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
May 26, 2021
IWA Sports Centre Clontarf
Virtual Spring Fitness
The IWA-Sports Centre in Clontarf are running a virtual training programme for their members. It started on the 22nd of February 2021 and has been running for 13 weeks. As gyms unfortunately remain closed, the Virtual Spring into Fitness programme aims to continue to support members and help them reach their health & wellness goals. Members have weekly check ins and catch ups with sports centre staff and take part in 2 live exercise classes each week. Everyone involved is really enjoying catching up with each other and staying active.
Employee Health & Fitness
The month of May was employee Health & Fitness month for the Irish Wheelchair Association. The sports centre staff ran online exercises classes IWA employees for 4 weeks in May. IWA Sports Centre Staff have delivered several 10@10 physical activity sessions as well as lunchtime and evening exercise classes to IWA staff. Well done to all staff who took part!
Virtual Club Sessions
Multi-Sport Junior Club Members from IWA have been training very hard since the 23rd of January 2021. There have been over 33 sessions delivered since this programme started. Fun physical activity sessions have been running on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings for our junior club members ages 5-15. All the participants have been putting in a great effort over the last number of weeks in different exercise sessions. There are members taking part from all corners of the country. Some have been reunited with their club mates and have even met people from different clubs who they may have not met before. We are always accepting new members. Please see IWA-Sport Social media for more information or contact tara.fitzgibbon@iwa.ie
Oliver Murphy Youth Leadership Programme
The Oliver Murphy Youth Leadership programme began on Tuesday March 2nd participants from a geographical spread of Louth, Cork, Dublin, Laois, Galway, Meath, Wexford, and Tipperary. Over the last 10 weeks the members took part in online training in leadership skills that they will be able to apply in various settings. The programme aims to support our young members with leadership skills that will benefit them on a personal and social basis. The participants have become empowered to lead among their peers and become advocates for the work of IWA and disability issues through a structured education programme. They are the first group of young adults in Ireland with additional needs to have completed the programme. The group of youth Leaders graduated in the middle of May following their 10-week course. We were also delighted to welcome Oliver Murphy himself to the event!
Well done to all who took part and delivered the programme! No doubt we’ll be hearing much more about you over the coming years.
Coach Education
The Introduction to Coaching Wheelchair Basketball course is part of the Coaching Development Programme for Ireland and was developed in partnership with Sport Ireland Coaching. Two courses were held on May 26th and May 29th by IWA Sports Team Staff. This popular course is designed to provide participants with information around basic coaching concepts and skills to support them to become competent and confident in organising and/or supporting a basic level wheelchair basketball session. It is suitable for beginner coaches aiming to work with juniors and beginner adults in wheelchair basketball. Attendees will complete 3 modules, both theory and practically based, which include general information about the sport, classification, roles of a coach, LTPAD model, communication, session planning and experience coaching basic activities. For more information on coaching courses contact Shannon.pollock@iwa.ie
Return to Sport
We are delighted to see some IWA Sports Clubs including North East Thunder & Rebel Wheelers (pictured below) returning to activity this month. So many of our athletes and players are eager to get playing and competing. We wish everyone the best of luck returning to sport in the coming weeks.
Darkness into Light
On May 8th IWA-Sports Team members took part in Pieta House’ fundraiser Darkness Into Light. They braved the windy and wet conditions like many others to show support for the very worthy cause. On the same day IWA Sport also held the Annual General Meeting for staff, volunteers and members.
May 26, 2021
Meet n’Train:
Meet n’Train is a “new” 6 week outdoor programme that includes a combination of cardio, strength and stretching exercises to increase and maintain health/fitness. Cost is €20 for 6 week programme. Each session is led by a qualified instructor who will incorporate a wide range of exercises making it both fun and challenging. This programme is suitable for men and women of all fitness levels, from the complete beginner upwards.
| Claremont Stadium, Navan |
Tuesday 1st June |
7.30pm |
| Stamullen (St. Patrick’s GAA) |
Wednesday 2nd June |
11am |
| Summerhill (Astro Pitch) |
Thursday 3rd June |
11am |
For more details and reserve a place, log on to https://www.meathsports.ie/women-in-sport/meet-n-train/. If you have any queries please contact Lisa at lodowd@meathcoco.ie or call 046-9067337.
