Invitation for Clubs, Groups and Organisations to a Public Meeting in Tullow
A Public Information Workshop
will be held on
Wednesday 10th November at 7.30pm
in Murphy Memorial Hall, Tullow.
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss preparing a Dormant Accounts Fund application, to secure the potential of 5 years funding for a Community Sports & Physical Activity Hub in Tullow, Co. Carlow.
This is a Hub where the community is at the heart and is centred around community participation. Includes developing and strengthening linkages between the community, sports clubs, and other physical activity groups.
This is a Hub that will maximises sports facility usage through linkages with the local schools, create training opportunities and the Hub will focus on the development of the outdoor spaces.
Vision and Mission of the Community Sports and Physical Activity Hubs:
Vision: The vision of a Hub is to increase the number of people of all ages participating in sport and physical activity in their communities.
Mission: The mission of the Community Sports and Physical Activity Hub is to bring local people together and provide a home for local clubs and sports organisations.
For questions or queries email: mfennelly@carlowcoco.ie
Secondary Schools Physical Activity Fund 2021
The vision of this fund is to support schools to promote the wellbeing of students by encouraging good daily and/or weekly physical activity habits. The programme should create and facilitate a wellbeing and physical activity culture, by promoting the message that physical activity should be incorporated into everyday life.
This fund offers a financial incentive to schools to increase their capacity to promote inclusive and non-competitive activities.
Schools can access funding of up to €2,500 to:
- Upskill teacher(s) to expand the range of recreational sports activities offered in the school.
- Purchase sports equipment to support the delivery of inclusive, recreational and non-competitive activities.
- Engage a tutor to deliver recreational non-competitive and inclusive sports activities.
- Implement a school programme that fosters the development of link with a local sports club.
The closing date for applications is 5pm 22nd October 2021.
This funding has been secured through the Sport Ireland Restart & Renewal Covid-19 Grant.
This initiative supports the development of programmes in schools that can advance sport and physical activity participation post-COVID 19.
For more information or to receive a copy of the application form, please contact Deborah via: deborahfoley@carlowcoco.ie or click here.
Free Family Introduction to Orienteering
As part of the European Week of Sport (EWOS) 2021 and in the run up to the Carlow Walking Festival, Carlow Sports Partnership invite families to explore two historical land marks in Carlow.
Take a walk through Duckett’s Grove or the Red Trail in Oak Park forest and keep any eye out for the images of birds, animals and insects that will be placed along the trails.
All you have to do is download the PDF checklist by clicking here and match the code on each image to the number or letter that you see on the trail.
Each family or group who complete a worksheet will get themselves a free cup of tea/coffee/hot chocolate from the café in Duckett’s Grove or the Vintage Coffee Box in Oak Park.
Date: Saturday 25th September 2021
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Location: Duckett’s Grove or The Red Trail in Oak Park
For more information or to receive a PDF of the worksheet, please email Deborah via deborahfoley@carlowcoco.ie
#BeActive #EWOS
Safegurading 2 - Children's Officer Training
Online Safeguarding 2 Training Course Monday 8th November 2021. The course will be run on ‘Zoom’ an interactive video conferencing platform.
Participants will need a tablet/laptop & a good internet connection. The ‘Zoom’ access link for the course and relevant course materials will be emailed to participants in advance in word and PDF formats. To gain accreditation, participants must complete the full course.
- Each person attending the course will need to using their own independent device.
-Safeguarding 1 course must be completed before you take part in Safeguarding 2.
To book your place click on the following link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/safeguarding-2-online-via-zoom-tickets-169939205739
Virtual South East Spin - Carlow Sports Partnership
Five South East Local Sports Partnerships have come together to develop a Virtual South East Spin during Bike Week this September. Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford Local Sports Partnerships, together with their Local Authorities are encouraging people all around the South East to take part in their own virtual cycle, any distance, any day during Bike Week from the 12th – 18th September 2021.
Bike Week is a national celebration and promotion of all that’s great about bikes and cycling. We invite everyone to take part in this virtual spin and especially people who haven’t been on a bike in a long time. You can register for your preferred distance https://south-east-spin.webflow.io/ and all registered participants will receive a certificate. There will be a limited number of snoods available for the first 250 people registered in each county.
