Clann Credo is hosting a third and final ‘Supporting Community Organisations Through Challenging Times’ meeting

Clann Credo is hosting a third and final ‘Supporting Community Organisations Through Challenging Times’ meeting

Due to phenomenal demand for our recent online meetings, Clann Credo is hosting a third and final ‘Supporting Community Organisations Through Challenging Times’ meeting. The aim has been to bring the Clann Credo Community together to learn and exchange ideas with others.

You are invited to attend the final online meeting of this series on  Tuesday 9th of June at 7.30 pm – 8:30pm.

Join the interactive meeting to learn and share with peer community organisations:

– Meet and talk to your regional Clann Credo contact
– Explore what help is available and how we can support you
– Create a network where experiences can be shared and peer to peer support provided

Covid-19 has created huge challenges for community organisations and sports clubs.  Many have suspended activities, and the impact of those closures is far reaching both socially and economically.

Community groups working with socially disadvantaged and vulnerable people are trying to maintain or increase supports while adhering to social distancing guidelines and this is presenting new difficulties.

The meeting will be a great opportunity to meet other community organisations and sports clubs from around the country and share ideas for getting through this difficult time. We will explore the challenges your organisation is facing and see how Clann Credo might support you.

Spaces are limited and the first two meetings reached capacity within hours. So if you would like to attend, please register in advance using the link below, without delay, to avoid disappointment.

Register Here

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

We want you to know that we’re here to listen, talk and explore ways forward.  We won’t have all the answers on the night, but we’ll try to find ways to get them.

The Clann Credo Team is looking forward to meeting you online.

Ministers Ross and Griffin welcome Government’s decision on resumption of training for high performance athletes and teams

Ministers Ross and Griffin welcome Government’s decision on resumption of training for high performance athletes and teams

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross and the Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Tourism and Sport Brendan Griffin TD, have today welcomed the government’s decision to facilitate the return of high performance athletes and teams as well as their support staff to designated training centres from 8 June.

The return to training is strictly limited to specified athletes and teams at the highest level of Irish sport. In addition to the athletes on the 2020 Sport Ireland International Carding Scheme, the IRFU professional players and the four FAI clubs who are preparing for European competition – Dundalk F.C, Derry City F.C, Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers – are also included.

These athletes and support staff, from 21 different sports, will now be permitted to travel beyond 20 kilometres from their homes to attend scheduled training sessions at the following training centres:

  • Sport Ireland Campus at Blanchardstown
  • Morton Stadium, Santry
  • Irish Sailing High Performance HQ, Dun Laoghaire
  • National Rowing Centre, Ovens, Co. Cork
  • Golf Union of Ireland Academy, Carton House
  • training venues for Dundalk F.C, Derry City F.C, Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers
  • training venues for Connacht, Leinster and Munster Rugby

Sport Ireland will compile a list of athletes that will be permitted to return to training, as well as coaching and support personnel. Sport Ireland and the relevant sporting bodies have developed detailed protocols for social distancing and hygiene drawing on international experience, where many countries have already resumed high performance training. These protocols have been assessed as compliant with public health advice and the government’s Roadmap by the Expert Group on Return to Sport, which was recently established by Ministers Ross and Griffin. Implementation of these protocols will be monitored at the training centres and strict compliance will be ensured at all times.

Minister Ross said:

“I am pleased that we have been able to facilitate a return to training activity for these high performance athletes and teams, especially for the members of Team Ireland. 2020 was to be the pinnacle of their sporting career, but instead they have endured huge disappointment and massive uncertainty. These past weeks have been particularly challenging for everybody concerned. Athletes have sought to maintain their fitness and focus while training at home but that is no substitute for the benefit of using the special training facilities available in dedicated training centres. I am delighted that we can now match the practice elsewhere in Europe and permit athletes to return to training at their national training centres.”

Minister Griffin said:

“I am delighted that it has been possible to facilitate a return to training for our high performance athletes and teams. I have heard first-hand the difficulties that many of these athletes have faced due to the COVID-19 restrictions and the return to training will help them to get back to full fitness. Of course, many are still facing uncertainty as to when they can return to competition but I am pleased that they can at least take this first step to resuming their journey towards achieving their goals in sport.

“Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to extend this accommodation to youth athletes and others; for now, it has to be limited to a defined list of athletes and coaches. While these facilities will be reopened for the athletes concerned, their use will be restricted and subject to strict protocols. I know that there are a great many people who would jump at the chance to return to sporting activity but I would ask for people’s continued patience. We will continue to work hard with all stakeholders to ensure no undue delay in returning to sport at every level.”

ENDS

Special Edition FIS COVID-19 Newsletter (6th Ed)

Special Edition FIS COVID-19 Newsletter (6th Ed)

‘Resilience is the capacity of a system, enterprise or person to retain its core purpose and integrity in the face of dramatically changed circumstances’

Dear Member,

Welcome to June – we hope you are keeping safe and well. For those of you who are slowly returning to activity we hope you and your members are coping well with the new environment, while challenging – it is a positive step.

Since our last note to you all, the Federation has been actively working with government to ensure that our ask for a Resilience fund for Sport is being considered and to emphasise the impact COVID-19 has had on its viability. just how valuable the sector is to the health of Ireland as well as its value to the Irish economy Throughout the past two weeks we have ensured that the Irish government, media and public are aware of the importance of our ask. You will find a summary of the coverage available at www.irishsport.ie/newsmedia.

We are continuing to ask the government for:

·                 The introduction of a Resilience fund open to both NGBs and Sports Clubs across the country

·                 A dedicated taskforce that would work alongside the introduction of the Resilience fund for Sport and Physical Activity that will have a cross sector of expertise to formulate proposals and measures to reignite the sport sector as we live with Covid19

You will find a more detailed look at our asks here; https://www.irishsport.ie/federation-calls-for-a-resilience-fund-for-sport-and-a-task-force/

The Federation appreciates your continued support and I would ask that you continue to promote the key aspects of our submission across your own channels via social media, member/club communications and any other opportunities you may have to add your organisation’s voice to the collective ask.

This newsletter is our 6th COVID19 response edition and while it still contains any significant updates from government it now also showcases some of the fantastic work being done by NGBs and LSPs who have pivoted their work in the face of this crisis. We believe by sharing these initiatives you will all have the opportunity to learn from each other in how your organisation can adapt. We will also continue to share any partnership opportunities on offer to you as Federation members.

Throughout this crisis and beyond, myself and the Federation team are on hand to assist you, our members. If any of you have specific questions, please contact us on any of the numbers below. Please also keep an eye on our COVID-19 updates page at www.irishsport.ie which will be updated regularly with any relevant information.
Mary O’Connor, CEO – 0860437884
Sinead Conroy, Business Manager – 0860437887

Finally, as a number of you have either returned to activity or plan to in the coming weeks I would ask you to continue to adhere to government guidelines and advice in relation to tackling this pandemic and engaging in a safe return to any activity.

Stay safe, stay well.

Yours sincerely,

Mary O’Connor
CEO Federation of Irish Sport.

 

Information & Resources
Department of the Transport, Tourism and Sport
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross and the Minister of State with responsibility for Sport, Brendan Griffin, TD, have announced the establishment of an Expert Group. This group will provide guidance to Ireland’s sporting bodies to prepare for the phased return to sporting activity in line with the Government Roadmap for Reopening Business and Society. Further information on the group can be found at https://www.irishsport.ie/ministers-ross-and-griffin-establish-return-to-sport-expert-group/

Department of An Taoiseach
The roadmap for reopening can be read at https://www.irishsport.ie/1st-may-government-announcement-covid19-restrictions/. Please let us know if you wish to seek clarification on any matter contained within.

 

Telling the Story of Sport
As part of our work to showcase the challenges sport is facing we have partnered with the Irish Examiner to bring a new series titled ‘Crisis Managers’ to life in print and online. The series involves an interview with a different NGB CEO every Saturday to cover the challenges their sport is facing in the current crisis. The first 5 features can be found below at this link https://www.irishsport.ie/newsmedia/

 

Learning and Adapting
Sport and Physical Activity – Adapting Initiatives
During challenging times many Federation members are pivoting their work and adapting to this new normal. Here we have highlighted just a snapshot of the great work being done which will perhaps encourage and inspire us all. Click on each image below to find out more.
Tennis Ireland hosted a webinar to highlight Women Leaders in Tennis. Two world class guest speakers in Helen Shields (Former President of Fitzwilliam LTC and the first female President of Fitzwilliam LTC) and Judy Murray (Former GB Fed Cup Captain/Coach/Founder of Miss Hits) were interviewed by Grainne O’Neill (Women in Tennis Coordinator at Tennis Ireland) and gave a great insight into the pathway to leadership. Tennis Ireland would like to thank Sport Ireland for their continued support as well as Helen and Judy for taking the time to inspire females in tennis and all sports!

