Jan 8, 2014
The Football Association of Ireland today (Tuesday) announced the appointment of Sarah O’Shea as deputy CEO.
Ms O’Shea is currently the Association’s Director of Legal Affairs, a role she retains while taking on additional duties as deputy to the CEO, John Delaney.
Commenting on the appointment today, Delaney said: “Since Sarah’s appointment in 2006 she has made a substantial contribution to the management team. She has been an excellent legal director, establishing the legal department and reforming the Association’s disciplinary processes”.
“As the governance and administrative needs of the game change, the FAI continues to adapt its structures and Sarah’s appointment is part of that process. Sarah brings her considerable skillsets to the role as deputy CEO, and her appointment will enhance the management structure as the Association continues to develop all strands of the game”.
Sarah O’Shea said that she was looking forward to the challenge ahead; “We are embarking on another important phase for Irish football and I am keen to play a valuable role, particularly in the administrative and organisational aspects of the Association as deputy to the CEO.”
President Paddy McCaul added, “As current company secretary of the Association, a member of UEFA’s Hat Trick committee and Chairperson of the Federation of Irish Sport, Sarah is a highly respected figure in sport in Ireland and further afield.” He added, “Sarah has worked very closely and successfully with the Board of the Association and the grass roots and on behalf of the Board and our members, I wish her every success”.
Sarah O’ Shea is a qualified solicitor (2000) and a graduate of the FIFA Masters programme (2006). She joined the Association in 2006 and currently holds responsibility for all legal and disciplinary matters, governance issues, contracts, child welfare and football regulations.
She was appointed Company Secretary in September 2010 and was appointed to UEFA’s Hat Trick Committee in July 2011. She became Chairperson of the Federation of Irish Sport in January 2013 and a panel member of the Court of Arbitration for Sport in September 2013.
Jan 7, 2014
The CARA National Inclusion Awards recognises organisations and people who contribute to the inclusion of people with disabilities in Sport and Physical Activity. The purpose of the awards is to highlight and acknowledge best practice in relation to the inclusion of people with disabilities in sport and physical activity.
Following the initial National Inclusion Awards presented at the European Congress of Adapted Physical Activity in 2012, CARA aims to continue to recognise and acknowledge the excellent work of many organisations/individuals in Ireland with regards to the provision of sport, physical activity, fitness and physical education for people with disabilities. The aim of the inclusion awards along with recognising good practice is to heighten the awareness of the inclusion of people with disabilities across all aspects of sport, physical activity, fitness, outdoor adventure and physical education. The categories for the awards are:
– Xcessible Leisure Centre Award
– National Sports Organisation Award
– Disability Organisation/Service Provider Award
– LSP Sports Inclusion Disability Award
– Xcessible Outdoor Centre Award
– Valued Volunteer Award
– Inclusive Sports Club Award
– Inclusive School PE / Sports Award
– Non Sporting Organisation Award
For more information on these awards see link
http://caranationalinclusionawards.caraapacentre.ie/
or contact us in CARA on the below address:
Kate Feeney,
Administrator, CARA National Adapted Physical Activity Centre.
C/O Institute of Technology Tralee,
South Campus,
Tralee,
Co. Kerry
066-7144189
Cara.apa@ittralee.ie
Dec 21, 2013
The European Commission has launched a long-awaited new sports funding programme.
Called Erasmus+, funding is open to not-for-profit sports organisations wishing to carry out pan-European grassroots sport projects.
The programme will allocate around €265 million over seven years, with €16.6 million available for the first round of projects beginning in 2014.
Projects must involve at least five organisations drawn from at least five different EU Member States. Applications close on 15 May 2014.
The specific objectives pursued by the Erasmus+ programme in the field of sport are to:
- tackle cross-border threats to the integrity of sport, such as doping, match fixing and violence, as well as all kinds of intolerance and discrimination
- promote and support good governance in sport and dual careers of athletes
- promote voluntary activities in sport, together with social inclusion, equal opportunities and awareness of the importance of health-enhancing physical activity, through increased participation in, and equal access to sport for all.
If you are interested in finding our more about these funding opportunities for sports projects, more information can be found on the Erasmus+ website or in the detailed programme guide (the sport section begins on page 179).
Information Day- 4th February 2014
On 4th February 2014 the European Commission and the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) will organise an “Info Day” in Brussels to inform potential applicants about Erasmus+: Sport and its funding opportunities.
The day will be centred around different information sessions, presenting the policy priorities as well as practical advice and tips on preparing and submitting proposals.
Please note that advance online registration is obligatory, as the room capacity is limited and we would like to offer to as many organisations as possible the possibility to be represented (max 2 representatives per organisation).
Alternatively, you will also be able to join the live web streaming and the online chat. You may participate in a chat session as an individual (using your name or a pseudonym) or in your official capacity. All participants can also take advantage of the online partner search tool.
