be outlined. Matching resources must be at a minimum level of 50% (before VAT).
5. Restrictions- Facilities which include licensed premises will not be eligible for the scheme.
Applications:
Application forms and full details of the scheme are available from the below address.
Further Details:
Cheryl Wilson
T: 045 980262
Email: cwilson@kildarecoco.ie
W: www.kildare.ie
Kildare County Council, Leisure Services Department, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co. Kildare