Canoeing for Men 35+:
Meath LSP in association with Ribbontail Paddlers Canoe Club are hosting a FREE Come n Try canoeing sessions for men 35+ on at the Boyne Aquaduct at Longwood on the following dates:
| Session |
Date |
Time |
| 1 |
Saturday June 19th |
11am – 12:30pm |
| 2 |
Saturday June 26th |
11am – 12:30pm |
The Boyne Aquaduct provides for calm waters which is ideal for beginners and those who have yet to find their paddling comfort zone. Places will be limited and booking is essential. To book a place please contact Ruairi on 046-9067337 or email rmurphy@meathcoco.ie
Paddlesports for Mums & their Girls:
Meath LSP and Ribbontail Paddlers Canoe Club are collaborating on a new initiative “Paddlesports for Mums and Girls” programme. We are inviting Mums/Guardians and their daughters to buddy up for a 3-week initiative to develop and experience a range of paddlesports. If you have a daughter age 13-16yrs, are ready to learn a new sport and experience a new way to exercise, then this is the programme for you. No equipment necessary as all will be supplied for the programme.
To be eligible, participants must be:
- 1 Mum/Guardian, Daughter age 13-16yrs
- Be able to swim & be competent treading water
- Commit to completing the programme
- Be enthusiastic and be open to trying new activities
Programme includes:
- Fun games/activities on the water
- Guided lesson over three days (3 hours each day)
- River Run on the third day
| Day 1 |
Sunday June 13th |
10am – 1pm |
Ribbontail Paddlers Canoe Club, Longwood |
| Day 2 |
Sunday June 20th |
10am – 1pm |
Ribbontail Paddlers Canoe Club, Longwood |
| Day 3 |
Sunday June 27th |
10am – 1pm |
Ribbontail Paddlers Canoe Club, Longwood |
Cost is €20 per pair. If you are interested in taking part contact Lisa at lodowd@meathcoco.ie.
Dance for Life 50+
Meath LSP is delighted to announce that Dance for life 50+ is back! This is a 6 week programme for all adults 50+. This will include in various types of line dances such as slow waltz, cajun skip and many more! This programme is ideally suited for older adults as it provides social interaction whilst improving many health benefits. It will help improve balance, agility, strength and flexibility. Cost is €30 for 6 week programme. If you would like to take part, please contact Luke @ luke.condie@meathcoco.ie or on 046 9067337. Spaces are limited so make sure you don’t miss out!
| Area |
Date |
Time |
Venue |
| Navan |
Monday 31st May |
10.30am |
Blackwater park |
| Trim |
Monday 31st May |
12.30pm |
Trim Gaa |
| Carlanstown |
Wednesday 2nd June |
11am |
Deerpark |
Run Jump Throw
Run Jump Throw is a 6 week multi activity programme suitable for children with Autism or an Intellectual Disability aged 6-12 years. The sessions will include a variety of sports. Fun Games and obstacle challenges all adapted to the participants needs. The programme aims to improve the participants’ fundamental movement skills and increase their confidence in participating in regular physical activity. Family involvement is key to the programmes success and siblings are encouraged to take part! Parents are also asked to remain at the venue for the duration of the session. To book a place, please contact Terry at tdonegan@meathcoco.ie or call 046-9067337.
