Jun 28, 2013
JUNE POLICY UPDATE: OLYMPIC REVIEW AT OIREACHTAS COMMITTEE; ALCOHOL SPONSORSHIP DEBATE RUMBLES ON & MORE
The Irish Sports Council & Olympic Council of Ireland appeared before the Oireatchas Committee on June 19th to discuss London 2012 and the distribution of funding to sporting organisations. Conversation focused on high performance sport and in particular, the successes of and learnings from London 2012 however issues such as the value for money provided by sport and the positive impact sport has on people’s lives also featured.
ISC Chairman Kieran Mulvey also took the opportunity to ask the Committee Members to do the best they could to protect current budgets highlighting that whilst cuts to funding had not been as deep as they may have been the ISC was now operating close to critical mass and that further cuts would begin to really eat into sporting organisations. Senator Paschal Mooney outlined his view that tax payer investment in sport should be greater.
Senator Coughlan did suggest that some performances at London 2012 did not represent value for money. It was pointed out that Ireland finished 41st out of 205 countries at the London Games which, Pat Hickey suggested was a remarkable record for a country the size of Ireland.
Closer co-operation between organisations and athletes North & South, corporate support for the work of the Irish Sports Council, sports capital funding and governance of sporting organisations were amongst the other issues raised. Deputy Noel Mooney and Vice-Chair John O’Mahoney, who was serving as Chair following the promotion of Tom Hayes T.D. to Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, in particular focused on the latter issue.
John Treacy highlighted that the ISC gives governance training to the National Governing Bodies. Kieran Mulvey said that the ISC plays an oversight role in terms of sports governance. He pointed out that the ISC would show sensitivity when working with sports organisations but that if they were unhappy with a governance issue would ensure that it was addressed because of the funding provided to them.
A full transcript of the debate can be viewed here
This Committee hearing followed on from one on May 8th at which, Minister Michael Ring appeared in advance of the EU Council of Sports Ministers Meeting he hosted in Brussels the following week as part of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU.
Minister Ring noted how much of Ireland’s work on sport during the Presidency had centred on sustainable financing of sport, dual careers for athletes and the integrity of sport including, anti-doping. In this regard, he confirmed that Ireland had secured the attendance of Travis Tygart, Chief Executive of the US Anti-Doping Agency, to address the European Minister of Sport.
Sports Capital Funding, a bid for the Rugby World Cup, governance and anti-doping were amongst the discussion topics raised by the Committee Members.
A full transcript of the debate can be viewed here
Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, Leo Varadkar, was responding to Parliamentary Questions on June 27th. Sport didn’t feature amongst the priority questions. However, issues raised in written questions included a Rugby World Cup Bid, Sports Capital Funding, Cycling and Sports Facilities.
1. Rugby World Cup Bid
It was confirmed that the IRFU had recently presented a feasibility study around the potential hosting of the tournament which, was currently being considered. It was noted that the Programme for Government includes a commitment that event tourism will be prioritised so as to ensure major events continue to come to Ireland. Failte Ireland it was stated continues to support the holding of sports and other events that can boost tourism and, where appropriate, will provide advice and assistance to the sporting body which is seeking to secure an international event.
2. Cycling Facilities
In response to a question on the redevelopment of the toll paths along the Royal and Grand Canal into cycle ways it was confirmed that the Department is fully supportive of the development of cycle ways along canal paths and recognises the benefits of these initiatives but that it is a matter for relevant local authorities to progress and submit proposals for the development of such routes to the Department.
3. Sports Capital Grants
It was confirmed that no decision has been taken on the timing of the next round of the sports capital grant programme and that any such decision would have to be taken in the context of the likely capital provision for the subhead in future years. It was also confirmed that a review of the 2012 round was underway with a view to simplifying and streamlining the application process.
4. Sports Facility Strategy
It was stated that a draft National Sports Facilities Strategy was published as a discussion document on the Department’s website in September 2012. A final strategy, taking account of submissions received, is to be published shortly.
The issue of alcohol sponsorship and sport is continuing to receive significant media attention. It is understood that the Department of Health recently circulated proposals around the issue of alcohol misuse to include a proposed ban on the sponsorship of major events by alcoholic drinks companies to Cabinet for comment. Comments received are currently being considered with the matter due to be discussed again at Cabinet level. In the meantime, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport & Communications Report is due to be launched on July 2nd.
