Jun 11, 2021
Campaign Overview:
Sport Ireland and Sporting Pride are pleased to launch the #LetsGetVisible campaign as part of Dublin Pride Health and Wellbeing Week which takes place from 14th to 20th June 2021. The campaign aims to recognise and acknowledge the importance of visibility and representation amongst the LGBTQI+ community, specifically in the sport sector.
Sport Ireland and Sporting Pride will launch the campaign on Monday morning and will be promoting the campaign throughout the week
Our request:
As part of this campaign our ask of stakeholders is to:
- Promote and raise awareness of the campaign with your clubs, members etc. (sample communication below), and encourage people to get involved in the campaign from Monday;
- Download the Profile Picture overlay and social media banners and add them to your social media profiles from Monday 14th June 2021 until Sunday 20th June 2021. Link to download resources: https://www.sportingpride.ie/campaign/lets-get-visible
- Post on your social media accounts throughout the week using #LetsGetVisible to show your support (sample posts below);
- To allow Sport Ireland to do a report after the campaign ends, please send back a sample of your posts to ethics@sportireland.ie Please submit either a screen grab of your posts or a link to the posts
Suggested content for issue to clubs/members/mailing lists
The following paragraph provides an example of what an NGB/LSP might send to their members in order to help create momentum behind the campaign:
Sport Ireland and Sporting Pride will launch the #LetsGetVisible campaign as part of Dublin Pride Health and Wellbeing Week taking place next week from 14th to 20th June 2021. The campaign aims to recognise and acknowledge the importance of visibility and representation amongst the LGBTQI+ community. It gives the sport sector the opportunity to show our support for the LGBTQI+ community and to promote sport as a welcoming and inclusive space for the community.
[Insert NGB/LSP name] are really excited and proud to support the campaign and we are asking all our clubs and members to do the same. To get involved in the campaign all you need to do is go to Sporting Pride’s website (https://www.sportingpride.ie/campaign/lets-get-visible ) and download a profile picture overlay, which you can add to your profile picture from Monday 14th June 2021. We are also asking people to post their messages of support for the campaign using #LetsGetVisible – you can get creative and post a picture with a pride flag, wearing your most colourful clothing, or you can use any of the graphics available to download on the Sporting Pride website.
- Suggested content for social media posts:
- We are proud to support the #LetsGetVisible Campaign. We encourage all our clubs to post the most colourful images of their members throughout the week. @SportIreland @SportingPrideIE
Jun 10, 2021
Please find some additional information / reminders in relation to the resumption of sport and physical activity during the current June phase.
Outdoor Competition:
‘The numbers permitted at organised outdoor events is a maximum of 100 for the majority of venues, with a maximum of 200 for outdoor venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000.’
These figures 100/200 relate to the number of spectators that will now be permitted to attend an event. These figures are independent of participants, officials and coaches.
Sport Ireland has previously distributed guidance to individual / non team sports in relation to delivering competition. NGBs are encouraged to continue to take a prudent approach to overall capacities in the initial return and are encouraged to discuss competition plans and needs with Sport Ireland.
Outdoor Training:
While the return to outdoor Competition can return, the Pods of 15 concept are still maintained for training purposes. In line with previous phases, multiple pods can be used during training sessions however these pods should not mix.
Indoor Individual Training Capacities:
Indoor training activity (no indoor Games, matches or competitions) is currently permitted.
Detailed Guidance on the return to Individual indoor Training specifically for NGBs and LSPs has been previously distributed by Sport Ireland and continues to apply.
The total numbers permitted in an indoor facility will be determined by the overall size of the venue.
When finalising capacity numbers sports should ensure that all relevant protocols in particular physical distancing can be fully implemented.
Other indoor leisure facilities, including gyms, are reopen for people to take part in individual exercise, including 1 to 1 training. It is important to note that indoor Group exercise classes are not permitted in those facilities at this point.
Managing Overall Capacities:
In addition to the gradual return to sporting activity, June & July will see a broader re-opening of society. Sporting Bodies should consider the return of multiple elements of activity such as competition, spectators, hospitality etc. at venues and plan accordingly.
Participation in Sporting Activity during COVID 19:
As with all activity during COVID 19 the return to training and competition should be on an opt-in basis, with participants taking personal responsibility to decide whether they are happy to return. It is important that participants are not be penalised if they wish to opt-out of activity.
Participants should be encouraged to communicate any concerns to their club and/or National Governing Body so that they can be addressed accordingly.
Should you have any additional queries specific to your sport please feel free to raise with the NGB, High Performance and Participation Units.
