Sports grants boost for older people

MORE than 1,000 groups across Ireland have every reason to look forward to 2017 after being awarded grants totalling €300,000 to fund physical activity for people over the age of 50. 

The 1,064 grant recipients include Active Retirement Groups, ICA guilds, Local Sports Partnerships, sports clubs, family resources centres and many others who provide older people with opportunities to get active.

The Go for Life Grant Scheme from Age & Opportunity and Sport Ireland made the announcement.  

These grants are aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of older people across the country by providing them with opportunities to engage in physical activity and sport.  

Speaking at the announcement, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Patrick O’Donovan, said the National Physical Activity Plan, launched earlier this year, sets an ambitious target to get half a million people more active within 10 years.  

“Programmes like Go for Life and the National Grant Scheme will help us reach this target by supporting and empowering older people to get active,” said Minister O’Donovan. 

“The fact that approximately 30,000 people will take part in the activities funded by the grants shows what results can be achieved with a small investment and the record number of applications shows the continued importance of the scheme for local groups throughout the country.”

Karen Smyth, chief executive of Age & Opportunity, outlined the importance of providing opportunities for older people to engage in sport and physical activity.  

“Research shows us that physical activity improves mental 

and physical wellbeing as well as providing opportunities for social networking,” said Ms          Smyth.   

“Through our Go for Life Programme and the Grant Scheme we are helping get more older people, more active, more           often. 

“Those participating in the games today are testament to the impact these grants have in local communities, empowering older people to keep fit and healthy on their own terms.”

Also speaking at the launch, John Treacy, chief Executive of Sport Ireland, said the National Grant Scheme continues to grow in importance, as demonstrated by the record number of groups who have applied this year and the record number of grants awarded.  

“Increasing participation in sport and physical activity is one of Sport Ireland’s key strategic priorities,” he said.  

“We are delighted to partner with Age & Opportunity’s Go for Life Programme, to increase participation among older people in recreational sport activities. 

“I also want to acknowledge the groups themselves, and our own national network of Local Sports Partnerships who provide opportunities to increase participation among older people in sport and physical activity.”