Background
South Tipperary Sports Partnership was established in 2007 as part of the Irish Sports Council’s (ISC) Local Sports Partnership national initiative. The purpose of the Sports Partnership is to promote a co-ordinated approach at local level to the sustainable development of sport.
STSP is driven by the contribution and support of the member agencies, who are committed to the vision and goals of the Partnership and to making the Partnership work in the community of South Tipperary by making a difference to the people on the ground. The Partnership structure comprises representation from key member agencies and from the community in South Tipperary and operates as a sub structure of the County Council. Presently the staff comprises of Sports Co-ordinator, Sports Administrator, Shared Sports Inclusion Disability Officer and part time Office Assistant.
In 2015, as part of the local government reform South Tipperary & North Tipperary Sports Partnerships will amalgamate to form a single county wide structure for the development of sport and physical activity in Tipperary.
What We Do
Our aim is to develop Sport and increase lifelong physical activity in South Tipperary. We salute those in our community who are active in their daily lives and we encourage and support those who want to do more, especially those who, for whatever reasons find it hardest.
How We Do It
STSP works in partnership with the Irish Sports Council, local agencies and sporting organisations to facilitate and lead opportunities for people to participate in sport and physical activity in South Tipperary. As the STSP moves into an uncertain and challenging period, we will continue to partner with others who have a role to play and share our vision with them so that our combined resources generate the best return for the community of South Tipperary. We develop and deliver programmes and participation opportunities in as sustainable a manner as possible. We also recognise that the quality and enjoyment of a sports experience are central to continued participation.
Who Can Participate
STSP works with participants and providers to lower the barriers to participation in physical activity and sport. In particular we work with the individuals in the following target groups who have low levels of participation:
- Young People
- Women& Teenage Girls
- The Unemployed
- Older Adults
- People with Disabilities
- Disadvantaged Groups
Sample of Participation Programmes & Events
Cycling Initiatives
A growing number of initiatives are rolled out during National Bike Week, which include many cycling club led events such as a Cycle League, Tots to Teen Fun Bike Day, Family Cycles, Cycle Spin for Ladies, Cycle spins for beginners and a 55k and 100k Event.
In conjunction with the local authority, STSP held a Bike Skills Day where over 180 children demonstrated their Bike Skills. This day was a culmination of the Safer Cycling Programme which was delivered to 14 Primary Schools during the school year. Also the Sports Partnership facilitated was a 5k Family Cycle in conjunction with Clonmel Cycling Club and a 1k cycle for tots.
Cycling has come to the fore in South Tipperary in recent years, in 2014 STSP facilitated Cycling Irelands Bike for Life Programme which provided Coaching Qualifications and Leader Training for cycling leaders in 5 Cycling Clubs. A Bike for Life programme was facilitated for women in 2014 which was a great success. Further programmes are planned for 2015. In addition, Sprocket Rocket training was also facilitated with Cycling Ireland and delivered to volunteers in the Tipperary Dyspraxia Association.
TIPPERARY WOMENS MINI MARATHON
STSP & NTSP come together on an annual basis to host the Tipperary Women’s Mini Marathon. The event has gone from strength to strength since the inaugural event in 2010. The event is aimed at women over 18 years of age, with the overall aim to increase participation in sport and physical of women and to encourage a healtier lifestyle. Approx 1,000 women register for this event with many raising funds for charities of their choices. In 2014, the oldest competitor was Maurenn Armstrong, aged 89 years young. International athlete Siobhan O’Doherty took the honours in Thurles. This event will take place in Clonmel on the 27th September 2015.
Over the last 5 years we have witnessed a rise in the number of women participating in walking and jogging with a rise in the number of established meet n train groups. There is now 9 meet n train groups up and running on a weekly basis in South Tipperary with many of the groups coming together to train for the Mini Marathon specifically like Ballingarry Meet n Train.
Check out www.tippminimarathon.ie for further information.
