Longford Sports Partnership annual report highlights huge participation levels

The Longford Sports Partnership Annual Report for 2022 shows that the number of people who participated in local sporting initiatives led by the Local Sports Partnership in Longford is a figure - 24,766 - that is equal to more than half the population of the county as per Census 2022.

The significant participation rates are a welcome result following the renewal of so many sporting activities in the post pandemic year of 2022.

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Colm Murray said, “These participation levels indicate the dedication of Longford Sports Partnership to supporting sporting organisations, encouraging excellence, and increasing sport and physical activity in our county, and I’d like to commend all involved for their commitment to this work.”

Chief Executive Paddy Mahon added, “Longford County Council is proud to support Longford Sports Partnership in the work that it does to promote healthy and active lifestyles that take advantage of the wonderful amenities that exist in this county. It’s fantastic to see people engaging with this valuable service.”

PICTURES | Large crowd hears Bressie deliver keynote speech at Longford Community Safety & Wellbeing Expo

Speaking upon the publication of the report, Sports Coordinator with Longford Sports Partnership Sarah Mulligan added, “We are delighted to see a marked increase in participation rates in sporting activities in 2022, the numbers are showing growth, even on pre-pandemic levels. We are particularly pleased with the increase of those participating in diversity programmes, especially being able to provide introductory access to children to new sports in disadvantaged areas.”

In 2022, 24,766 people participated in over 400 initiatives and programmes. This included 671 people with disabilities who participated in 27 Sports Inclusion Disability Programmes, including horse riding, Pilates, Zumba and water sports.

It also includes 10,848 participants, including 3,067 females, who participated in the ‘Football in the Community’ programme.

In 2022, Longford Sports Partnership supported clubs through the Club Development and Volunteer Grant, benefiting 38 clubs with €22,890 in grants and 57 clubs with €68,715.48 in grants for the COVID-19 Club Small Grant Scheme.

Initiatives over the course of the year also included Bike Week, Women on the Water, Sports Hall Athletics, Activator Training, and water sports programmes in local schools. Longford Sports Partnership also worked with Longford Tourism for the Longford Trail Run Series, encouraging recreational, social and leisure runners to become more active during the summer months.
Sports hubs in Drumlish and Edgeworthstown had hundreds of participants in exercise classes and other activities, promoting fitness, health, and social interaction, supported by Longford Sports Partnership.

Nominations sought for Longford Leader Sports Star Awards 2023

The 2022 diversity programmes included the Sports Introduction Initiative with Longford Community Safety Partnership, Longford Traveller Health Care Project and Longford LEAP Project. It introduced underprivileged children to various sports, offering them a constructive outlet for their energy.

While all this was taking place, administrative work continued to support the sporting development throughout the county. Applications are currently open for the Sport Star Awards, the Club Development and Volunteer Supports scheme and the Sports Bursary.

Ongoing Initiatives
Sports Star Awards 2023: The public are invited to submit nominations for the 2023 Longford Leader Sports Star Awards, in association with Longford Sports Partnership. Recognising local sports heroes, nominations can be emailed to longfordsports awards2023@gmail.com or posted to Longford Leader Sports Star Awards 2023, Longford Leader, Market Square, Longford N39 KN82. Include the nominee’s name, club and sport and a brief explanation for their nomination. Closing date for nominations is Thursday, November 9 at 10am. The award ceremony takes place on Friday, November 24.

Club Developments and Volunteer Supports Grants Scheme: This offers grants to sports organisations increasing participation in sport and physical activity. New clubs, volunteer supports, minority sports, and projects targeting groups with low participation rates are encouraged to apply. Closes for applications on Tuesday, October 31. Further information, including application forms are available on longfordsports.ie or by email to sports@longfordcoco.ie. Funded by Sport Ireland.

Longford County Council Sports Bursary: This scheme is now open for applications, offering financial assistance to individuals with the potential to achieve sporting excellence. Closes for application on Wednesday, 8 November. Further information, including application forms are available on longfordsports.ie or by email to sports@longfordcoco.ie.
Longford Sports Partnership is part of Longford County Council and funded by Sport Ireland.

For further details, contact Longford Local Sports Partnership by emailing: sports@longfordcoco.ie or calling 043 334 34 93.