At a recent Mayo Sports Partnership Board meeting €25,600 was allocated to 34 clubs / organisations in Mayo through the Partnerships 2020 special participation and volunteer support grant scheme.
Postponed in March due to the Covid-19 lockdown, the scheme aims to support new initiatives or additional activities that would increase participation in sport/physical activity.
An addition to this year's initiative is a volunteer support branch of the fund which is supported through the Dormant Account fund through Sport Ireland.
Chairman of the Partnership Cllr Michael Loftus acknowledged the issues that sports clubs are facing during this Covid-19 pandemic and the contribution they are making in communities the length & breadth of the county.
He said: "We are delighted to be able to support clubs / organisations who are continuing to plan ahead despite challenges, providing additional opportunities for participation in sport for all sectors of our population.
"Along with the COVID19 sports club small grant scheme, announced earlier in November, this allocation will bring a total fund of €115,000 to almost 100 clubs in Mayo.
"On behalf of Mayo Sports Partnership I would like to thank Sport Ireland for providing the funding for this initiative and also to Mayo County Council for all their support."
This year the scheme has funded initiatives including additional mothers and others programmes in Ladies GAA, a new rowing club in Ballina, a new camogie club in Claremorris, introduction to water diving in Ballina, volleyball, tennis and disability sports programmes. Volunteer supports have included hockey, soccer, camogie, athletics coaching and first aid / CPR in adventure sports.
Mayo Sports Partnership Head Charlie Lambert added: "Unfortunately a lot of indoor sports have been unable to open up for a lot of 2020 and this is going to be a challenge in 2021.
"We hope to be able to support these clubs in whatever way we can, the Sports Partnership office is open to any club who may need advice and support."
A listing of clubs/ organisations supported under this initiative can be found by logging on to the Sports Partnerships website at https://www.mayo.ie/en-ie/mayo-sports/news/34-clubs-organisations-receive-€25,600-in-funding.
Mayo Sports Partnership comprises of representatives from local agencies, sports organisations and community representatives, is core funded by Sport Ireland and is hosted locally by Mayo County Council. As part of the governments Keep Well Campaign Mayo Sports Partnership is facilitating a Walk, Jog, Run Up to Christmas Challenge which is open to all. You can access details on this link https://www.mayo.ie/run-up-to-christmas-challenge-2020.
Any further information on the above can be obtained by contacting Mayo Sports Partnership at (094 ) 9064360 or by emailing [email protected].