Limerick Sports Partnership were all set to take their Women on Wheels Cycling Participants to Connemara this May to complete a 100km cycle. They decided to encourage women across Limerick to get out cycling (within their 5km) during the weekend of May 16th and 17th. They set the target to complete the distance of the Wild Atlantic Way (2600km). As a team they exceeded their target completing 3407km between 75 participants. Following on from the success of this initiative, they have also set up a ‘June Challenge’, whereby women are encouraged to cycle 50km a week for the month of June.

Special Olympics Ireland Special Olympics Ireland have launched a 100,000 step challenge and are you to join them. It’s simple pledge to complete 10,000 steps at day over 10 days (within your 5km radius)
Sign up on the Special Olympics webpage here

Meath LSP has developed a suite of activities from games, to skill development, to home challenges to sport specific webinars targeting all abilities across the lifespan. The selection of resources offer something for everyone from young children, to family fun and accessible activities for those with a disability. The suite of resources were created to help support the #InThisTogether campaign. Check out more at http://www.meathsports.ie/being-active-during-covid-19/

In response to the cancellation of a busy programme of participation events during the COVID-19 period, Athletics Ireland announced the first ever virtual editions of the Irish Runner 5k, Irish Runner 5 Mile, and Irish Runner 10 Mile. It is free to enter each event, with the option to purchase a t-shirt and medal should you choose to. Participant will be required to submit their time via a new online portal, which will inturn generate a live leader board. More at https://www.athleticsireland.ie/news/virtual-irish-runner-events/

Fingal Sports Partnership have launched an adapted version of MarathonKids Programme called Marathon Families. With schools being closed and people being asked to stay at home except for vital reasons such as exercise it can be difficult to stay active, especially if you have children at home. Why not take this opportunity to challenge your whole family to complete a Marathon together? Over an 8 week period Children complete a full 42kms and a series of in class lessons on the benefits of Sport and Physical Activity.

 

International Progress
As other countries progress through the challenges posed by COVID-19 there is lots we can learn from our international peers. This week we focus on New Zealand and their approach to returning to play.

“What was driven home by Sport New Zealand and understood by politicians was that not being able to play sport was much more than a first world issue of being denied the normal suite of pastimes, but more fundamental to the health of the country.” Sport New Zealand CEO, Peter Miskimmin.

Read more about the approach taken by the New Zealand Government and Sport New Zealand as featured in the Irish Times at https://www.irishsport.ie/irish-times-safe-return-to-play-in-new-zealand-showcases-the-true-value-of-sport/

 

COVID-19 public health information translated resources

COVID-19 public health information translated resources

Translated COVID-19 Resources
For those whose first language is neither English nor Irish, we have translated public health information into 24 other languages. These include Albanian, Arabic, Bulgarian, Simplified Chinese, Czech, Farsi, French, Georgian, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Kurdish, Latvian, Lithuanian, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Spanish, Urdu and Yoruba. We are also working on developing resources in Somali and Eritrean.
The most up to date translated partner resources for COVID-19 can be found here.

Roma
Under the resources listed above you will also find a video for the Roma Community in Romanian. This video can also be found here.
There is a Roma specific resources page which includes easy read and image based communication documents and a translation of the Phase 1 government re-opening roadmap which can be found here.
 
Migrant Health
There is also a Migrant Health resources page, which includes videos in various languages and further specific translated resources.
 
Other Resources:
The Covid 19 World Service is a joint initiative of Nasc and Together Ireland. The Covid 19 World Service has video messages from doctors and other healthcare professionals in several languages for migrants living in Ireland.
Video 1:  General advice on how to prevent the contraction and spread of the virus.
Video 2: Information on self-isolation, what to do if you test positive for Covid 19 or are a contact of someone who has.
These videos can be found here.

