At a recent Mayo Sports Partnership Board meeting close to €20,000 was allocated to 42 clubs/organisations in Mayo through the Partnerships 2017 special participation grant scheme. Special guest at a recent presentation evening, Minister Michael Ring commended all involved in grassroots sport throughout the county, saying: “Supporting clubs and organisations through this annual small grant scheme by Mayo Sports Partnership recognises the vital role that sport is playing in our communities. Without volunteers sport just would not happen and it is vital that we continue to support them in their hugely important work."
The aim of the Sports Partnership is to increase participation in sport and physical activity and it is envisaged that all projects will help to do just that, particularly in targeted sections of the population. This year the scheme has funded initiatives including underage development in Mayo Volleyball Club, integration through sport programmes by Mayo Table Tennis Club and Mayo Intercultural Action, handball summer camp in Belcarra, junior golf programmes in Ballina, Claremorris, and Westport golf clubs, and training of coaches and leaders in Claremorris Swimming Club and Castlebar Kayak Club. Programmes for people with disabilities, Travelling community, and groups in Kilcommon, Erris, Bonniconlon, and Charlestown were also supported under the initiative.
Mayo Sports Partnership chairman Cllr Brendan Mulroy said: “I have seen at first hand how a small bit of assistance can make towards the quality of life for groups like those with a disability or from disadvantaged backgrounds. They might not make the sports pages of the local papers but these programmes can mean a lot to those sections of our population who need help most. In this regard I would like to acknowledge and thank Minister Michael Ring for his support to Mayo Sports Partnership through Dormant Account funding."
Mayo Sports Partnership comprises representatives from local agencies, sports organisations, and community representatives, is core funded by Sport Ireland, and is hosted by Mayo County Council. For funding under the annual Special Participation Grant Scheme applicants need to show that the suggested project will increase participation and is sustainable. Since 2005 the partnership has brought an overall investment of close to €7.5 million to developing sport and recreation within the county. Many projects/initiatives involving pre-schools to older people have benefited from this significant input.
Any further information on the above can be obtained by contacting Mayo Sports Partnership at (094 ) 9047025 or by logging on to www.mayosports.ie