You will find all information about the programme on the DG EAC website. Please note that all presentations will be downloadable from the EAC website a few days before the Info day and, after the event, video recordings of all sessions will also be available.
For any further information, don’t hesitate to contact:
– the communication Team of the Executive Agency: Maria-teresa.De-Pasquale@ec.europa.eu
– the EACEA Erasmus+ Programme in the field of Sport : luciano.di-fonzo@ec.europa.eu
– the Sport Unit in DG EAC: paola.ottonello@ec.europa.eu
Dec 19, 2013
The Federation welcome the decision, outlined as part of the Revised Estimates process for the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport published on 19th December, to reverse by €2 million the reduction in current funding for sport announced in Budget 2014 on 15th October. We are pleased that the Government have listened to our concerns which have been reflected in an increased allocation for current funding for sport next year.
The current funding for sport, presently distributed through the Irish Sports Council, is particularly essential for the continued development of sport in Ireland supporting as it does the operations of National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) who play a key role in the management, operation and delivery of recreational and competitive sport across the country. These monies not only support jobs within these organisations but also facilitate projects and initiatives such as sports development programmes, coach education and training, volunteer support programmes as well as the development and management of our existing and future international athletes.
The Federation also welcomes the confirmation that further funding, details of which are to be announced in the next few days, is to be made available for a new round of the Sports Capital Programme providing welcome relief to sports clubs around the country who have been significantly impacted by the challenging economic environment. It is also good news that €13 million will be made available to develop the National Indoor Training Centre at the National Sports Campus – a facility that will provide for the first time a world-class base from which our existing and developing international athletes can train and prepare alongside the sport science, medical and administrative support already based at the Campus.
Since the onset of the recession, the Federation has consistently called for the protection of the current funding for sport to be prioritised whilst recognising the importance of capital funding through calls for the reinstatement of the Sports Capital Programme, which lay dormant for three years, and the completion of the National Sports Campus.
However, despite the overall increase in funding for sport in 2014 the on-going reduction of current funding remains a concern – this funding serving as it does as seed capital for the operation and development of sport in Ireland and highlights the need for a real debate on the role of sport in Irish Society with a view to examining ways of attracting additional and alternative revenues into Irish Sport. This is particularly important if sport is to play a significant role in other priority areas for Ireland including public health, job creation and tourism for example.
The Federation of Irish Sport is the representative body for Ireland’s NGBs and LSPs. 2.1 million Irish people participate in over 70 different sports across 12,000 clubs nationwide. Ireland’s sports clubs spend an estimated €818 million in the Irish economy on goods and services each year. Irish Sport also supports 40,532 jobs and contributes an estimated €2.4 billion to Ireland’s GDP each year. Sport contributes heavily to tourism with 254,000 Irish residents travelling domestically to sporting events in 2012 (up 11% on 2010). Sport is also a key driver in international tourism for example, recreational angling is estimated to generate revenues in excess of €755 million and golf €202 million with only 21% of that on golf-related activities.
Revised Estimates- Programme Expenditure- Sports and Recreation Services
Dec 19, 2013
SWIM FOR A MILE CHALLENGE SUPPORTED BY THE COCA-COLA THANK YOU FUND 2013
Wednesday December 18th 2013: Swim Ireland today announced details of its inaugural, all-Ireland ‘Swim for a Mile Challenge 2014’. The project will challenge members of the public to compete in a national event to swim for a mile. Swim Ireland will provide a free training programme, support, advice and motivation for all those wanting to take on the challenge.
A mile of swimming is the equivalent of a marathon in the water and is longer than any Olympic pool based race, making it the ultimate test in the sport.
The Challenge is being made possible through The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund and the Irish Sports Council’s Women in Sport Programme. Last month Swim Ireland won the top award in The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund of €25,000 which has helped to make the ‘Swim for a Mile Challenge 2014’ a reality.
Supporting swimmers to go the distance, Swim Ireland is offering free swim training programmes available through the Swim for a Mile website and also free lane space and coaching at each of the five event locations from the start of the year right up to the event, making the challenge the perfect New Year’s fitness resolution for 2014!
With Swim Irelands expert support, participants will be able to hone their swimming technique, increase their levels of fitness and improve on a life-long skill – but most importantly be in prime shape to take on the mile challenge when the competition takes place in Cork, Limerick, Galway, Bangor and Dublin on 31st March to 4th April 2014.
Leo Varadkar, Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport said: “This is a great initiative from Swim Ireland and a great way to get people swimming. Everyone should have an opportunity to take part in sport or physical activity, and swimming is one of the best forms of exercise. Well done to Swim Ireland for running this event which promises to be good fun and very rewarding.”