The Government’s ‘Community Call – Advice and Contact Information for Your County’ leaflet has been translated into 12 different languages and is available here.

Public Health Information:
As always, for the most up to date information and advice on Coronavirus, please go to: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c36c85-covid-19-coronavirus/,
https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/ and https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/

Please share and pass on these resources as widely as possible to relevant communities.

Keep well, remember we’re #InThisTogether and #HoldFirm

Frequently Asked Questions: Phase One – Return to Play Expert Group

Frequently Asked Questions: Phase One – Return to Play Expert Group

Following the publication of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Business and Society, an Expert Group was established to provide guidance to Ireland’s sporting bodies to prepare for the phased return to sporting activity.

In response the Expert Group will publish a set of guidance notes to answer many of the frequently asked questions submitted by Governing Bodies.

Information and guidance will be published on a Phase by Phase basis as the public health situation evolves over time.

Source: Sport Ireland

Frequently Asked Questions Phase One

 

Special Edition FIS COVID-19 Newsletter (5th Ed)

Special Edition FIS COVID-19 Newsletter (5th Ed)

‘Federation calls for a Resilience Fund for Sport and a task force to specifically focus on the survival and re-ignition of sport organisations nationwide’

Dear Member,

We hope you are keeping safe and well as we take the first steps on this road to returning to sport and physical activity.

On Monday, the Federation of Irish Sport publicly called for financial support from government in the form of a Resilience fund for the Sport and Physical Activity sector. We strongly believe that now is the time for more specific and targeted supports for the sector to ensure its long-term viability. As part of this work we have made a submission to Minister Ross, Minister Griffin and the department of Transport, Tourism, and Sport for much needed support. We have also written to all political party leaders and spokespersons for Sport.

Our key asks were:
• The introduction of a Resilience fund open to both NGBs and Sports Clubs across the country
• A dedicated taskforce that would work alongside the introduction of the Resilience fund for Sport and Physical Activity that will have a cross sector of expertise to formulate proposals and measures to reignite the sport sector as we live with Covid19

Please see the full statement here; https://www.irishsport.ie/federation-calls-for-a-resilience-fund-for-sport-and-a-task-force/

Following on from our submission we have been actively engaging with National Media to bring the reality of the impact of Covid19 on the sport sector to life, but also to emphasise just how valuable the sector is to the Irish economy and the impact COVID-19 has had on its viability. We believe that in order to ensure the sector continues to support some 39,500 jobs and a volunteer network of 500,000 people valued at €1.1bn it needs a package of support measures from government, built around the provision of a Resilience fund. We are will continue to advocate for this on your behalf.

The Federation appreciates your continued support and I would ask that you continue to promote the key aspects of our submission across your own channels via social media, member/club communications and any other opportunities you may have to add your organisation’s voice to the collective ask.

As you will now be aware, this newsletter contains up to date government information and supports as well as initiatives and information from our partners who are working to support members with solutions to COVID-19 challenges. This week we are also sharing a compilation of learning opportunities in the form of industry webinars and by spotlighting the innovative work of NGBs and LSPs pivoting their operations and initiatives during these times.

It is more important than ever that we continue to work together, support each other and the sector through the coming weeks and months. We know that for some of you this week will bring a phased return to activity and for others, that opportunity is some weeks away yet. We must keep communicating and learning from each other as we navigate these challenges to ensure sport and physical activity thrive again when the time is right.

Throughout this crisis and beyond, myself and the Federation team are on hand to assist you, our members. If any of you have specific questions, please contact us on any of the numbers below. Please also keep an eye on our COVID-19 updates page at www.irishsport.ie which will be updated regularly with any relevant information.

Mary O’Connor, CEO – 0860437884
Sinead Conroy, Business Manager – 0860437887

Finally, I would ask you to continue to adhere to government guidelines and advice in relation to tackling this pandemic. While this week brought some positive changes in the levels of restriction, we must still all follow each stage of reopening in accordance with the plan and adhere to any public health advice.

Stay safe, stay well.