Details of the Minister Questions can be viewed here
Jun 28, 2013
1. How did the TYF come about and what instigated this approach to CSR and what benefits has Coca-Cola gained from the programme?
The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund was launched, developed and implemented in 2011 to mark our 125th Anniversary celebrations in Ireland. The objective was to mark the occasion by giving something back to the community across the island of Ireland.
Since the launch in 2011 the Fund has donated €250K to 26 organisations across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
€125,000 is invested by the company in the Coca Cola Thank You Fund. This money will be granted to not-for-profit community, voluntary and charitable organisations who have a innovative proposal to encouraging communities to lead more balanced, healthy and active lifestyles. The partners to the Fund are The Federation of Irish Sport, The Wheel and The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA), and we are very grateful to them for their support and collaboration.
The Fund has enabled us to connect with communities at grassroots levels, make an appreciable difference to voluntary organisations on the ground, build relationships with our partners, better understand the needs of the sector and engage our employees around what is now our flagship CSR programme. 
2. What sort of projects won the prize last year?
In 2012, the Irish Olympic Handball Association received a grant of €25,000 from The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund. The Irish Olympic Handball Association put their funding towards organising a series of nationwide Street Handball Seminars. The series is still underway and will culminate in a national Street Handball Festival, bringing handball to Irish streets in a high profile and high energy manner.
Our judging panel identified the Irish Olympic Handball Association as one which was superbly positioned to get a large number of young people moving while also encouraging them to have fun!
In addition to the Irish Olympic Handball Association, there were ten other worthy recipients of grants from the Fund. Each of the following organisations received €10,000: Arthritis Ireland, Autism Initiatives NI, Ballina Boxing Club, Ballyduff AFC, CoisCeim Dance Theatre Ltd, Fortwilliam & Macrory Presbyterian Church, Navan Community Ltd, Northern Ireland at Play, Spraoi agus Sport and The Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
The list of recipient organisations is diverse as we believe there are many ways to encourage active and healthy lifestyles in Irish communities. The key is innovation – each recipient offered an engaging, novel approach to promoting activity, and we hope that the 2013 entrants will put forward similarly engaging proposals.
3. How has the fund progressed this year and are there any changes from last year?
Each year we shape our theme to adapt to the needs and requirements of the applications we have received previously. This year in order to grow awareness of the Fund we are hosting a series of five free information seminars across the island.
As part of the events, Fitness expert and Coca-Cola Thank You Fund judge Karl Henry provided people with advice and inspiration on building more activity in their daily lives. These events are being held in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Belfast.
4. What advice would you give to any sports organisation looking to win a prize from the TYF?
Taking a balanced approach to nutrition as well as incorporating activity and exercise into daily routines is vitally important for the health of the nation. This year The Fund is specifically looking for interesting new projects which are promoting innovative approaches to nutrition and activity which could have the potential to be scaled and rolled out across numerous communities.
Those looking to apply this year should log onto www.coca-cola.ie/thankyou to examine at the application form. Be creative and think of a way your organisation can encourage your community to get healthy and active. Applications are accepted online up until 19th July.
5. What is your sporting highlight of the past year?
It has to be the London Olympic Games and the achievements of our Irish boxers out there – they were inspiring!
Read more here about the Coca Cola Roadshow
Jun 27, 2013
Four out of five Irish children do not partake in enough physical activity each week to meet the minimum amount of physical activity set out by the Department of Health for maintaining and improving their current and future health. Summer presents a perfect opportunity to get children more active. With over 70 different sports on offer throughout Ireland there really is something for everyone.
Summer camp gives children an opportunity to give activities ago without the level of commitment involved with club membership. A step along the way to ensure children receive the 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity required each day to ensure their current and future health. Involvement in sport not only delivers health benefits but also gives children opportunities to develop social and emotional competencies.
Federation members both National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Sports Partnerships are running camps over the summer months aimed at giving children the opportunity to learn and/or hone their skills different sporting activities.
The Federation of Irish Sport has compiled a list of some of the camps available to try.