Jun 8, 2021
Sport Ireland has today announced an investment package of €5.9million in Dormant Accounts Funding for a wide range of sport and physical activity measures countrywide at an event in Corduff Community Resource Centre.
The investment aims to engage communities across the country, focusing on people with disabilities, people who are educationally disadvantaged and from disadvantaged communities.
Speaking about the new round of Dormant Account Funding, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, said: “Addressing inequalities in sports participation is a key action within the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 and a key priority for Government. Sport Ireland’s announcement of €5.9 million in funding through the Dormant Accounts Fund will further support the development and implementation of programmes and interventions to ensure access to sport and physical activities for all groups in society. This significant investment targeting people who are economically, socially or educationally disadvantaged or who have a disability is very welcome. In particular, it is good to see a focus on programme innovation, the enhancement of the urban outdoor environment and empowering community leaders to deliver projects & programmes at a community level. Through this funding sport and physical activity will become increasingly accessible to all.”
Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for the Gaeltacht and Sport Jack Chambers TD added: “I am delighted to be here today to announce this significant investment of Dormant Accounts Funding to develop and promote participation initiatives. Facilities across Ireland, just like Corduff Community Resource Centre, will benefit from this funding. Over the past year or more of restrictions we have seen the huge importance that Irish people place on sport and physical activity and the many benefits it can have on our mental and physical wellbeing. While restrictions have been difficult for all groups in society it has been particularly detrimental for people with a disability and for older adults. I am encouraged to see a strong level of investment in projects addressing this as returning to sport and physical activity safely will have far reaching benefits for both cohorts. I look forward to seeing the impact of this funding throughout the year and encourage people to engage with their Local Sports Partnership and National Governing Body of Sport and reap the many benefits of being active”.
Joe O’Brien, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, who has delegated responsibility for the Dormant Account Fund, welcomed the announcement of the disbursement of dormant funds for these sports measures. Minister O’Brien said: “Dormant Accounts funding makes a real difference to individuals and communities right across the country. These sporting measures will help increase participation in sport and physical activity in local communities”.
Chairman of Sport Ireland, Kieran Mulvey, commented: “Sport Ireland is delighted with the significant investment in Urban Outdoor Adventure Hubs and the Active Cities. Over the past year we have all turned to the outdoors as a place to exercise and socialise. It is important that we continue to develop opportunities to use the outdoors for sport and physical activity and make daily outdoor activity a part of our routines, regardless of whether we live in the countryside or in a city”.
Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, John Treacy, commented: “The Dormant Accounts Funding will enable Sport Ireland, supported by National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Sports Partnerships to provide everyone the opportunity to partake in sport and physical activity, no matter what their circumstances. The significant investment in Volunteer Training and Supports as well as Youth Leadership will be critical in supporting local volunteers and leaders as the country gradually opens up and we return to sport”.
As with previous funding announced, the investment is closely aligned with the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 and the National Physical Activity Plan. A particular emphasis is placed on implementing programmes to promote physical activity, making sport and physical activity accessible to people with a disability and the development of programmes to address transitions and drop out from physical activity.
Sport Ireland Director of Participation and Ethics, Dr Una May, said: “In 2021, Dormant Account Funding will be allocated to establish and develop 10 new Community Sports and Physical Activity Hubs as well as the 36 existing hubs. It is great to see continued investment in the hubs as they form a home for local clubs and sports organisations. They provide support and advice on a wide range of sports and physical activities at a local level to make it easier for people in disadvantaged areas to get involved in and engage in a more active and healthier lifestyle”.
See the full list of funded projects here.
Ends.
For Further Information:
David Gash
Communications Manager, Sport Ireland
dgash@sportireland.ie
087-2277643
Jun 3, 2021
- New strategy to shape the development of outdoor pursuits and activity tourism for years to come
- Public asked for feedback on how to enhance amenities such as trails, cycleways, waterways, beaches, mountains, bogs and forests
- Delivery of new strategy a key commitment in ‘Our Rural Future’
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has today (Wednesday, 2nd June, 2021) launched a public consultation on Ireland’s first ever National Outdoor Recreation Strategy.
The delivery of the strategy is a key commitment in Our Rural Future, the Government’s ambitious five-year policy to revitalise Rural Ireland.
The consultation will last for three weeks and will involve members of the public giving their views on how best to improve and develop our outdoor amenities such as our trails, cycleways, waterways, beaches, mountains, bogs and forests.
