A special fund of €2million has been set up by Sport Ireland to support disability specific activities in sports clubs, and is now open for applicants.
The scheme is open to the affiliated clubs of Sport Ireland recognised National Governing Bodies, and the fund will support the start or enhancement of disability specific activities within grassroots sports clubs.
The money is being made available through NGB Dormant Accounts Fund, and Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht, Jack Chambers TD, says helping the sports sector, especially the club network, to recover from the damage caused by the pandemic is one of his top priorities alongside the promotion of a “sport-for-all” ethos across the sector.
“There’s €2million being set aside under this new Fund and it presents a great opportunity for sports clubs everywhere to consider how they might make their sport even more accessible for people in their communities, especially those with a disability. Sport can offer so many benefits to people’s health and wellbeing and we need to make that a reality on the ground for more and more people.”
Clubs can apply for funding of between €1,000 and €5,000 to support the following areas: disability supports education and training, disability supports programme activation and delivery, and disability supports small scale equipment and infrastructure.
Sport Ireland chairman Kieran Mulvey says the investment package for Dormant Accounts Funding will allow for initiatives and projects that will promote sport and physical activity in society.
“The continuation of this funding will go a long way to having a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of communities across Ireland.”
Sport Ireland chief executive Dr Una May says the Dormant Account Funding has given NGBs and sports clubs in Ireland the opportunity to get new programmes and initiatives off the ground that may not have been possible.
“The investment means more opportunities within sports and clubs become possible, with our NGB’s and their members benefiting in return.”
The scheme is open to the affiliated clubs of Sport Ireland recognised National Governing Bodies, and the fund will support the start or enhancement of disability specific activities within grassroots sports clubs.
Funding guidelines will be distributed directly to all eligible Sport Ireland recognised NGBs. The closing date for applications from NGBs to Sport Ireland is Monday, September 1.