Athletics Ireland– Athlone IT, July 8th-12th and July 15th-19th. Sligo, July 22nd-26th and July 29th-Aug 2nd.
Athletics Ireland Summer Camps
Badminton Ireland- Badminton Ireland Summer Camp in Wicklow for 9-11 year olds
Badminton Ireland Wicklow Summer Camp
Badminton Ireland Teicnic Talent Camp:
Badminton Ireland Teicnic Summer Camp
Ballaghadeen Badminton Club hosting a July Summer Camp in St. Nathy’s College sports complex:
Ballaghadeen Badminton Summer Camp
Basketball Ireland- Basketball Ireland are running two weeks of summer camps at Gormanston College from July 7th – 12th and 14th – 19th.
The attached link below should give you any details you need:
Basketball Ireland Gormanstown Summer Camp
Week 1: Booked Out*
*Limited Girls Places Available
Week 2: Remains available for booking, July 14th-19th, Residential Camper: 375 Euro, Non-residential Camper: 200 Euro
Camogie Association- GAA Cul Camps are being run around the country.
Kelloggs Cul Camps
In some areas, Camogie Specific and Lifestyle Camps are also available:
Clare Teenage lifestyle camp- August 7-9th Watty Grahams, Maghera, Co. Derry on July 8th-10th Time: 10am-2.30pm
Contact Ross for more info: ross@camogie.ie
Falls Park, Belfast, Co. Antrim from July 17th-19th Time: 10am-2.30pm
Contact Ross for more info: ross@camogie.ie
Ballyvary Mayo Hurling and Camogie camp- Ballyvary community pitch-July 8th-10th Time: 11am-2pm
Contact Deirdre for more info: deirdre@camogie.ie
Tipperary Teenage Lifestyle camp- July 23rd -25th
Contact Deirdre for more info: deirdre@camogie.ie
Limerick Teenage Lifestyle camp- Aug 13-15th
Contact Deirdre for more info: deirdre@camogie.ie
Laois camp- 6th 7th and 8th August
Contact Patrick for more info: patrick@camogie.ie
Wexford camp- 6th, 7th and 8th August
Contact Patrick for more info: patrick@camogie.ie
Dublin Lifestyle camp 1: Mon 22nd – Wed 24th July – Thomas Davis GAA Club
Dublin Lifestyle camp 2: Mon22nd – Wed 24th July – Fingallians GAA Club
Contact Eve for more info: eve@camogie.ie
Kildare Lifestyle Camp: July 30th – Aug 1st
Contact Eve for more info: eve@camogie.ie
Canoeing Ireland- Canoeing Ireland is holding Summer Adventure Kayak Camps. The camps are aimed at juniors between the ages of 8 and 16 and will run consecutively for 10 weeks throughout July and August. Camps started on the 17th or June and will run until the 23rd of August.
Canoeing Ireland Kayaking Summer Camps
Cricket Ireland- Wacky Summer Camp and Master Classes: July
Dublin Cricket Summer Camp
Summer Camp 2013 at North County Cricket Club
North County Cricket Club
Malahide Summer Cricket Camp: Monday 15th July- Friday 19th July: Ages 6-8 @ 10am-12pm, Ages 9-13 @ 2pm-4pm.
Clontarf Cricket Club Summer Camp: July 8th-11th. There are two camps, one for 6-10 year olds (10am-1pm) and one for 11-15 year olds (2pm-5pm). 50 euro per person. Contact Andrew Poynter at 0873208125 or apsports25@gmail.com for more information.
Phoenix Cricket Club Summer Camp: Week 1- Monday 22nd-Friday 26th July, Week 2- Monday 29th-Friday 2nd August. 10am-2pm, 80 euro per child (Boys and Girls, 13-17 year olds). Taking place in Phoenix Cricket Club, Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Phoenix Cricket Club Summer Camp
Gymnastics Ireland- Irish Academy of Rhythmic Gymnastics. Three different plans: Summer Camp morning fun (10am-2pm, Mon-Fri, weekly from 1st July until 30th August) , RG Daily Classes (Baby RG-Mon-Friday-10am-4pm, beginners/ beginners advanced-2pm-4pm-Mon-Fri, advanced/elite, 2pm-6pm, Mon-Fri), Summer Fun Daily Classes (Camp + Beginner, Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm/ Camp + Advanced, Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm).