The public are also being asked to consider ways to develop activity tourism and outdoor pursuits such as cycling, rock climbing, kayaking, surfing, wind-surfing, sailing, paragliding and hang-gliding.
The consultation will run for the next three weeks with the closing set scheduled for 5pm on 23 June, 2021.
The strategy is being developed in partnership with Comhairle na Tuaithe (The Countryside Council).
Launching the public consultation today, Minister Humphreys said:
“COVID-19 has shown us all how vital our outdoor amenities are for our mental and physical wellbeing.
“Our new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy will be all about investing in our great outdoors.
“I want to get the views of as many members of the public and stakeholders on how best to develop our outdoor amenities such as our hiking trails, cycleways, rivers, forests and mountains.
“And I want this strategy to place a big focus on tourism, including adventure tourism. There is clearly growing interest in the great outdoors amongst all tourists, both domestically and internationally, and we are well positioned to respond to that demand.”
Minister Humphreys continued:
“Without doubt, outdoor recreation is going to be key to our recovery post-COVID-19.
“So let’s think big and ambitious. I am delighted that Comhairle na Tuaithe are spearheading this work in conjunction with my Department.
“Above all, I want to see as many members of the public as possible submit their ideas over the next three weeks.
“Together, let’s devise a National Outdoor Recreation Strategy that we can be proud of and one that has the capacity to benefit our economy for years to come.
“A strategy like this will help us re-imagine and revitalise our rural countryside, which is what we have set out to do in ‘Our Rural Future’.”
Dr. Liam Twomey, Independent Chair of Comhairle na Tuaithe added:
“Comhairle na Tuaithe has done much to support and facilitate the sustainable development of outdoor recreation in Ireland. The development of this Strategy is vital to guide the work of Comhairle na Tuaithe and indeed the strategic development of the sector across Government in the coming years. This consultation provides an opportunity for all to input on the future direction of the sector and I would encourage all stakeholders to participate in the consultation.”
This is the first stage of a two-stage consultation process. In the first stage, interested stakeholders and individuals are encouraged to share their views on outdoor recreation via an online questionnaire.
To input your views on outdoor recreation, please complete the online questionnaire on gov.ie.
Responses will inform the preparation of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy for Ireland. The closing date for receipt of submissions is 5pm on 23 June, 2021.
ENDS
Contact:
The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office
076-1006843 / 087-1734633
Press.office@drcd.gov.ie
Notes to editor:
Note to Photodesks:
Photos to be provided by Rory Geary Photography
Comhairle na Tuaithe (The Countryside Council)
Comhairle na Tuaithe is collaborative body which supports the development of outdoor recreation activities for social, health and economic benefits, and which promotes sustainable and responsible use of the outdoors where the rights and responsibilities of both landowners and recreational users are recognised and respected. It is comprised of representatives of farming organisations, recreational users and State bodies with a responsibility for, or interest in, outdoor recreation and the countryside.
National Outdoor Recreation Strategy
A National Outdoor Recreation Strategy is currently being developed by Comhairle na Tuaithe. Views on outdoor recreation in Ireland are now sought to help develop the Strategy.
Outdoor Recreation NI have been awarded the contract to provide support services for the development of the Strategy. They are a not-for-profit organisation with an expertise in outdoor recreation strategy, planning, design, development, management and promotion.
Activities included are listed below.
| Land-Based |
Water-Based |
Air-Based |
| Walking |
Canoeing/Kayaking |
Paragliding |
| Hillwalking/Hiking |
Rowing |
Hang-gliding |
| Leisure cycling |
Wild swimming |
|
| Mountain biking |
Surfing |
|
| Horse riding |
Coasteering |
|
| Trail/Off-road running |
Wind surfing/Kite surfing |
|
| Orienteering |
Sailing |
|
| Bouldering, scrambling, rock climbing, mountaineering |
Diving |
|
| Caving |
Angling |
|
Consultation
This is the first stage of a two-stage consultation process. In this first stage, interested stakeholders and individuals are encouraged to share their views on outdoor recreation via an online questionnaire.
The information gathered will be confidential and anonymous.
It is important that input is received at this early stage as the submissions will feed into the development of the new Strategy. At the second stage of the public consultation, a draft Strategy document will be issued whereby interested stakeholders and individuals will be invited to give detailed feedback before the Strategy is finalised.
The closing date for submissions is 23 June 2021.
How to participate
To input your views on outdoor recreation, please complete the online questionnaire gov.ie.
For those who would like to submit their views by hard copy, the form is available to print from gov.ie and can be sent by post to Outdoor Recreation Public Consultation, Department of Rural and Community Development, Government Buildings, Ballina, Co. Mayo, F26 E8N6.
