Connacht Hockey's campaign for improved facilities has taken a positive turn with a Canadian-Irish software company becoming its first corporate sponsor.
SmartSimple Software, with a Dublin office, is backing Connacht Hockey's new GoFundMe campaign “Misneach Le Cheile” to raise €1 million for access to much-needed facilities.
The campaign seeks equal opportunities for the hockey community, minority sports and Women in Sport in the west, sparked by the planned removal of a suitable playing surface for hockey in Oranmore which leaves the county’s clubs, schools, development squads and veterans teams sharing one full sized pitch at Dangan Sports Grounds.
As a result the hockey community says it has decided now is the time to fight for access to correct facilities for this minority sport.
Brendan Bradley, managing director of SmartSimple Software’s Dublin based-office, says the SmartSimple team believes it is important both girls and boys in the region have the same opportunity to stay active, build self-confidence and develop their skills and talents, all in a suitable space open to all.
Since 2002, SmartSimple Software has helped some 375 organisations streamline funding using their cloud-based collaboration and automation platform, and when the company learned of the Connacht Hockey campaign, it offered its support to get the project kick started.
“Inclusivity is a deeply important value of our team and how our software helps our clients to connect and empower their communities, so we stand strongly behind gender equality in sport”.
Aisling Keogh from Connacht Hockey says the club is delighted to receive the support from SmartSimple Software.
"They have stepped in to show their support for Connacht’s campaign. Our sport is an Olympic sport and has a massive following worldwide. We would hope that other companies would join SmartSimple in supporting our endeavour to implement change for the better of all other sports.”
Kevin Keane,Connacht Hockey president, says the group is determined to hit its target on its GoFundMe campaign.
"We are confident that the business community in the west will follow SmartSimple’s lead and get behind us. We are also reaching out to the people of Connacht, asking them to consider donating to the cause. We understand these unprecedented times are hard, but all donations big and small will help us to achieve our goal.“
To donate to the campaign, visit Connacht Hockey’s GoFundMe page today at https://gf.me/u/ym5vmk
