Mayo Sports Partnership makes a real difference

Mayo Sports Partnership, which is the lead organiser of the upcoming Mayo.ie Western People Women’s Mini-Marathon, has helped developed a rapid increase in participation across all sports in Mayo.

First set up in 2004, Mayo Sports Partnership helps unemployed, people in disadvantaged areas, older adults, young people, people with disabilities, women and girls, and ethnic minorities to get involved in sport and get active.

From 2019 to 2024, €4,038,327 was invested and 505 programmes were delivered locally, with 60,284 participants in total. Of that number, 10,077 were from disadvantaged backgrounds 11,114 female participants took part in local Women in Sport programmes while 4,614 participants came through the Sports Disability Inclusion Programme. Another 8,769 participants were in four to five physical activity interventions such as Daily Mile, Operation Transformation, Marathon Kids, Playground Markings, etc.

As well as participants, volunteerism plays a crucial role, with 3,107 volunteers attending 35 training and education workshops and 1,350 volunteers were trained in 28 courses for safeguarding.

Among the successful programmes include Wheelchair Basketball, Golf For All and Teen Girl Adventure Programme. Wheelchair Basketball saw Mayo Sports Partnership join up with Ballinrobe Basketball Club, Lakeside Sports Centre, Ballinrobe Sports Hub and the Irish Wheelchair Association to introduce wheelchair basketball to new participants, providing benefits both physically and mentally to new participants and engage in a club/group activity. Other initiatives in other Sports Hub locations included the establishment of a new cricket club in Ballina, a Pétanque (French Boules) club in Castlebar Outdoor Hub and inclusive soccer futsal in Ballyhaunis.

Mayo Sports Partnership particularly targets hard to reach groups such as people with a disability, new communities, teenage girls and women, disadvantaged youth, older adults, etc.

Golf For All was launched in conjunction with Castlebar Golf Club and Western Care to provide an opportunity for people with a disability to play the sport. Some 44 people completed the programme – 15 adults and 29 youths - with four eight-week programmes taking place, including a diversity programme for teenagers.

HER Moves surfing was launched to increase participation and physical activity among inactive teenage girls. The programme came about after Achill Outdoor previously collaborated with Foróige through a past summer programme. Hillwalking and rock climbing were chosen by the participants, with each activity designed to be both challenging and achievable.

Hillwalking took place at Drummin Woods, near Foxford, and a loop walk on Achill Island while the rock climbing took place at the indoor climbing wall in Achill Outdoor Education Centre.

The girls who took part develop resilience and a sense of agency as they overcame personal obstacles. By stepping outside their comfort zones and setting realistic goals, participants gained a strong sense of accomplishment, which significantly boosted their self-confidence.

Other key initiatives that took place in 2024 included Come & Try Rugby for International Protection Children, Staying Fit for the Future Better Balance Programme, the establishment of a County Outdoor Recreation Committee to oversee the development of a county action plan and the very successful Activator Walking with Poles programme now established in 23 different locations across the county.

Mayo Sports Partnership is headed up by Charlie Lambert with a team including Programme Manager Ray McNamara, Community Sport Development Officer Deirdre Donnelly, Physical Activity for Health Officer Edel O'Malley, Club Development and Diversity Officer Kate Feehan, Promotions and Awareness Officer Janette Slattery, Outdoor Recreation Officer Kieran Reilly and Administrator Celena Mc Cormack. 

The Partnership can be contacted at 094-9064360 or email: mayosportspartnership@mayococo.ie or on its website at www.mayo.ie/sportspartnership.

The Mayo.ie Western People Women’s Mini-Marathon will be held in Castlebar on Bank Holiday Sunday, May 4, with the starting point at The Mall in Castlebar at 12 noon. Registration is now open at www.westofirelandwomensminimarathon.com.