Any questions on the consultation process can be emailed to NORS@drcd.gov.ie.
May 31, 2021
The Federation of Irish Sport welcomes Friday’s announcement by government on further easing of restrictions for Sport and Physical Activity. This is an important and positive step forward for many of our members who have faced immense challenges over the past 15 months.
In particular, the Federation is pleased to see the introduction of test case events for the return of spectators across the summer months and the resumption of indoor sport and physical activity from July 5th.
The Federation will continue to work with Minister Chambers, his department colleagues and Sport Ireland on further progress and supports for the sector as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. For now, please find further information on the newly introduced measures here https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/7894b-post-cabinet-statement-resilience-and-recovery-the-path-ahead/
We wish all our members a safe and positive return to activity over the coming weeks
May 27, 2021
- 86% of NGBs describe the economic impact of COVID-19 as ‘Negative’ or worse.
- 74% of NGBs have availed of at least one government financial support.
- 53% of LSPs will require ongoing financial support to return to full capacity.
- 57% believe COVID-19 will result in a permanent loss of sports volunteers.
- Report focuses on Economic and Social impact as well as impact on progress made and the future outlook of those within sector.
Today, 27th of May 2021, The Federation of Irish Sport are pleased to release an important report on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Sport and Physical Activity sector in Ireland. The report illustrates findings of a survey conducted with Federation of Irish Sport member National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships and highlights the significantly challenging circumstances of many Irish sporting bodies as a result of the pandemic. The Federation is hopeful that the insight provided in the report will assist in shaping further economic and social supports for the sector.
Speaking about the report, Federation of Irish Sport Chairperson Clare McGrath said, ‘This report was a significant and important piece of work for the Federation and our members. It demonstrates the immense challenges being faced by our sporting bodies and just how damaging the pandemic has been economically and socially. However, it also highlights the resilience and positivity of those working in the sector and their views on what is needed to emerge from the pandemic stronger.’
Federation CEO Mary O’Connor added, ‘In 2020 the government provided much needed financial support to the sector in the form of a €70m resilience package. This report showcases just how many bodies relied on such supports for survival and demonstrates that with continued support, the sector can recover and return to its pre-pandemic strengths. We have shared the findings of this work with Minister Jack Chambers and his department and look forward to working with the Minister to address some of the key aspects highlighted by the report’.
National Sports Policy Progress & Minority Groups
While the impact of COVID-19 on the sector has been widely spoken about in recent months, the Federation’s report provides a more detailed understanding of the social impact on the various groups accessing sport and physical activity. Despite previously published insights stating a rise in adults being physically active in Ireland and 65% of NGBs offering activities that target minority groups, 69% of NGB respondents believe that such groups, as outlined in the National Sports Policy, have been disproportionately affected by the restrictions imposed as a result of COVID-19.
Furthermore, 36% of NGBs have seen a drop of 50% or more in their membership numbers with both adults and underage members being impacted in largely equal measure. These insights are concerning both now and for the long term progress of the sector as a whole. Such developments stand to potentially impact on the progress of the National Sports Policy objectives unless supported appropriately.
Volunteers
The Federation has long championed the importance of sports volunteers and noted throughout 2020 just how resourceful many volunteers had been in supporting their communities when sport ceased. Thus, it is particularly concerning to see that 57% of NGBs believe that the pandemic will result in a permanent loss of volunteers from sport. Without such diligent and hardworking volunteers, many sporting organisations would not exist. While the financial impact has been grave for many, recovery efforts would be further hampered by the loss of invaluable volunteers.
More positive aspects of the report include that 67% of Local Sports Partnerships believe their organisation possesses the reliance and governance structures to survive the effects of COVID-19. Furthermore, the Federation is encouraged by the innovation and adaptation shown by sporting organisations, 91% of whom have adapted activities to some form of digital delivery. While it is positive to see 43% of people ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ that they will rebound to pre-pandemic strength, it is noteworthy that 79% believe this is rebound needs to be financially supported.
NOTES:
The Federation of Irish Sport would like to thank the University of Limerick and in particular, Helen Purtill for her support in collating and analysing the findings of the survey.
The Federation would also like to thank the 50 members (35 NGBs and 15 LSPs) who contributed to the findings.
The survey of members was conducted in May 2021.
Full report can be found at: https://www.irishsport.ie/covid-19-impact-report/
ENDS
Contact:
Mary.oconnor@irishsport.ie
Sinead.conroy@irishsport.ie
01 6251155
