Latest News

November News

Congratulations

Congratulations to Athlone Athlete Mark Rohan who has secured Ireland’s first ever Paracycling World Championship Gold Medal. Mark took up handcycling less than two years ago having previously represented Ireland in wheelchair basketball. The Ballinshown Man Mark Rohan won the gold medal after winning the H1 Handcycling Road Race in Baie- Comeau, Canada. Due to his efforts and that of his teammates, the Irish team has now qualified for
the Olympics in London in 2012.
Mark Rohan pictured with this proud parents Carmel and Denis Rohan

Cycle Safe Tutors

Westmeath Sports Partnership now has 5 new Cycle tutors bringing the total number of Cycle Safe tutors to 6. The new Cycle tutors participated in a week long cycle training course in conjunction with the Bikeability team from the UK. This course for schools comprised of a classroom based programme covering the theory of safe cycling. This is done in the classroom over a number of weeks. The programme contains five modules concerned with the theory of safe cycling. This level 1 part of the course is suitable for pupils from 3rd class.The modules include; 1. Bicycle Maintenance, 2. Roadcraft and Rules, 3. Road Hazards and Cycle Control, 4. Communications and Road Signs, 5. Planning a Safer Cycling Route to school. Level 2 is basic skills and cycling manoeuvres‚ practical riding off road and Level 3 and 4 is practical on road training. The tutors are trained to the highest level of cycle training. The tutors have completed the Bike Start Cycling training standards trainers‚ course level 1-4.

Cycle Safe

Cycle Safe is a Westmeath Sports Partnership Programme targeted towards 5th and 6th class pupils in Westmeath Primary Schools. The four week programme aims to assist young people in gaining the skills and knowledge to safely cycle and encourage them into the world of cycling as a mode of transport and as a source of recreation and sport.13 schools have completed the Cycle Safe programme so far in 2010. These schools are: Scoil An Chlochair, Kilbeggan Castlepollard Ns, St Ernan‚Äôs Ns, Delvin Loughegar Ns, St Mary‚’s Ns, Collinstown St Tola’s Ns, Killulagh, Coosan Ns Milltown Ns, St Peter Ns, Athlone, St Brigid’s School, Convent Primary School, Moate, Gainstown Ns, Dysart Ns

Meet n Train

The meet n train programme will commence in Coralstown/Kinnegad GAA club grounds on Monday October 11th 2010 at 8pm. This is an opportunity for anyone young or old; male or female to get out in the evening and do some exercise and meet new people. The programme is suitable for beginners through to regular runners and the emphasis is on meeting with people of a similar ability on a regular basis to walk or run. This will the third Fit4life Meet and Train initiative in Westmeath with ones already in Athlone IT Athletic Club on Mondays and Wednesday and in Mullingar Harriers on Wednesday at 7pm and now in Kinnegad on Monday nights. If you would like any more information on the Meet and Train programme, please contact Westmeath Sports Partnership at 044-9390208.

Meet n Spin

Join the Mullingar Meet n Spin group and we’ll assist you in starting cycling again (or for the first time) in safe environment; on very short routes for all different levels; with a fully qualified instructor and we’ll even supply the bike and helmet!!! The meet n spin programme takes place in Lough Sheever Park (World of Tiles) on Saturday mornings at 10am. If you would like any more information on the Meet and Spin programme, please contact Westmeath Sports Partnership at 044-9390208

Feet First

For two weeks in June pupils in three schools in the midlands region have put their ‘Feet First’ by stepping up to a challenge. As part of the ‘Feet First’ programme for schools, Westmeath Sports Partnership asked each 4th class student of Presentation Senior School Mullingar, All Saints National School Mullingar and St Michaels National School Castlepollard to complete 9,500 steps per day.The Feet First programme was created to promote physical activity in children and to promote an awareness of physical activity levels in both the school and home environment. The total distance covered by the three schools combined was a massive 3500 miles!, equal to walking the entire coastline of Ireland!, an amazing accomplishment by the students involved. Westmeath Sports Partnership would like to thank the principals and teachers of the three participating schools for there cooperation, time and interest in the programme. The biggest thanks must go to every student who took part, your enthusiasm and commitment to the programme is greatly admired, appreciated and highly respected, well done to each and every one of you!

Destination Sports Mullingar 12th -20th June 2010

Background

‘Destination Sports Mullingar’, is a concept which grew out of the success of the various events held during‚’National Bike Week’ in June 2009 and also as a result of Mullingar being established as a Category One Cycling Hub Town, in line with Failte Ireland’s strategy to promote cycling in Ireland as a tourism product. Then, in September 2009, as part of the Discover Mullingar Day, the very first ‘Sports Zone’ was held in the grounds of Loretto College in Mullingar and other sporting events were also held on the Royal Canal at Harbour Bridge.