| Area |
Date |
Time |
Location |
Age |
Cost |
| Navan |
Mondays
June 7th – July 12th |
4:30pm-5:30pm |
Meath & District League Grounds, Navan |
5-12 years old |
€10 per Family |
| Kells |
Tuesdays
June 8th – July 13th |
4:45pm-5:45pm |
Eureka House, Kells |
5-12 years old |
€10 per Family |
| East Meath |
Wednesdays June 23rd – July 28th |
4:30pm-5:30pm |
St Colmcille’s GAA, Piltown, Bettystown |
5-12 years old |
€10 per Family |
| Ashbourne |
Thursdays
June 24th – July 29th |
4:30pm-5:30pm |
Ashbourne Educate Together |
5-12 years old |
€10 per Family |
May 21, 2021
Cara Sport Inclusion Ireland in partnership with Sport Ireland, The Federation of Irish Sport and Volunteer Ireland are delighted to announce the launch of the Inclusive Volunteer in Sport programme today the 21st of May 2021.
The programme aims to empower new and existing volunteers to become champions of inclusion, providing quality opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sport and physical activity. It will encourage and support participants to be more reflective of their practice in relation to the inclusion of people with disabilities.
The programme acknowledges the very important role that volunteers have across the sporting and physical activity sectors and shines the spotlight on the importance of providing equal opportunities for people with disabilities to participate and volunteer in sport and physical activity.
The programme is offering 100 free places to individuals who would like to volunteer or who are already volunteering within their club and community. Each participant will receive online Inclusive Disability Training and will avail of an exciting opportunity to participate in our inclusive volunteer webinar, which is hosted by Rob Hartnett of Sport For Business.
Cara very much welcome applications from people with disabilities who are interested in volunteering and who would like to upskill in inclusion and disability.
Full details of the launch and the programme can be found on the website www.caracentre.ie/volunteer
May 10, 2021
Sport Ireland wish to notify NGBs, LSPs and other funded bodies that the updated Sport Ireland Return to Sport COVID-19 eLearning Course is now available on our website.
The course, which can be publically accessed on the Sport Ireland website here (https://www.sportireland.ie/covid19/course), aims to continue supporting administrators, volunteers, coaches and participants to return to sport in a safe & practical manner. The course is structure similarly to the previous version with additional lessons included to reflect updated guidance. Funded Bodies are encouraged to share the course with their affiliates, clubs and members through their direct communication & social media channels.
This e-Learning course should be completed and interpreted in conjunction with the Governments latest public health measures provided at www.gov.ie/coronavirus along with the public health advice provided on the Health Service Executive Coronavirus webpage
Updated Sport Ireland COVID-19 eLearning Course Content:
- Introduction to the Sport Ireland COVID-19 Return to Sport e-Learning Course
- Protect yourself and others from COVID-19
- Hand hygiene
- Equipment hygiene
- Face coverings
- COVID-19 Medical Considerations for Sports Activities
- Safe Return to Sport and Physical Activity Checklist
- Recommendation for specific populations
- Stay Safe in the Outdoors
- Sport Ireland COVID-19 Officer Return to Sport e-Learning Course
- Recording Attendance at Activities
- How to manage a participant with COVID-19 symptoms?
- Stay Informed
Contact & Queries:
Any general queries in relation Covid19 should be directed to either the NGB or LSP Units at Sport Ireland directly.
May 6, 2021
Please find below additional information in relation to the recent government announcements provided by Sport Ireland.
Training
- From May 10th outdoor training for adults in pods of a maximum of 15 people can return. This includes contact training.
- On that basis, outdoor, contact training will also be permitted for those under the age 18 in pods of a maximum of 15 people.
Competition
- Outdoor (non-elite & club) matches and competitions may recommence on June 7.
- Such competition must take place without spectators.
- Sports that do not have a fixed number of competitors (i.e. non team sports) should engage directly with Sport Ireland to discuss the capacity requirements of their individual sports.
Indoor facilities
- Indoor facilitates such as gyms, swimming pools & sports / leisure centres can reopen from June 7th for individual training.
- The Return to Sport Expert Group has developed guidance for sports bodies in relation to the delivery of this individual training. The most recent version of this guidance is attached.
- Final information in relation to capacity levels within indoor facilities is still to be confirmed. Sport Ireland welcomes submissions from indoor sports with regards to the capacity requirements of their individual sports.
