SSRP’s work highlighted in Sport Ireland annual report
SLIGO Sport and Recreation Partnership is one of 29 Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) featured in the Local Sports Partnership Annual Report 2020 published by Sport Ireland. The report – released on Thursday of last week – 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, Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership has continued to provide programmes and initiatives to ensure that everyone in County Sligo 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 County Sligo during 2020 over 12,800 took part in a range of programmes many of which had to be adapted to overcome the challenges associated with Covid-19.
Among the highly successful innovative initiatives were the New Way Women’s 5K, a new open water swimming programme, a summer outdoor activities programme for children with Autism and a range of outdoor water sports, walking and cycling programmes.
SSRP Sports Co-ordinator Deirdre Lavin stated: “Working in collaboration with local statutory agencies and the many sports clubs and community organisations throughout County Sligo, is fundamental in enabling us to facilitate opportunities for participation in sport and physical activity.
“We wish to acknowledge everybody who supported SSRP in making sport and physical activity happen in 2020 despite the many challenges to be overcome due to Covid-19
Lavin continued: “In particular, because of Covid-19, the additional hard work and time required of volunteers in sport is praiseworthy and as a result of their efforts they supported so many people of all ages to maintain positive well-being through the pandemic.”
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.”
He added: “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 of 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”.
The full 2020 Local Sports Partnership Annual Report can be viewed at www.sligosportandrecreation.ie. Meanwhile, for further information on the programmes and activities of Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership contact 071 9161511, email info@sligosportandrecreation.ie or go online at www.sligosportandrecreation.ie.