€135,370 in funding announced for sport and physical activity in Mayo

A SUM of €135,370 in Dormant Accounts Funding will benefit a wide range of sport and physical activity measures in County Mayo

The Community Sports and Physical Activity Hubs in Ballinrobe and Ballyhaunis are set to receive €40,000 and €20,000, respectively.

These Hubs bring local people together and provide a home for local clubs and sports organisations.

A sum of €41,770 has also been allocated for the Urban Outdoor Adventure Initiatives to create new opportunities to participate in outdoor adventure sports in urban settings.

A total of €15,000 has also been allocated for volunteer supports initiative aims to successfully identify and assist targeted individuals with disabilities to gain community sport and physical activity leadership skills as coaches, leaders, referees and committee members.

A sum of €10,000 has also been allocated for the Sports Inclusion Disability Programme Capital Supports initiative to provide capital support to the implementation of the national SIDP.

The fund aims to reduce the barriers to sports participation for people with a disability through the provision of equipment and minor infrastructure.

A sum of €8,600 has also been allocated for the development and delivery of specialised Sports Leadership training for young people providing a stepping stone for learners into employment and also into further education or training.

The investment will be administered by Sport Ireland and will aim to engage with communities across Mayo targeting people with disabilities, people who are educationally disadvantaged and from disadvantaged communities.

Welcoming the news, Mayo Fine Gael general election candidate Alan Dillon said: “News of this new funding will be warmly welcomed by everyone involved in sport here in Mayo.

“This announcement will see over €135,370 awarded to projects locally as well as significant funding for national projects such as coaching for young people and coaching for people with disabilities.

“The Local Sports Partnership Network carries out vital work in increasing participation, particularly among those sectors of society which are underrepresented in sport.

“This work is making a substantial contribution to the health and welfare of individuals, communities and the nation."