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

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.

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.

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 16^th and 17^th. 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.

“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/