Mayo Sports Partnership this week launched its new Strategy and Action Plan 2017-2021, the launch took place in Ballinrobe Golf Club and was carried out by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, and Caitheoirleach of Mayo County Council Cllr Richard Finn. Following the successful delivery of its previous two plans 2006 – 2010 and 2010 – 2014 the partnership plans to further deliver on its commitment to the people of Mayo, greater participation in recreational sport by all.
Mayo Sports Partnership is a Sport Ireland initiative, hosted locally by Mayo County Council and supported by local agencies and stakeholders. It seeks to establish a vibrant culture of participation in sport and physical activity by all sectors of the population, promoting the benefits of exercise and unifying the efforts of all organisations and agencies interested in promoting sport in Mayo.
Mayo Sports Partnership promotes recreational sport to all members of society regardless of age, location, or ability. The new strategy and action plan with its vision of “More people enjoying more sports” outlines actions across four strategic pillars; participation and location: programmes, people and local partners, strengthening play: sport shapers, makers and places, insight and influence: information, partnerships communication and finally perform: attract and administer resources. These themes complement each other to provide a multifaceted approach to increasing participation in sport and physical activity in Mayo.
At the launch, Caitheoirleach Mayo County Council Cllr Richard Finn paid tribute to all who are involved in promoting sport at local level saying: “The role of the sports volunteer involved in promoting whatever sport in Co Mayo should not be underestimated. On behalf of all in Mayo County Council I would like to thank you for all your hard work and through Mayo Sports Partnership we will seek to support you as best we can in your future efforts.”
Launching the plan, Minister Ring said: “Supporting rural communities and clubs in providing sport and recreation opportunities is a key function in my Department. Through Dormant Account funding I have been able to fund initiatives such as community sports hubs and community coaching programmes which Mayo Sports Partnership have rolled out across the county. Also in my previous role as minister of state for sport and tourism, when the country was in the grips of recession, I ensured that sports partnerships were adequately resourced to deliver quality participation opportunities for all.”
Since 2005 Mayo Sports Partnership has delivered more than 300 adult participation programmes targeting 37,052 participants. A further 250 children’s initiatives with 30,563 participants were also supported plus 158 disability sports programmes with 3,903 participants. Women's participation in sport and physical activity has been one of the partnership's key priorities since its foundation with 34,526 participants taking part in 62 Women in Sport initiatives. More than €7 million in funding has also been leveraged for sport in the county with the support of Sport Ireland, Mayo County Council, HSE, Dormant Accounts, and other local partners.
Chairman of Mayo Sports Partnership Cllr Brendan Mulroy commented: “Mayo Sports Partnership's Strategy and Action Plan offers a clear vision in promoting sport participation across the county. Without the support of John Treacy in Sport Ireland, our own Mayo County Council, chief executive Peter Hynes, Minister Michael Ring, and other partners, Mayo Sports Partnership would not have been able to have such a positive impact on the quality of people's lives in the past 12 years. On behalf of all in Mayo Sports Partnership I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us and we look forward towards working with all partners in the future.”
To download a copy of the plan visit www.mayosports.ie/media/Media,29610,en.pdf.