Janz Gymnastics Club, Sandyford Industrial Estate, 8th July-23rd August (weekly), 10am-2.30pm.
Fingal County Council- Fingal Sports Office is running the following camps:
Fingal County Council Summer Camps
Football Association Ireland- eFlow FAI Summer Soccer Schools
The FAI’s largest grassroots programme, the eFlow FAI Summer Soccer Schools are back for 2013 and are better value than ever before! Prices are 65 euro or 50 euro for a spot in the Goalkeeper Camp. Kids will receive a super Umbro Kit, Umbro ball and an Umbro backpack; along with great coaching delivered by Garda vetted FAI accredited coaches. Not only that, early online bookings will also receive an adult and child ticket to a Senior International game at Aviva Stadium!
The camps will be held in 290 venues nationwide. Beginning on the first July and running right through to the end of August, each week-long school provides children – between the ages of 6 and 14 – with a fun filled week of activity during the summer holidays. The camps are designed to cater for all players, regardless of ability. It doesn’t matter if you’re just a beginner or if you have your sights set on Robbie Keane’s number 10 shirt, you will get a lot out of the Summer Soccer Schools: for more information, terms & conditions or to simply book your place go to:
Summer Soccer Schools
FAI Summer Camps for Kids
Gaelic Athletic Association- Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps provide boys and girls – between the ages of 6 and 13 – with an action-packed and fun-filled week of activity during the summer holidays which revolves around maximising enjoyment and sustaining participant involvement in Gaelic Games. Activities are Game-Based with a strong emphasis placed on skill acquisition and are organised in an age appropriate manner with a view to: optimising learning, enhancing friendships, improving physical & psychological well–being and promoting school and club links.
Kelloggs Cul Camps
Golfing Union of Ireland- Junior summer camps running throughout the summer months, 10am-1pm or 2pm-5pm.
Play to Learn Golf
Killeen Golf Club Summer Camp
Killeen Summer Camp
Celbridge Driving Range Summer Camps
Celbridge Driving Range Summer Camp
Hockey Association- Camps are based on the ethos of fun and development, catering from beginners right up to our future international stars. Any child attending our camps will have fun whilst participating in a physically active week developing their technical and tactical hockey skills. For full details, follow the link below:
Hockey Camps
Irish Judo Association– Pro Judo Camp, DCU, Dublin- 21st-25th August, 2013.
Open to cadets (minimum age 10), Juniors and Seniors. Weekend Option (Sat/ Sun) or 5 day camp
Pro Judo Camp
Irish Marshall Arts Commission- Wicklow Martial Arts: 8th-12th July, 15th-19th July, 10am-1pm, 65 euro per child, 5-12 year olds.
Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU)- Summer Rugby Camps are a great way for your child to learn about rugby in a safe and controlled manner. Boys and girls aged 6 and upwards can take part in week long camps throughout Ireland. The Camps are managed and run by fully accredited IRFU coaches. Children the chance to make new friends, meet professional players, learn more about rugby values such as team work, commitment and integrity, and also become more aware of the importance of physical fitness. All this while learning to develop the basic rugby skills of passing, tackling (in a controlled environment), evasion and kicking. Most of all we guarantee lots of fun!
Irish Rugby Camps
Connacht Rugby Summer Camps
Connacht Rugby Excellence Camps
Ulster Rugby Summer Camps
Leinster Rugby Summer Camps
Munster Rugby Summer Camps
Irish Sailing Association- They have 125 accredited training centres that will all be offering courses and summer camps throughout the summer in sailing, windsurfing, powerboating and jetskiing. More information can be found at:
Irish Sailing Association
Irish Surf Association- Our Kids & Junior surf camps offer a gentle, safe and exciting introduction to the world of surfing aswell as the beach environment. Safety first as out kids learn about – tides, rips, dangers, hazards, weather, water saftey, surf etiquette and of course surfing!
Irish Surf Summer Camps
Irish Taekwondo Association- The 2013 ITA Summer camp will take place in Mt Melleray Scout Centre, Co. Waterford.