Participating Sports Clubs availed of the opportunity to showcase their particular sport and members of the general public, young and old, had a chance to try particular sports, for themselves, in a fun way. The participating sports included: GAA, Soccer, Rugby, Cricket, Hockey, Karate, Boxing, Cycling, Basketball, Swimming & Athletics. There was no doubt, given the huge success of the ‘Sports Zone’ that Mullingar could and should host a bigger and better event.

WHO GOT INVOLVED

Westmeath County Council and Mullingar Town Council in association with Mullingar Chamber of Commerce, Westmeath Sports Partnership, Failte Ireland,
Co. Westmeath Tourism Ltd., An Garda Siochana, Lakeside Wheelers, Mullingar Harriers, Civil Defence, Mullingar Jets, Fighting Cancer Tri, Midland Tri
Club, Greville Arms Hotel, Defence Forces and various other sporting interests, have came together to co-ordinate the hosting of the ‘Destination Sports Mullingar’ event and to engage with the many sports clubs, groups and business interests in Mullingar who wished to host or support an event during the week of the 12th – 20th June.

DESTINATION SPORT ‘FOR FAMILY FUN’

A goal of ‘Destination Sports Mullingar’ was to ensure that everyone attending events or just visiting Mullingar, would, at a minimum, experience the ‘Fun’ side of the week-long celebrations and also to have many opportunities for ‘Family Fun’. Given the undoubted success of the Discover Mullingar Events in 2009, the ‘Taste of Mullingar’ will become even tastier with another open air street market with the best of local food producers, showcasing what the town has to offer, outside of the sporting arena, to those living, working or just visiting the town.

Success of Destination Sports

‘Destination Sports Mullingar’ is about celebrating SPORT. It’s about people being able to see and appreciate the level of sporting activity available right on their doorstep. It’s about showcasing individual sports and encouraging everyone to get involved, if they wish. It’s about people getting to see sports, some maybe for the first time and for people to get a sense of and appreciation for the levels of expertise that can be achieved.

‘Destination Sports Mullingar’ was hugely successful with 8 days full of sporting events and great fun. The weather was great and there were many participants in the sporting events as well as supporters. In the 8 days there were 68 sporting events and over 30 clubs involved. Starting the event there was an opening parade with 21 sports clubs involved followed by was an opening ceremony at the Market Square. Many events during the week included a canal walk, Westmeath Community Games, Boccia League, Karate, 10 pin Bowling, Interfirms soccer, Criterium Cycle Race, Streets on fire 5K and Adult Tag Rugby to name but a few.

Sports Zone was held in the grounds of Loreto College for a second year running and other sporting events were also held on the Royal Canal at Harbour Bridge. Sports Zone at Loreto allowed participating Sports Clubs to avail of the opportunity to showcase their particular sport and members of the general public, young and old, had a chance to try particular sports, for themselves, in a fun way. The participating sports included: GAA, Hockey, Karate, Boxing, Cycling, Basketball and Volleyball.The closing event of Destination Sport was the National Cycling tour on the 20th June. As part of Bike Week 2010, Cycling Ireland where supporting a ‘Raleigh around Ireland’. Over the week three riders took to the roads of Ireland, and between them they travelled through all 32 counties in Ireland. Club of the year, Lakeside Wheelers, hosted the closing event at 4pm in Mullingar town. The riders converged in Mullingar after a week of cycling, which kicked off at the spire in Dublin city on Sunday 13th May. The three riders were escorted into the town by local riders, who joined them for the last 10 miles. The festival atmosphere was boosted by live music and the Mullingar Farmer’s Market ‚’Taste of Mullingar Experience’. And on a final note, Westmeath Sports Partnership would like to give a special word of thanks to all that got involved in ‘Destination Sports Mullingar’ .

National Bike Week 13‚ 20th June 2010

This year saw National Bike Week run along side ‘Destination Sports Mullingar’ which turned out to be very successful and enjoyable week.

The biking aspects of the week included:

Bike Health Checks (All Week)
Fun Cycle- the fun cycle was along the canal townpath in Mullingar and a 10km fun cycle in Athlone
Underage Fun Cycle‚this underage Fun cycle was at the beautiful setting of Belvedere House, Gardens & Park. This event was very popular and huge numbers attended. There was free bike health checks provided on the evening as well as cycling tips and advice from members of the Lakeside Wheelers Club.
There where 2 Cycle Safe Road Shows one in Castlepollard and one in Kilbeggan. The Cycle Safe tutors met with local schools and gave a demonstration of cycling safety tips and free bike health checks for their own bikes.
Town Centre Criterium- this event took place on the street of Mullingar Town with individuals and company teams taking part. There are very few opportunities for riders to experience the thrills of racing on closed roads and this is one race that had great numbers of racers attending. Racing started at 6:30pm with 15 teams of four in an Inter-firms Team TT, which proved a very popular event with local club riders. The Cat. 4 race had the biggest field of the night with 70 riders on the start line. In the Category 3 race local riders were very prominent throughout. The main race of the mevening had category 1 and 2 riders racing for 45 minutes and two laps. David O’Loughlin of the An Post Sean Kelly team won first position.

