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Irish Independent
25-04-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
47 Wexford groups to avail of grant to promote physical activity in older residents
The Grant Scheme is a combined initiative from Age & Opportunity and Sport Ireland with funding provided by the Government of Ireland. While it is funding €300,000 to 988 groups around the country overall, 47 groups in Wexford will be receiving €13,530. These range from Active Retirement Groups, ICAs, Men's/Women's Sheds, Physical Activity Leaders (PALs), care settings and other sports and social groups. Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan said: 'As outlined in the Programme for Government and the National Sports Policy 2018-2027, increased participation in sport by all is a key objective for this Government. As such, we are committed to a Sport for All approach aimed at ensuring that all persons have the opportunity to partake equally in sport and physical activity, regardless of age or social-economic status. Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue higlighted the importance of this partnership. "The continued collaboration between Sport Ireland and such organisations plays a vital part in the Department's ongoing commitment to create opportunities in people's everyday lives to exercise more.' According to Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May, by financially supporting organisations to buy equipment and host activities specifically designed for older people, the grant helps older people reap the health benefits of being active. "Being active is the key to healthy aging, and this funding is vital in building an Ireland where older adults have more opportunities to stay active and socially connected. Sport Ireland's Local Sports Partnerships do tremendous work in encouraging people to get involved in physical activity as a means of promoting a healthy lifestyle – and the Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme will allow them to continue to work in that area,' she said. 'We know from the Irish Sport Monitor report that participation levels among older people are on the rise so it's important that there are opportunities for people over the age of 50 to be involved in a variety of sports. It makes a real difference in our communities.' And while Sue Guildea, Active Programme Manager at Age & Opportunity, welcomed the news, she emphasised that there is still much more to be done. "While we celebrate the progress made, there is always more to be done. Our commitment to advocating for policies and initiatives that empower older people remains steadfast,' she added. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more The successful recipients are; Access 2000 Wexford CLG, Adamstown Community Centre, Adamstown ICA, Askamore Community Centre, Ballymitty Women's Shed, Boolavogue ICA, Bree ICA, Bunclody Mothers Union, Camross ICA, Castlebridge Manor Nursing Home, Castletown Liam Mellows Walking Club, Cherry Grove Nursing Home Ltd, Cushinstown Mens Shed, Davidstown ICA, Doers & Dreamers, Duncannon ICA, Enniscorthy Mens Shed, Ferns Mens Shed, Gorey Family Resource Centre, Grantstown Daycare Centre, Hook Pickleball, Kilanerin Ballyfad Community Association (KBDCA), Kilanerin Mens Shed, Kilmyshall ICA Guild, Kilrane/Rosslare Harbour ICA, Monaseed ICA, New Ross Active Retirement Association, New Ross Community Hospital t/a New Ross Community Care Home, Oulart ICA, Pickleball Wexford, Poulpeasty Womens Group, Ramsgrange Mens Shed, Reach Ability, Riverchapel & Courtown Ladies Club, Rosslare Harbour, Kilrane Women's Shed, Southend Family Resource Centre, St John's Community Hospital Wexford, Taghmon/Camross ARA, Taghmon Day Centre, Taghmon Family Resource Centre, Taghmon ICA, The Tuesday Club Clonegal, Tomhaggard Community Development Group, Tomhaggard Women's Shed, Wexford Mental Health Association, Wexford Working Mens Club, Women's Collective Wexford.
Express Tribune
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PM reaffirms commitment to sports
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday emphasized Pakistan's commitment to leveraging sports as a powerful tool for national growth and global harmony. In his message on the occasion of the International Day of Sports for Development and Peace, the premier stated that Pakistan stands in solidarity with the international community in recognizing the transformative power of sports to promote positive change, eliminate barriers, and foster unity beyond borders. Highlighting the role of sports in youth empowerment and national development, he said, "Sports serve as an effective medium for advancing our society and projecting Pakistan's identity on the world stage. This is why our government has declared sports a key pillar of its developmental agenda." He elaborated that the National Sports Policy is centered on grassroots participation, talent discovery, gender equality, and inclusivity. Citing initiatives like the Arshad Nadeem / Shehbaz Sharif High-Performance Academy, he said the goal is to equip young athletes with scientific training, financial backing, and modern facilities to help them meet future challenges. The prime minister stressed the importance of good governance in sports, stating, "We believe that strong governance is the foundation of successful sports institutions." He added that the government is implementing reforms to enhance transparency, accountability, and professionalism within national sports federations, ensuring merit-based athlete selection and ethical conduct. He further mentioned Pakistan's preparations for the 14th South Asian Games in 2026 and efforts to organize nationwide training camps as part of its vision to establish the country as a regional hub of sports excellence and tourism. Concluding his message, the Prime Minister urged all stakeholdersincluding civil society and development partnersto integrate sports into policies related to education, health, development, and peace.
