Mayo Sports Partnership is pleased to launch details of its upcoming Special Participation Sports Investment Scheme for 2017. The scheme, supported by Sport Ireland, invites clubs and organizations who have sport/recreation as their central focus to submit proposals which would increase participation amongst target groups such as youth at risk, disadvantaged communities, unemployed, women, travelling community, middle aged men, disabilities and ethnic minorities. This may include setting up of new clubs or additional activities which would increase participation within existing organizations.
Since the scheme was established in 2005 over 500 initiatives have been assisted in communities across Mayo. Projects supported have included development of a new Mayo Volleyball Club, a leisure cycling club in Islandeady, supporting new athletic clubs in Ballycastle and Erris, new basketball clubs in Ballintubber and Westport, the development of table tennis in the county, a Mayo Ladies Basketball Masters club, a rowing club in Ballycroy, community sport programmes on Clare Island, Special Olympic swimming programmes, adventure sports opportunities including a new Mayo Orienteering Club, Walking Soccer and Cricket programmes, mass participation events in running / walking, the development of underage Camogie in the county and much more.
The last number of years has seen particular focus placed on inviting communities/organisations to think about forming walking and jogging groups in their locality. This has proved to be very successful and the partnership will continue to support sports clubs/groups who are looking at providing activities which are lifelong, fun and recreational in nature. Indeed many GAA clubs through their health and wellbeing officer in association with the GAA Healthy Clubs Initiative are developing programmes encouraging the wider community to participate in activities such as walking / general exercise.
Organisations/groups are asked to note that any capital/building projects are not eligible for investment under the schemes criteria and clubs should refer to the governments sports capital programme, see www.dttas.ie Other items such as ongoing costs for teams ie travel costs, competition costs, registration fees etc are also not eligible.
Closing date for applications is 4pm on Wednesday, May 10, the maximum allocation to any one project can be €1,000 and this is dependent on the quality of the initiative. The Mayo Sports Partnership board will decide on all successful applications and its recommendations are final. If clubs/groups require assistance on the scheme contact the Sports Partnership office at (094 ) 9047025 or log on to our website at www.mayosports.ie/news to download a copy of the application form.
