Sep 29, 2014
Background
Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership (KRSP) was established in response to the Irish Sports Council’s (ISC) Local Sports Partnership national initiative. The ISC viewed the Local Sports Partnership network as a means to developing and delivering sport and physical activity at a local level.
Kerry Local Sports Partnership was formally recognised in December 2003 to achieve these objectives in Kerry. In April 2011 Kerry Local Sports Partnership rebranded and launched under a new name “Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership” to reflect the Partnership’s focus on recreational activity as well as on mainstream sports. The Partnership structure is made up of representatives from a variety of agencies and communities within Kerry, and operates as a sub-structure of the Local Community Development Committee, formally the County Development Board. Presently staff compliment is two members, which is comprised of a coordinator and administrator.
What We Do
We encourage, promote and support the people of Kerry to participate in sport and physical activity, providing information and training, and implementing, coordinating and supporting a wide variety of programmes, activities and initiatives across the county. We seek to develop a pro-active culture towards active living.
How We Do It
KRSP works in partnership with the Irish Sports Council, local agencies and sporting organisations to facilitate and lead opportunities for people to participate in sport and physical activity in County Kerry. Through consultation with organisations and individuals, both at local and national level, the needs of and opportunities for the people of Kerry are discussed. As a result we develop, co-ordinate, and jointly deliver and support programmes, courses and activities for individuals, organisations and communities.
Who Can Participate
Everyone in Kerry has the right to participate in sport and physical activity. In particular we will focus on encouraging increases in levels of participation amongst specific target groups:
- Older Adults
- Women/Girls
- People with a Disability
- Community based initiatives
Participation Programmes & Events
National Bike Week
A growing number of initiatives were rolled out during 2014 National Bike Week, which included many community led cycling events and cycling club led bike maintenance educational workshops.
Also growing in popularity is ‘Pedal In The Park’. This family fun cycle is held in conjunction with the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, which is a 112 mile circuit around the ‘Ring of Kerry’. There is only one route on the Ring of Kerry Cycle, therefore no option for a shorter route or indeed a family friendly fun cycle. Therefore the Pedal in the Park is run on the eve of the Ring of Kerry so as to ensure all ages and abilities are catered for.
Pedal in the Park, offers a choice of a 5k or 10k route, around the beautiful surrounding of Killarney National Park. This year approximately 500 participants, young and old, took part in the cycle.
Trek Tralee
This year saw the inaugural Radio Kerry Trek Tralee take place. Participants had the option of an easy 6km, or a slightly more vigorous 8km route.
Trek Tralee is an initiative developed by local volunteers with the objectives of showcasing the environs of Tralee for those interested in fit and healthy lifestyles, in particular for casual and family walking groups. The Trek has a secondary objective of providing a fundraising opportunity for locally based charities, with the focus this year being on mental health and the associated positive benefits of physical activity.
Over 350 people took part in the inaugural walk.
To see a video of Trek Tralee 2014, visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNDu4-q0eHw&list=UUB9E8LCt97BBPUGXzlP47Ag#t=14
Operation Transformation
RTE’s Operation Transformation teamed up once again with the Irish Sports Council and Local Sports Partnerships by organising a number of special Operation Transformation National Walks which took place in 42 locations all around Ireland, the highest number to date.
In Kerry, 3000 walkers stepped out in Killarney National Park to support Operation Transformation Leader Paudie O’ Mahoney. Walkers had the option of completing a 5k or 10k walk and a number of establishments in Killarney town offered healthy options and a complimentary tea & coffee after the event
Swim For All
Swim For All is an adapted physical activity inclusive swim programme for young people with disabilities. The programme is devised based on individual needs, abilities and goals, where participants are offered one on one or group instruction depending on the swimmers
needs.
This programme is facilitated by Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership through the support of students from the Institute of Technology Tralee (Health & Leisure Programme).
The programme has been in existence for 3 years and is certainly going from strength to strength. Currently 60 participants are taking part in the programme which operates in 2 venues across Kerry
Visit our website to see a video of the programme in action:
http://www.kerryrecreationandsports.ie/programmes/people-with-a-disability/swim-for-all/
Kerry’s Safer Cycling Programme
Kerry’s Safer Cycling programme is a collaborative initiative to help primary school children to learn how to cycle in a safe and appropriate manner. The aims of the programme are:
- To introduce and develop basic bicycle control skills
- To empower young students with the confidence to use their bike more often
Training is delivered over 5 sessions, 1 hour per week and includes the following topics:-
- Introduction to road safety & road signs
- Safety equipment – clothing & helmet
- Bike check
- Procedures for start, stop and emergency stop
- Signalling, and turning
- Games & bike skills
- Group cycling
To date 4 schools reflective of 101 children have completed the training in Kerry with further training being rolled out Autumn 2014.