WALKING INITIATIVES
Walking programmes and initiatives are rolled out by the Partnership on an annual basis. In conjunction with the IHF Walking Leader Training is facilitated and the Partnership supports new community leaders to avail of this training. In 2014 new leaders from Clerihan & Cahir completed this training and now regularly lead walks in their communities. As part of the promotion of Walking ‘Lets Get Walking’ workshops are delivered to groups/communities to assist them to get started and outline benefits of walking and to give them also a good understanding of posture, technique, stretching and safety issues. A number of community walks are also promoted and supported.
Operation Transformation
On an annual basis RTE’s Operation Transformation team up with the Irish Sports Council and Local Sports Partnerships by organising a number of special Operation Transformation National Walks which took place in 54 locations all around Ireland, the highest number to date. In South Tipperary, over 550 walkers stepped out in Clonmel and Cahir
Meet & Train
Over the past number of years there has been a substantial increase in the number of groups coming together to be active. Currently, there are 10 groups who are participating in Meet n Train activities across South Tipperary. The Sports Partnership provides assistance and support to these groups.
This programme commenced in January 2014 with the support of STSP. The aim of the programme is to provide an opportunity for Mums to participate in physical activity while keeping baby with them in their buggy. The classes are a mixture of indoor and outdoor activity delivered in a fun and social environment. In October, a 5k Buggy Push was hosted with over 260 participants, 75 buggies were pushed while also raising funds for the Special Baby Care Unit at South Tipperary General Hospital.
Sports Inclusion Disability Programme
South Tipperary Sports Partnership is privileged to be a position to have a SIDO in place, this position is a shared position with NTSP and programmes are delivered across Tipperary. Through the work of the programme and linking with sports clubs and service providers a variety of initiatives and programmes are rolled out annually such as the Boccia League, Outdoor Walks, Moorehaven Soccer Cup and Disability Inclusion Training & Awareness. Work also takes place with specific groups such as Dyspraix and Autism groups to provide opportunities for the groups to participate in physical activity & Sport. A notable success of the programme is a Boxing programme established in Tipperary Town with Tipperary Boxing Club and the Moorehaven Centre for intellectual disabilities, this programme in 2014 was extended to other services. Another success story is the development of a Tennis for All Club in Kilfeacle which is going from strength to strength.
Volunteer in Sport
South Tipperary Sports Partnership strongly recognise that without the work of volunteers in sport there would be very little opportunities for people to participate in physical activity or indeed excel in sport. On an annual basis STSP links with the Canon Hayes National Sports Awards and invites nominations from sports clubs and organisations across South Tipperary identifying individuals whose exceptional efforts as volunteer have made a difference to sport in their club and community. In 2014 the Tipperary Volunteer in Sport was Anne O’Dwyer was the overall winner nominated by Eire Og Annacarthy/Donhill Camogie Club and received her awards from Minister for Sport Michael Ring.
Training & Development:
South Tipperary Sports Partnership is charged with maintaining and increasing participation in sport and physical activity in the County. Our remit embraces the provision of information and training opportunities in South Tipperary. As a result a number of education and training workshops and courses are delivered through KRSP.
Code of Ethics
The Partnership delivers 6 to 8 Child Welfare & Protection Courses annually for Sports leaders and other adults involved in organisation of sport for young people. This course assists them to create and maintain a safe and fun environment for young people within the sports club or organisation. To date over 620 coaches and volunteers have attended the Code of Ethics courses.
Children’s Officer
Club Children’s Officers courses are also facilitated by the Partnership and this course is a follow on from the Child Welfare & Protection Course and expands on the material already received. This information is to support the Club Children’s Officer in the implementation of best practice in their club. To date over 74 coaches and volunteers have attended the Children’s Officer Workshops.
Additional training and development opportunities include:
- BeActive ASAP
- Buntus Start
- Go for Life Workshops
- Sports First Aid
Our Vision is:
‘Activity for All’
Developing Sport and Increasing Lifelong Physical Activity in South Tipperary