We encourage everyone to take pictures of your spin and tag your Carlow Sports Partnership on social media and use the #southeastspin.
For queries email: Hub Coordinator Majella at mfennelly@carlowcoco.ie
#HerOutdoors Week 2021
Join Carlow Sports Partnership as we celebrate #HerOutdoors week 2021 with an immersive recreational experience on 15th August 2021.
Arrive and park in Graiguenamanagh where you will register with the Sports Partnership staff and then cross over the 18th century bridge to commence an activator pole walking experience from the Tinnahinch (Co Carlow) side of the River Barrow — part of the bridge here was destroyed during the 1798 Rebellion.
Activator trainers will then introduce you to the activator poles, set them up and start with a gentle warm up routine. The walk will commence towards Ballykeenan Lock, and walkers will be encouraged to stand, stretch, breath and look back at Brandon Hill as it towers over the river behind you.
As you proceed, the steep wooded slopes drop to the riverbank which creates a perfect backdrop for photo opportunities. You will follow the trail to Clashganny Lock, and progress to the right of way from the trail and walk to Clashganny house where a guided yoga session will take place with Yoga teacher Orla Thornton in Clashganny house garden.
Following this, you will be guided down to the designated bathing area for a refreshing dip in the river under the watchful eye of the Carlow County Council Lifeguards. Then return to Clashganny house garden for light refreshments.
After this welcome rest participants will regroup, and the Activator trainers will complete posture checks and give you a better understanding of the benefits of activator poles. Then you will set out to return to the Tinnahinch side of the bridge in Graiguenamanagh.
Here you will regroup, cool down, stretch and reflect on your day.
Key details about the walk:
Grade: 2
Format: Linear
Category: Walking Trail
Type: National Way Marked Way
Length: 5.5km one way (total distance will be 11km)
Estimated Time: 3.5 - 5 hours
Key points for the programme:
Cost: €5.00
Duration: 9:30am - 3:00pm (approx)
Experience: None is needed
Equipment: Comfortable shoes to walk in, sun cream, a hat, water, light outerwear, a change of clothes (or a swimming togs), a towel & a backpack to carry all of the above.
Participants: Must be 18 years of age or older on or before 15th August 2021.
To book your tickets, please click here
Women's Kayaking Trip 15th August 2021
Grab your best girlfriends or take a solo kayaking adventure (in a guided group) along the River Barrow for #HerOutdoors week 2021 with Carlow Sports Partnership.
Meeting at the River Barrow Carpark in Goresbridge you will be kitted out with a kayak, personal floatation device (PFD), paddle and helmet and shown how to manoeuvre your way along the scenic route of the River Barrow.
The staff of Pure Adventure will take you on a guided trip while stopping along the way for a leisurely picnic at the side of the river.
The key points of information are:
Date: 15th August
Duration: 10:00am – 3:30pm (approx.)
Start Location: Goresbridge
End Location: Graiguenamanagh
Cost: €25.00
Experience: None is needed, however you must be comfortable in water
Participants: Must be over the age of 18 on or before 15th August 2021
What you will need:
A packed lunch
Wear clothes/runners you don’t mind getting wet (shorts & t-shirt are fine)
Water & sun cream
Organise your own drop off and collection in both locations (this is not possible for us to facilitate due to current Covid-19 guidelines)
To book your tickets, please click this link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/womens-kayaking-15th-august-her-outdoors-week-2021-tickets-163050908657
Or, if you have any queries or concerns before or after booking, please do not hesitate to contact Deborah via deborahfoley@carlowcoco.ie
Carlow Sports Partnership featured in the Sport Ireland Local Sports Partnership Annual Report 2020
Carlow Sports Partnership is one of 29 Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) featured in the Annual Report 2020 published by Sport Ireland today.
The report highlights the work of the LSP Network and the impact they have on participation levels by engaging key target populations across Ireland.
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Carlow Sports Partnership has continued to provide programmes and initiatives to ensure that everyone in Carlow has the opportunity to share in the enjoyment as well as the mental and physical health benefits of sport and physical activity.
In 2020, Sport Ireland allocated over €870,000 in Programme Funding to the LSP Network, an increase of 53% from the 2019 investment. Programme funding is at the core of the LSPs engagement with participants and allows for the delivery of a range of community, club and school based initiatives, programmes and events.
