Clare bids to become active county by 2014

THE success of a training programme in the twin communities of Killaloe and Ballina has been lauded as an example of what is needed for Clare to become an active county by 2014.

One of the successes of the previous Active Living Strategy was the Meet and Train (M&T) initiative established by the Clare Sports Partnership.
The newest M&T group to be established is the Killaloe/Ballina group under the leadership of Bronagh Moriarty.
Commenting on the success of the initiative, Ms Moriarty said she is delighted with the numbers participating in the sessions.
“This group is unique as it includes people from both Killaloe and Ballina and is supported by both the Clare and North Tipperary Sports Partnerships. The programme includes two training sessions, one in the morning and one in the evening time in response to when people are available. It is vital that the timing of such programmes is arranged to allow and encourage maximum participation.”
M&T groups provide a safe environment where people of all ages and ability can walk, jog or run in the company or their friends and have fun while doing so.
Clare County Development Board, in conjunction with Clare Sports Partnership, this week unveiled its strategy to promote and support increased participation, by those living or visiting County Clare, in active recreation, physical and sporting activities over the next three years.
Building on the achievements of the Recreation and Sport Strategy 2009-2011, the Active Living Strategy provides a framework to facilitate the vision of sport and physical activity becoming part of daily life for everyone in Clare.
Clare County Development Board (CDB) chairperson, Councillor Patricia McCarthy stated, “The strategy has a strong social inclusion focus, which is a priority for the members of the CDB. It will allow all agencies in the CDB, especially those working with women and young girls, youths, older adults, people with disabilities and the unemployed to promote the benefits and awareness of physical activity in terms of improved quality of life, general health, mental health and social connectedness.”
She added this is crucial in light of the fact that 15.5% of the population are sedentary, that is, they do not engage in any sporting activity or undertake recreational walks, or walk or cycle for transport.
Mayor of Clare Pat Hayes added, “An important element of the strategy is capacity building within local communities to develop and manage sporting and active recreational programmes and events that meet the needs of those living in the areas”.
He added there is a strong link between local events, such as walking festivals, running/cycling events and tourism. He said the role these events have in supporting various charities must also be acknowledged and encouraged.
“We all have a responsibility for our own health and I urge everyone to get involved in local activities and perhaps give something back to the local community by taking a leadership role,” he said.
Clare Sports Partnership chairperson Máire Johnston, stressed the partnership is delighted to once again to be in a position to work with the County Development Board to bring about the second joint strategy for sports and physical activity.
The collaborative approach has worked well since 2007 and has meant that investment in sports and physical activity in the county has become very strategic and cost effective.
A copy of the strategy is available from Clare Sports Partnership, the Community and Enterprise Directorate of Clare County Council and online at www.clarecoco.ie or www.claresportspartnerhsip.ie.