More than 16,000 people in Limerick registered to take part in over 130 programmes and initiatives organised by Limerick Sports Partnership in 2020. The figures from Limerick Sports Partnership are included in the 2020 Annual Report published by Sport Ireland. The report highlights the work of the Local Sports Partnership (LSP) Network and the impact they have on participation levels by engaging key target populations across Ireland.
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Limerick Sports Partnership has continued to provide programmes and initiatives to ensure that everyone in Limerick has the opportunity to share in the enjoyment as well as the mental and physical health benefits of sport and physical activity.
In 2020, Sport Ireland allocated over €870,000 in Programme Funding to the LSP Network, an increase of 53% from the 2019 investment. Programme funding is at the core of the LSPs engagement with participants and allows for the delivery of a range of community, club and school based initiatives, programmes and events.
In Limerick, over 16,000 people registered to take part in over 130 programmes and initiatives. In 2020 as a consequence of Covid, the LSPs engaged communities and key target groups through multiple new mechanisms.
These included:
- Publication of Resource Booklets
- Articles in local print media
- Utilisation of social media platforms to deliver initiatives
- Physical activity online classes delivered via Zoom
- Weekly and monthly challenges to meet targets around distance covered etc.
- Provision of equipment to individuals and communities to engage in physical activity
- Creation of the ‘Active Limerick Hub’ on our website which hosted a library of resources including videos to support people’s participation in physical activity.
Phelim Macken, Coordinator Limerick Sports Partnership said: “Despite the challenges that 2020 presented, the Limerick Sports Partnership staff were very creative in designing programmes, initiatives and activities to engage our key target groups to continue their involvement in physical activity. Existing programmes that were in place at the start of COVID continued into the online space and set the standard for the potential of many new online programmes and events.”
“As the year unfolded, individuals and communities explored opportunities in order to look after their physical and mental health. For some the online classes provided opportunities for both physical, mental and social interactions, while others found benefit in achieving targets as set out by monthly challenges.”
“Walking, jogging and cycling were explored by many individuals, some for the very first time, as people took individual and collective responsibility for their health and wellbeing. The year also provided opportunities around CPD coach education. This resulted in the delivery of multiple courses in the online space to coaches, volunteers and committee members. Unfortunately, not all target groups were reached or supported sufficiently during the pandemic, however the LSPs are now designing programmes and plans to target those impacted the most during Covid-19.”
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin welcomed the publication of the Report: “The National Sports Policy recognises the key role played by the Local Sports Partnerships in sports participation and how they can assist in the delivery of the ambitious participation actions set out in the Policy. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the LSP network worked hard to develop new and innovative initiatives to target cohorts of the population who were most likely to be less active during the restrictions. This work will continue in to 2021 as we see the gradual return to sport and physical activity. Together we will work to increase access to sport and physical activity opportunities for all cohorts of the population”.
Minister of State for the Gaeltacht and Sport, Jack Chambers commented: “I commend the work of the LSPs and community organisations they worked with throughout a difficult year. By collaborating closely with organisations within and outside the sporting sector, the LSPs delivered a range and variety of programmes and initiatives in communities throughout Ireland. As we move in to 2021 and beyond, the LSPs will continue to develop and deliver physical activity opportunities that are accessible and inclusive at a local level. I look forward to seeing the activities in the months and years to come as we move toward the target set out by the National Sports Policy”.
John Treacy, Chief Executive Sport Ireland added: “2020 was a very difficult year for the LSPs and sports participation in general. I must commend the staff and volunteers in the LSPs who adapted quickly and with agility to continue to support people to stay active during the pandemic. They embraced new ways of reaching the various groups in their community and worked together to deliver initiatives and resources at a national level. Although participation numbers reduced in 2020 due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, we believe that the LSP network is well prepared and primed to promote a safe return to sport, in line with Government regulations. We are confident that as Government restrictions are gradually lifted LSPs will quickly return to, and even exceed, the high levels of engagement seen in 2019”.
The full 2020 LSP Annual Report can be viewed at here.