In Carlow, 2,465 people took part in 70 participation programmes. Carlow Sports Partnership coordinated and delivered 13 capacity building training courses for 157 sports leaders and coaches. 241 people with a disability took part in 15 CSP initiatives with an additional 37 people trained across Cara’s Disability Awareness, Autism in Sport & Disability Inclusion Training and Education programmes.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD welcomed the publication of the Report: “The National Sports Policy recognises the key role played by the Local Sports Partnerships in sports participation and how they can assist in the delivery of the ambitious participation actions set out in the Policy. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the LSP network worked hard to develop new and innovative initiatives to target cohorts of the population who were most likely to be less active during the restrictions. This work will continue in to 2021 as we see the gradual return to sport and physical activity. Together we will work to increase access to sport and physical activity opportunities for all cohorts of the population”.
Minister of State for the Gaeltacht and Sport, Jack Chambers TD commented: “I commend the work of the LSPs and community organisations they worked with throughout a difficult year. By collaborating closely with organisations within and outside the sporting sector, the LSPs delivered a range and variety of programmes and initiatives in communities throughout Ireland. As we move in to 2021 and beyond, the LSPs will continue to develop and deliver physical activity opportunities that are accessible and inclusive at a local level. I look forward to seeing the activities in the months and years to come as we move toward the target set out by the National Sports Policy”.
John Treacy, Chief Executive Sport Ireland commented: “2020 was a very difficult year for the LSPs and sports participation in general. I must commend the staff and volunteers in the LSPs who adapted quickly and with agility to continue to support people to stay active during the pandemic. They embraced new ways of reaching the various groups in their community and worked together to deliver initiatives and resources at a national level. Although participation numbers reduced in 2020 due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, we believe that the LSP network is well prepared and primed to promote a safe return to sport, in line with Government regulations. We are confident that as Government restrictions are gradually lifted LSPs will quickly return to, and even exceed, the high levels of engagement seen in 2019”.
Martha Jane Duggan, Coordinator of Carlow Sports Partnership commented: “During Ireland’s COVID 19 response, Carlow Sports Partnership been rolling out a broad range of local and national initiatives targeting cohorts of the population who we know are the least likely to be active during this crisis. As such, Carlow Sports Partnership have developed new initiatives specifically designed and tailored for older adults, people with a disability, women and girls and people from socio economic disadvantage whilst also designing innovative and engaging initiatives for families, children, and teenagers”.
Declan Doyle, Chairperson of Carlow Sports Partnership commented: “Despite the COVID 19 Pandemic, Carlow Sports Partnership continues to support people to get active and removing barriers to physical activity and involvement in sport. In response to the COVID 19 pandemic, Carlow Sports Partnership have mobilised by continuing to work from home and volunteering essential resources to Local Authorities across Ireland to support “The Community Call” campaign. On behalf of Carlow Sports Partnership, we extend our thanks to all those agencies, groups and individuals who have contributed to this report and also to all the staff and volunteers who were involved in the delivery of the programmes and projects at local level.”
The full 2020 LSP Annual Report can be viewed here
Carlow Sports Partnership 2020 Summary of Output
2,465 people participated in 70 locally delivered Carlow Sports Partnership (CSP) participation initiatives
51 females took part in 3 targeted Women in Sport programmes
700 people and 6 clubs took part in 6 Operation Transformation Nationwide Walks and Programmes
44 Clubs/Groups were provided with funding supports by Carlow Sports Partnership
150 booklets printed to support Older Adults to exercise within Covid19 restrictions. The Be Active at Home booklet for Older Adult was distributed as part of a community response support.
241 people with a disability took part in 15 CSP initiatives with an additional 37 people trained across Cara’s Disability Awareness, Autism in Sport & Disability Inclusion Training and Education programmes
A total of 157 people participated in 13 training courses representing 115 local clubs
107 Sports Leaders and Volunteers completed 9 Safeguarding Courses
€405,046 was secured by Carlow Sports Partnership during 2020 to increase participation in sport and physical activity from multiple sources including: Sport Ireland; Carlow County Council; HSE; Healthy Carlow and government departments.