Today FM’s ‘The Last Word’ presenter Matt Cooper has come on board as an Ambassador for the Challenge. He has signed up to participate and will encourage listeners to ‘Swim for a Mile with Matt’. Speaking today Matt said: “I can outrun my children comfortably and they couldn’t keep up with me on the bike but in the pool they leave me behind comfortably and lap me continuously. They’ve learnt how to swim properly and now train regularly and compete in galas and they have gained so much from it. I don’t think I’ll ever get up to their level but they’ve pointed out how poor my technique is and how I need to learn how to swim correctly if I’m going to get enough enjoyment from it. So this is my 2014 challenge: I’m going to learn how to swim properly and train so that I can swim a mile in any session without collapsing. Committing to this event publicly will ensure that I do it, I hope! I’m really looking forward to the challenge and to working with Last Word listeners so we can all achieve it.”
Double Olympian and European Medallist Melanie Nocher is helping Swim Ireland to raise the profile of the Challenge, the first of its kind to take place on an all-Ireland basis. Melanie will be on hand to give advice and guidance to the public for the duration of the project, “I have always been passionate about swimming and showing others that you don’t have to be at an elite level to get involved. It is a unique sport in which people of all abilities and ages can get involved so Swim Irelands Challenge is the perfect platform to show this. I am excited about this initiative and the impact it’s going to have in terms of growing the sport and encouraging as many people to experience the benefits of swimming.”
Speaking at the launch Erica Roseingrave, Public Affairs and Communications Manager, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland, said: “The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund was developed to lend financial support to groups with great ideas encouraging people to lead healthy and active lifestyles. Swim Ireland and its Swim for a Mile Challenge was such a worthy winner and now anyone who is interested can join in and take part. The team at Swim Ireland have put together a training schedule that is relevant even to a novice swimmer so there will be no excuses for anyone not to engage and participate next year. I even hope to do it myself!”
For more information about the Swim Ireland “Swim for a Mile Challenge” log onto www.swimforamile.com.
For more information, please contact:
Trish Mayon, Swim Ireland, 01-6251138/086-8094786
Event Dates & Locations
Cork: Leisureworld, Bishopstown- Monday 31st March 2014
Limerick: UL Sport- Tuesday 1st April 2014
Galway: Kingfisher, NUI Galway- Wednesday 2nd April 2014
Bangor: Aurora Leisure Centre- Thursday 3rd April 2014
Dublin: National Aquatic Centre- Friday 4th April 2014
Nov 8, 2013
The FIS attended the inaugural ‘Together We Move’ event, facilitated by Coca-Cola Europe in London on October 23rd-24th. Over 160 academics, experts and active programme delivery partners from across Europe gathered at the event to discuss collaborative ways of working to help foster healthier, happier and more active communities.
The event was held at the headquarters of ‘StreetGames’ in Black Prince Community Hub in Lambeth, South London. StreetGames is a charity set up in 2007 bringing sport to the doorstep of young people in disadvantaged communities across the UK. The site is a former secondary school in an urban area, rescued from demolition in 2006 and transformed into a sports facility for the local community.
The provision of sporting activities has helped lower crime rates and has brought the local community together. It is a prime example of how sport can change and enrich people’s lives and transform communities. The StreetGames project is similar to the ‘FAI Late Night Leagues’ that run so successfully in Ireland and have also proven to reduce Garda call out rates significantly when they are held. Coca Cola supports Street Games as part of the London 2012 legacy project which aims to increase participation in sport in the UK.
Presentations were made by many of the different active lifestyle programmes that are funded by Coca Cola in Europe which were of great interest particularly when looking to what might be a possible in Ireland.
‘Mission Olympics’ in Germany sees different cities showcasing their sports clubs, infrastructure, and activities for citizens to try out and get involved in, on a special one day event. 128,000 people participate in the event each year. The competition attracts a €75,000 prize and according to Florian Frank, Head of Marketing, German Olympic Sports Confederation, ‘it is not dissimilar to the Tidy Towns concept in Ireland’ where communities are mobilised for a common goal which seems to be a thread that runs through many of these successful projects.
‘Beat the Street’ in the UK is a project that aims to get more children physically active through an international school walking competition. The competition uses swipe cards to monitor and track students’ walks to and from school during a four week period rewarding students who walk with points that are then converted into donations to charity. The competition involves schools across the world, – six in London and two in Vancouver and is looking to expand. Schools are encouraged to compete for a position in a league against other schools in their city, country and internationally in this innovative programme that inspires behaviour change. 3,600 children have participated in the competition so far.
The Federation of Irish Sport is a partner in the Coca Cola Thank You Fund which awards grants to eleven different projects promoting healthy lifestyles in Ireland amounting to €125,000 in total. Winners of the prize were announced on 6th November 2013 and more details can be found here.