‘The Great Mullingar Turbo Cycle Challenge’‚ is a week long challenge, it challenges the people/ companies of Mullingar to cycle as many kilometres as possible in a week. The challenge was fun, free and suitable for all levels of cyclists. The challenge involved stationary racing bikes which all had a meter keeping record of the distance travelled by each individual. This was then added to the cumulative total of all participants. The people of Mullingar should be proud for exceeding the target of 2000km.

The closing event of National Bike Week was the National Cycling tour on the 20th June. As part of Bike Week 2010, Cycling Ireland where supporting a ‘Raleigh around Ireland’. Over the week three riders took to the roads of Ireland, and between them they travelled through all 32 counties in Ireland.

Club of the year, Lakeside Wheelers, hosted the closing event at 4pm in Mullingar town. The riders converged in Mullingar after a week of cycling, which kicked off at the spire in Dublin city on Sunday 13th May. The three riders were escorted into the town by local riders, who joined them for the last 10 miles. The festival atmosphere was boosted by live music and the Mullingar Farmer’s Market ‚’Taste of Mullingar Experience’.

Active Travel Mullingar

The ‘Active Travel Mullingar’ project is made up of 2 separate funded
projects, which are being led by Westmeath County Council in partnership with
Westmeath Sports Partnership Ltd, the HSE and Waterways Ireland.

1. Mullingar Cycle Network Project

This project will deliver 20k of cycle lanes in Mullingar and environs and is progressing under the Greener Routes Strategy and part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The vision is to establish Mullingar as a sustainable movement centre, using best practice principles with a view to promoting ‘Green Routes’ to achieve sustainable growth both economically and physically thereby promoting safe travel, improving health and increasing tourism in the greater mullingar area.

2. Smarter Travel Mullingar Project

Under the Smarter Travel Project fund part funded by the Department of Transport, this project collaborates with Westmeath Sports Partnership Ltd., and the HSE, seeks to provide cycling and walking infrastructure, utilising the Royal Canal townpaths around Mullingar town, to encourage commuters to mpark their cars on the outskirts of the town and either walk or cycle to mtheir destination. Both projects aim to increase recreational cycling and walking in the Mullingar area and will involve implementing numerous measures. Bike Shelters and bike parking facilities will be available at strategic points within the town including primary and secondary schools. There will be also Cycle safe, walking and health education within local mcommunities, primary schools and secondary schools.

As part of the overall ‚’Active Travel Mullingar’ project there will also be a dedicated webpage which will provide information on active travel planning to any facility within the ‘Active Travel Mullingar’ project. It will also promote the health benefits of walking and cycling, show bike maintenances tips, CO2 calculators
etc. Work on establishing the currently ongoing.

Buntús

Buntús is an imitative of the Irish Sports Council which is delivered and supported by the Local Sports Partnership network. Buntús programmes are developed to support teachers and childcare practitioners in introducing young people to sport and physical activity.All Buntús programmes

A large resource pack of equipment
Resource cards that offer a range of skill development and fun activities
Training to assist teachers and childcare practitioners implement the programme

The three key components of the programme are designed to provide easy to understand, and accessible support to give children a fun, but high quality, introduction to sport and physical activity.

Buntús Start is a comphensive child centered physical activity programme for children aged 2-5 years old. It is designed for use in pre-school settings to provide a wide range of learning opportunities for young children to develop their fundamental motor skills, manipulative skills, co-ordination and balancing skills and develop a positive attitude to physical activity.

Buntús Play and Sport complement the games strand of the Physical Education curriculum in primary schools and is offered to all primary schools and special needs schools. Buntús Play and Sport are designed to give children a fun, but high quality, introduction to sport and physical activity. The programmes help develop fundamental skills such as sending, receiving and travelling with a ball, to engage in game like situations which include running, dodging, chasing and exploiting space.

