Mayo GAA has joined forces with both Mindspace Mayo and Croí, the Heart and Stroke Charity, as its official health partners for 2020.
Mayo GAA will work with both partners throughout 2020 to raise awareness of the services both Mindspace Mayo and Croí can offer to supporters to ensure they can stay on top of their mental and physical health.
One of the highlights of this partnership will be the production of a special one-off Mayo jersey carrying the Croí logo on the front, for the upcoming Allianz football league game between Mayo and Kerry in Elverys MacHale Park on Saturday, February 29. Mayo GAA has extended thanks to their main sponsors Intersport Elverys for allowing them to produce this one-off jersey for this game.
Commenting on the initiative, Mayo GAA chairperson Liam Moffat said: "The mental health and wellbeing of everyone involved in our game is a growing focus for us, and we are proud to partner with Mindspace to encourage our players and supporters to stay connected and ask for help if they’re struggling. Mental health is an issue affecting so many workplaces, families and sporting organisations. We shouldn’t shy away from it and I encourage anyone who needs support to reach out.
"Likewise Croí offers vital services to people all over the country and in particular the West of Ireland on raising awareness about the risk factors for heart disease and stroke. In particular, the launch of Croí Third Age Mayo is putting the spotlight on heart health for the over 55’s across the county. We look forward to working with both organisations as well as engaging with our clubs and supporters on how they can look after themselves both on and off the pitch in 2020.”
Mindspace Mayo’s Project Manager, Peadar Gardiner, praised Mayo GAA’s holistic approach to youth mental health as a positive step in the right direction, stating: "We are delighted to partner with Mayo GAA. It’s encouraging to see important community organisations such as the Mayo GAA elevate mental health by recognising it as an essential aspect in the lives of their players, members and the broader community. Mayo GAA’s decision to truly commit to the outcomes of the partnership by encompassing club, community engagement, education and fundraising across the Mindspace service will make this partnership a game-changer."
Croí CEO Neil Johnson added: "This great partnership allows us to highlight the importance of healthy and active ageing across County Mayo. In Ireland and across the world people are living longer, and Mayo has one of the highest rates of people over the age of 55 compared to the rest of the country.
"As we age, heart disease and stroke become more prevalent. Croí Third Age Mayo promotes and supports heart health and the well-being of the over 55 population in the county. We are excited to share more at the upcoming Mayo and Kerry game on February 29. We’re very grateful to Mayo GAA for supporting us in putting a spotlight on heart health for over 55’s."