Training & Development:
Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership is charged with maintaining and increasing participation in sport and physical activity in the County. Our remit embraces the provision of information and training opportunities within Kerry. As a result a number of education and training workshops and courses are delivered through KRSP.
Code of Ethics
To date over 1700 coaches and volunteers have attended the Code of Ethics courses throughout Kerry.
Children’s Officer
To date over 60 coaches and volunteers have attended the Children’s Officer Workshops throughout Kerry.
Additional training and development opportunities include:
- BeActive ASAP
- Buntus Start
- Disability Inclusion Training
- Sports First Aid
Our Vision is:
More people participating in sport and physical activity in County Kerry
And with the support of our partners and through the rollout of our programmes, events and training opportunities we strive everyday to achieve this.
Sep 29, 2014
Q1. What is your daily routine when you are training?
Varies a little, but generally; wake up and then ride. Have breakfast and then sleep for a couple of hours. Wake up and swim. Lunch and another nap. Wake up and then run. Dinner, watch TV and asleep by 8.30pm.
Q2. What are your three most prized possessions?
I don’t actually have any personal possessions in terms of material items. I guess my relationships with family and friends and my memories are my most prized possessions if that counts?
Q3. If you could invite 3 people to dinner – who would they be and why?
Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and The Dalai Lama. Obviously all individuals that have contributed to significant social change.
Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and The Dalai Lama – Ben’s ideal dinner guests!
Q4. What do you enjoy outside of sport?
Watching Movies and TV shows.
Q5. What’s your favourite film?
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory – The original version. It is just a happy and fun movie.
Hard to beat – Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (The Original)
Q6. Any phobias?
No
Q7. Do you have a sporting hero?
I wouldn’t say heros but respect- Edwin Moses and Alistair Brownlee. Moses was an amazing athlete and highly intelligent with an incredible work ethic. Alistair is always very friendly and down to earth. He also races aggressively and takes risks even though he could just sit in and win “the easy way”.
Q8. Favourite actor or actress?
Denzel Washington
Q9. Where would you like to go on holidays – but you can’t have been there before?
Tibet
Q10. If you could have a superpower what would it be and why?
I would like to be able to heal people who are sick.
Q11. Favourite restaurant?
Vapianos (Germany).
Q12. What three things would you bring to a desert island?
Swiss Army Knife should do it!!!!
Q13. If you could meet anyone in the world who would it be and why?
So they have to be alive? As above – The Dalai Lama.
Q14. What’s your favourite TV series?
The Big Bang Theory
Down time…. The Big Bang Theory!
Q15. You just won the lotto – what’s the first thing you are buying?
I would donate money to a charity and then ask my family if there is anything they would like.
Q16. What’s the silliest thing you’ve ever bought?
I don’t waste money – or perhaps I don’t have money to waste!
Q17. How did you get involved in triathlon?
I grew up with family friends who were/are professional triathletes.
I started by doing backyard triathlons with them. It turns out that this was a pretty good preparation for a career in triathlon.
Q18. What is a typical weeks training?
I will swim about 20km, cycle up to 400km and run up to 100km a week. Any time not spent training is devoted to eating and sleeping. I have no social life (just in case people think this is a glamorous vocation).
Q19. What stage are you at in your Rio Olympic Qualification Campaign?
Olympic qualification for triathlon takes place over a two-year period that started in June. At this point I have not performed at a level that I am happy with. However, lots of changes are still possible at such an early part of the qualification process.
Q20. What’s the toughest aspect of being an elite triathlete?
Constant travel, poor eating habits, being away from home and training the best you can in a less than optimal environment.
Q21. What’s your proudest moment in your triathlon career so far?
I have not been satisfied with any performance so far. I have performed various elements of different events quite well but I am yet to put an entire race together.
Q22. Over the 3 disciplines what are your strengths and weakness?
My biggest strength is also my biggest weakness. I like to attack races and take a risk to win a race rather than sit back, race conservatively, and just pick off the athletes that have “had a real go”. I guess being a stronger swimmer I tend to be one of those that race hard and get passed by those racing “tactically”.
Quick Fire Round
Twitter or Facebook – Twitter
Movie or TV – Movie
Chinese or Indian – Indian!
Early Night In or Late Night Out – Early Night In
Text or Whatsapp – Text
Coke or Pepsi – Don’t drink either. I only drink water!
Crisps or Chocolate – Chocolate
Swimming pool or Sea – Sea
Playstation or Xbox – Playstation
Suit and Tie or T-shirt and Tracksuit – Tracksuit
Music Festival or Comedy Gig – Comedy Gig (as long as it finishes by 8.30pm and I can get to bed)
Sep 25, 2014
Rates to only apply to buildings which are used to generate income
Sports clubs will only be liable to pay commercial rates on parts of their clubhouses which house bars or shops under amended rules agreed by the Cabinet on 24th September. Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin brought a memo to Government on the issue. The new rules mean community sports clubs will only be liable for rates on buildings are used to generate income.