Yours sincerely,

Mary O’Connor
CEO Federation of Irish Sport.

Department of the Transport, Tourism and Sport
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross and the Minister of State with responsibility for Sport, Brendan Griffin, TD, have announced the establishment of an Expert Group. This group will provide guidance to Ireland’s sporting bodies to prepare for the phased return to sporting activity in line with the Government Roadmap for Reopening Business and Society. Further information on the group can be found at https://www.irishsport.ie/ministers-ross-and-griffin-establish-return-to-sport-expert-group/

Department of An Taoiseach
The roadmap for reopening can be read at https://www.irishsport.ie/1st-may-government-announcement-covid19-restrictions/.

 

Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation
All information on business supports from the department can be found at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/

Clarification: At present, there is no specific support for commercial tenants other than rate relief through the local authority. IBEC and ISME are calling for supports for commercial rent relief across the business sector. The below measures may assist in bridging financial difficulties that impact on an organisation’s ability to pay rent however, should any specific measures become available in relation to rentals we will update you accordingly.

  • The Credit Guarantee Scheme supports loans up to €1 million for periods of up to 7 years.
  • Microenterprises can access COVID-19 Business Loans of up to €50,000 from Microfinance Ireland. The terms include a six months interest free and repayment free moratorium, with the loan to then be repaid over the remaining 30 months of the 36-month loan period. Loans are available at an interest rate of between 4.5% and 5.5%. Businesses can apply through their Local Enterprise Office or directly at microfinanceireland.ie.
  • The new €450m SBCI COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme for eligible businesses supports loans from €25,000 up to €1.5 million (first €500,000 unsecured) with a maximum interest rate of 4%. Applications can be made through the SBCI website at sbci.gov.ie

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection have a range of measures to provide income support to people affected by COVID-19 (Coronavirus).https://www.gov.ie/en/news/041fd1-update-on-payments-awarded-for-covid-19-pandemic-unemployment-paymen/

Department of Finance
Minister Donohoe publishes Stability Programme Update 2020 – Published: 21 April 2020
https://www.gov.ie/en/news/d2ec5b-minister-donohoe-publishes-stability-programme-update-2020/

Department of Community and Rural Affairs
If your organisation is a registered charity you may be eligible to apply for some of the new support measures announced by the Dept of Community and Rural Affairs. Further information on such supports can be found at
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/60d32b-the-departments-response-to-covid-19-and-the-community-call/

 

Sport and Physical Activity – Adapting Initiatives
During challenging times many Federation members are pivoting their work and adapting to this new normal. Here we have highlighted just a snapshot of the great work being done which will perhaps encourage and inspire us all.
Rowing Ireland successfully ran Ireland’s first virtual rowing regatta on Saturday 2nd of May. The event was sponsored by Kinetica and saw two high performance athletes break world records! Sanita Puspure and Aifric Keogh broke the half marathon world records in their categories. The event engaged Rowing Ireland members from 9 – 90 and was a great success! https://www.rowingireland.ie/world-records-broken-during-rowing-irelands-virtual-regatta/Limerick Sports Partnership have created an Active Limerick Hub with resources for all ages and activity levels. The project is supported by a number of stakeholders including Sport Ireland and the HSE. Check out the full page of activities and resources including home workouts, family fun activities and courses and online learning at https://www.limericksports.ie/index.php/covid-19

The ‘Together at Home’ programme launched by Special Olympics Ireland is a fantastic source of information and activities for members of clubs who cannot be together, to take part and stay active during COVID-19. The programme is an online initiative that delivers weekly resources in the areas of sport & fitness, health promotion, strong minds and young athletes. Tune in weekly for new updates at https://www.specialolympics.ie/sport/together-at-home-programme

Swim Ireland’s 4th #WePlay conference has taken on a different style in the face of COVID-19. Their annual conference focused on Inspiring Girls in Sport has become a podcast series! Every Wednesday and Friday a new episode of insightful, inspiring and motivated content is released on youtube and across their social media channels. The series features athlete panel discussions and educational pieces for athletes, coaches, parents and supporters of any age from all sports. There is also an opportunity for the public to get involved and ask questions of some of their favourite athletes every week. Check out more at https://www.youtube.com/user/SwimIreland1