July 12th-15th (Kids, Teens and Adults). Class divided according to experience and age.
Irish Taekwondo Association Summer Camp
Irish Table Tennis Association-
Dundrum Table Tennis Club- http://www.dundrumtabletennis.org/juniors
15 June 2013, Saturday starting at 12:30 until end of August 2013; 4 hours of trainings per month.
Trainings in June: 15th, 22nd, 29th – 12:30-2:00pm
Trainings in July & August: all Saturdays except 03/08 (Bank Holiday weekend) – 12:30-1:30pm
For more information go to ITTA website- http://www.irishtabletennis.com/
Irish Water Safety- Courses in swimming and lifesaving nationwide. Full details here:
Irish Water Safety Summer Courses
Irish Wheelchair Association-Sport
Members Summer camp; IWA-Sport are running their annual Junior members Summer Sports Camp from 23rd – 25th July in Clontarf, Dublin. The camp will be based at the IWA Sports Centre in Clontarf and will offer many different sports and activities including wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, archery, athletics, table tennis, tennis and Handcycling. This camp is suitable for junior athletes from 5 – 17 years of age. For more information contact Auveen.wilson@iwa.ie
Public Summer Camp; IWA-Sport is once again running its annual public summer camp during the months of July and August. The camp will be based at the IWA Sports Centre in Clontarf, Dublin and will offer many different sports and activities including a variety of wheelchair sports and fun games and activities. This camp is suitable for children from 5 – 12 years of age. For more information follow this link http://www.iwasport.com/iwa-sport-events/camp
Laois Sports Partnership- Multi-Sport Camps from 1st July-9th August. All Activities, Laois area. Parks Tennis camps, 1st July till 26th July. For full details, click on the link below:
Laois Sports Partnership: Summer Camps
Mayo Sports Partnership- Inclusive Summer Camp for Children with intellectual or physical disability and their friends. Takes place in An Sportslann Castlebar (beside Mchale Park) from 22nd-26th July from 10am-2pm.
Mayo Local Sports Partnership: Summer Camps
Offaly Sports Partnership- Details of a range of different summer camps being held in Offaly available through their website and Facebook page.
Offaly Sports Partnership
Republic of Ireland Snooker and Billiards Association- 2 day Summer Camp in Carlow, 30-31st July, 11am-4pm being run by Pj Nolan who is the National Coach, at a cost of 15 euro per day.
Tel: 05991 37714
Squash Ireland Summer Camps
DUBLIN:
Old Belvedere SC,
28a Anglesea Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, Wednesday 07 August – Friday 09 August 2013,
Time: 10 – 2 pm,
Boys & Girls, Aged 7 – 13 Years (Primary School).
Mount Pleasant LTC,
Ranelagh, Dublin 6, Ages 6 – 12 years,
July 22nd- 26th, Monday – Friday, 10AM – 3PM, Aug., 5th – 9th, Monday – Friday, 10AM – 3PM.
Sutton Summer Camp- Sutton LTC
All details found here
BELFAST: Queen Squash Club, 1-5th July (Belfast) – Performance level
CORK: Highfield Squash Club in Cork.
It is being run by Munster Squash and is aimed at our under 15’s- 19’s – 12 players
It is a 3 day camp from 29th – 31st July and the cost will be in the region of 60 euro per Junior.
CARLOW: Carlow LTC, Camp runs July 1st – 5th, Beginners 11am-12.45, Experienced 2pm-4pm
Sligo Sports and Recreation- A Summer Camp Brochure, this lists all the sports and activity camps taking place in Sligo. Full details found in the link below:
Sligo Sports and Recreation Summer Camps
Swim Ireland- 3 camps, all to be run in the Limerick Performance Centre at the University Arena;
- July 1st-5th (attachment 1)
- July 8th-12th (attachment 1)
- August 19th-23rd (attachment 2)
Full details available below @:
Swim Ireland- July Camps
Swim Ireland- August Camp
Volleyball Ireland- Tallaght Rockets are holding a Summer Camp for the next 6 weeks , starting on Sat 22nd June for 11-16 year olds in Collinstown Park Community College. Boys and Girls welcome. 10.30am-12pm each day.
More details found below @:
Volleyball Ireland