A Department of PER statement said that:
“The amendment to the Valuation (Amendment)(No.2) Bill 2012 would mean that Community Sports Clubs will only be liable for rates on buildings that are used for the generation of income. Buildings that are used for the sale of alcohol or food, retail outlets etc. will be rated but buildings that are used for community sport will be exempt. If a sports club’s only commercial facility is the bar then it is only the bar and ancillary facilities that will be rated.”
Sports club facilities are normally exempt from rates but where the club has a bar, all of its premises are valued for rates purposes, including buildings that are purely for sporting purposes.
Quoted in the Irish Times a government spokesman said: “This situation is seen as placing an unfair burden on many local clubs that are a key part of their communities…Any type of building, or part of a building, used for ‘community sport’ and not for profit and which is not used to generate income can be exempt.”
Although the new rules will not apply to Croke Park or the Aviva Stadium, no other sport facility is specifically excluded.
Read Irish Times Article here
Read Department of Public Expenditure and Reform statement here
Sep 18, 2014
What: Mental Health Awareness Seminar
Where: Maldron Hotel, Tallaght
When: Monday, Sept. 29th 6.30 – 8.00pm
(Food and refreshments available from 6pm)
Guest Speakers: Seana Cooke, FAI women’s international soccer player
Cllr. Kenneth Egan, ex Olympic Boxer
As part of South Dublin County Council’s Health & Wellbeing Week from Sept. 29th to Oct 5th SDCSP is organising a Mental Health Awareness seminar aimed at club coaches, committee members, leaders and parents in the South Dublin area. Mental Health has been recognised as an area of great concern in Ireland and sports bodies, through education and training to assist coaches in their community clubs to create an accepting environment where young men and women can feel comfortable to talk, have become very important vehicles to get the conversation started and rid Ireland of the stigma of mental ill health.
The seminar will have expert speakers on mental health from Mental Health Ireland (www.mentalhealthireland.ie), Headstrong (www.headstrong.ie) and See Change (www.seechange.ie) covering topics such as:
- the building blocks of mental health
- what does mental ill health really mean?
- the key issues impacting on peoples mental health & well being
- the value of listening in supporting mental health
- the supports that are available to community clubs
In addition, there will be direct contributions on the experience and effects of mental ill health from guest speakers Seana Cooke, a senior women’s soccer international, and former Irish Boxing Champion and Olympian Kenneth Egan. They will outline how they experienced mental ill health, how they came to recognise it and seek help for it and the steps they (and their wider circle) made to overcome it.
Approximately 1 in 10 people in Ireland (450,000) are affected by depression at any one time. It would be fantastic to see you there and would be very grateful for your assistance in actively promoting this very important seminar to your contacts. The seminar is free of charge but you are asked to book a reservation by email – info@sdcsp.ie
Sep 3, 2014
The Sport Ireland Bill published at the end of August is the most significant piece of legislation directly impacting on sport since the Irish Sports Council Act setting up the Irish Sports Council Act was passed in 1999.
One of the motivations behind the legislation is to facilitate the merger of the Irish Sport Council with the National Sports Campus Development Authority – the state agency charged with the development, management and operation of the National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown. However, the proposed Bill does also make some subtle changes to the overall functions of the two bodies when they come together under the “Sport Ireland” banner.
In the main, the legislation provides for the governance, operation and administration of the new body. However we have set out below a summary of the developments from the existing regime.
- Functions of Sport Ireland
The role of Sport Ireland in relation to the development of coaching and tutors at all levels in sport tin co-operation with sporting bodies is specifically mentioned which, was not the case in the 1999 Act. There is also more detail in relation to the proposed functions regarding anti-doping when compared with the previous legislative regime.
Sport Ireland is also to have a role in disseminating information around competitive sport and recreational sport as well as encouraging sponsorship in competitive and recreational sport. The Bill also makes provision allowing the Minister to assign additional functions to Sport Ireland.
It would also appear that there is to be an increased role for the Minister in relation to research with the research to be carried out by the new body to be done on the direction of the Minister.
- Sponsorship & Donations
The Bill also provides that Sport Ireland cannot enter into a sponsorship contract or take a gift that would be inconsistent on Government policy or any of its functions.
- Service Agreement
In a new development there is to be a service agreement to be entered into between Sport Ireland and the Minister setting out the tasks to be carried out by the new body.
The timing of the proposed enactment of the Bill should become apparent when the legislative programme for the Autumn is published on 17th September. However, we understand that the it is intended that Sport Ireland will become operational as of 1st January 2015.
Read The Bill Here
Read More Here