8,194 visits to the Carlow Sports Partnership website www.carlowsports.ie in 2020
7,203 social media followers across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
32 weekly e-bulletins were published and distributed to a weekly distribution list of 1000+
3 booklets were published and printed as a supplement in the Nationalist newspaper with a weekly distribution list of 9000+. The publications included the Keep Active with Carlow Sports Partnership resource for children and families, and 2 x Nature on Your Doorstep booklets (Spring & Summer editions).
Carlow Sports Partnership supported 9 national campaigns during 2020 including: Keep Well; Bike Week; European Week of Sport; National Play Day; Mobility Week; Fit for All Week; National Be Active Day; Men’s Health Week and Positive Aging Week.
2020 LSP Annual Report National Highlights:
29 Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs)
340,674 people participated in 1,132 locally delivered participation initiatives
51% of participants in LSP programmes were female, 47% were male, 2% other
109,302 girls and 64,975 women took part in LSP programmes
18,161 females took part in 130 targeted Women in Sport programmes
3,646 Clubs/Groups were provided with funding supports by LSPs
7,091 participants took part in initiatives targeting Older Adults
64,524 participants took part in interventions supported by the LSP network including Daily Mile, parkrun, Playground Markings, Active Homework initiatives, and provision of physical activity resources
16,243 people with a disability took part in LSP initiatives with an additional 2,037 people trained across Cara’s Disability Awareness, Autism in Sport & Disability Inclusion Training and Education programmes
2,894,209 visits to LSP website in 2020 (138% increase compared to 2019 – 1,214,746)
184,493 social media followers across all LSP social platforms(Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) 20% increase on 2019
Sports Leaders and Volunteers completed 5,102 Safeguarding Courses
LSPs planned and delivered 276 training and education courses, workshops and seminars with their partner agencies. 31,369 people participated in these courses
Ends.
Further Information: Martha Jane Duggan, Coordinator of Carlow Sports Partnership
Email: mjduggan@carlowcoco.ie / 087 2145262
European Mile
The European Mile is a free event celebrating the joy of moving again at your own pace – by running, walking or rolling a mile. Create your own event or donate your miles during 2021 to take part, and move together with people around Europe for the main celebration on 5 June 2021.
ABOUT THE EUROPEAN MILE
Running and walking are among the most popular types of recreational physical activity in Europe. It is estimated that around 50 million Europeans run regularly and many more enjoy walking. But in 2020, many of us stopped moving or moved less because of local restrictions. The European Mile is a fun and easy way to get moving again and reconnect with people around Europe by sharing your miles and donating them towards a common cause.
People from all walks of life can join one of the physical or virtual European Mile events, or donate their moved miles in support of selected grassroots sport or physical activity initiatives. For the European Mile, we consider the iconic distance 1.6 kilometres to be our key metric. But we also know there are many different mile distances, so we encourage you to #FindYourMile! Anyone can register an event or even join in with a self-organised activity. Simply share your run, walk or roll with the hashtag #FindYourMile to take part – every MOVE counts – and don’t forget to donate your miles right here!
The European Mile is an initiative supported by the Erasmus+ Sport programme of the European Commission and is coordinated by ISCA as part of the NowWeMOVE campaign.
For more inforamtion and to register click here
Children Returning to Sport
As children return to sport we must all familiarise ourselves with the guidelines to keep safe during training.
Follow the top tips and let’s keep everyone safe while training
- Complete your club’s pre-training questionnaire
- Follow all instructions from the club Covid officer
- No one should attend training if they, or any member of their household have symptoms of Covid-19, are deemed a close contact or are awaiting a PCR test results
- Bring your own equipment including helmet, mouth guards, towels and water bottle, all clearly marked with your name
- Jerseys or bibs should not be swapped during a training session
- Minimise sharing equipment where possible
- No high 5s, handshakes or fist pumps
- Everyone should wash their hands thoroughly bebfore and after training and bring hand sanitizer
- Maintain physical distance from teammates, coaches and other players when taking a break and before and after training
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow
- Parents, coaches, officials and volunteers should wear a face covering
- No high 5s, handshakes or fist pumps
- Wash your hands thoroughly before &after training
- Bring hand sanitizer
- Maintain physical distance when taking a break and before and after training
- Do not carpool to training with others outside your household
- Arrive, train and leave in your training gear
- Plan ahead and bring spare gear in case you get wet