Come ‘n’ Try it – Older People

Come ‘n’ Try it for Older Adults is an opportunity for older adults male and female to get out and do some exercise in a fun way and meet new people. The programme offers a range of different activities and no experience is necessary to participate. Activities on the day will include short mat bowls, boccia, kurling and much much more.Come ‘n’ Try it – Older People starts on the 26th November in Ballymore Community Centre @ 10.30-3 PM

Go for Life

PAL’s (Physical Activity Leader) Training – Go For LifeGo for Life is the national programme for sport and physical activity for older people. The aim of Go for Life is to involve older adults in all aspects of sport and physical activity more often. The thrust of the programme is to empower and enable older people by reaching out to active retirement associations, senior citizens groups, day care and community centres around the country, to ensure that more older people are more active, more often. Go for Life is an Age & Opportunity initiative funded by the Irish Sports Council. The Go for Life team at Age and Opportunity administers the Go for Life programme, working in partnership with the Health Service Executive and the Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs).There are many different elements to the Go for Life programme. Two core aims of the programme are that it will enable the PAL to plan safe and enjoyable physical activity sessions for older people and enable the PAL to plan a 5-week physical activity programme suitable for older peopleAt present, The Go For Life programme is being rolled out on Wednesdays in Streete Sport Complex, Streete over 9 weeks.

Sports Hall Athletics

Sports Hall Athletics uses the fundamentals of athletics: running, jumping, throwing – as these are the core building blocks for participation in all sports activities. The events are for school age competitors that encourage participation and have an emphasis on fun. They games are predominantly held indoors and are an enjoyable multi skills activity. The agility challenge is a structured approach to the introduction of the key Sports hall events, coupled with an award programme. The final event will be in March. The programme will be rolled out in schools in the Westmeath area.

Grants

2010 Club Development Sports Fund

The funding aims to encourage the setup of New Clubs, to continue to support Existing Clubs, to focus on developing quality Coaching resources throughout Westmeath and to encourage all Coaches, Officials and Volunteers to undertake appropriate education and training.

The three funding opportunities that where made available where;

New Clubs – This fund aims to encourage the set-up of new clubs. Priority will be given to minority sports, low participation groups and target groups identified in the WSP Strategy.

Existing Clubs – This fund is to continue our support of existing club in their development through the recruitment of new members or the retention of current members

Coach/Officer Training –This fund focuses on developing quality coaching resources in Westmeath and encouraging all coaches/officials/volunteers to undertake appropriate education and training.

Courses Available

Code of EthicsThe ‘Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport’ in Ireland is for the benefit of everyone involved in children’s sport – children, parents/guardians and Sports Leaders, etc. By following the principles, policy and practice guidelines contained in the Code, adult sport leaders are playing their part in providing an enjoyable and safe environment in which children can learn and thrive.Code of Ethics – Child Welfare & Protection in Sport Awareness TrainingWestmeath Sports Partnership offers a 4 hour basic awareness course to all those over the age of 18 years.‘The Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport’ in Ireland is designed to provide guidance for those working with young people in sport. It is a practical set of guidelines for those involved in sport for young people. This course highlights the main principles of the Code and looks at measures that clubs can take to create and maintain the safest possible environment for young people. As well as undertaking child protection training, all clubs and organisations are encouraged to adopt child protection policies and procedures as outlined in the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport.

Code of Ethics Training is available in Mullingar and Athlone on various different dates. The dates for Mullingar are Monday 4th December, 6th December and 18th December.

Athlone are 6th November and 4th December.

For information on the above course please contact Westmeath Sports Partnership on 044-93 90208.

Sports First Aid

This course aims to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement an effective sports injury prevention programme and give competent first aid to the ill or injured until medical aid arrives in a sporting environment.

On completion of the course the participants will be able to:

Operate in accordance with the accepted roles and responsibilities of a sports first aider.
Prepare and implement an injury prevention program.
Assist with warm-up, stretching and cool down.
Assist with fluid replacement.
Follow defined Sports First Aid crisis management strategies.
Follow defined Sports First Aid immediate injury management strategies.

Training is available in Mullingar and Athlone on various different dates in December.

For information on the courses included please contact Westmeath Sports Partnership on 044-9390208 / info@westmeathsports.ie

Midlands Boccia Finals

A Boccia League was developed for Disability Organisations in Westmeath and Offaly and implemented by the Sports Inclusion Disability Officers of Westmeath/Offaly Sports Partnership. This provided each centre with the opportunity to compete against teams within Westmeath and Offaly. The league is run on a round robin system, allowing each team to accumulate points and hopefully make it to the finals. The first league outing for this year was held on Thursday, 28th October in Moate Community Hall, with 30 teams competing. The league outing was a great success with all participants showing great skill, competitiveness and enthusiasm. Date of our next league outing will be confirmed over the next few weeks.Westmeath Sports Partnership would like to thank staff, participants and volunteers for their continued support to the programme/league.

Midlands United Power Soccer Club

Midlands United Power Soccer Club was established in February 09. Within five months of establishment, Midlands United won the National League and Cup. In 2010, Midlands United was runners up in both the National League and National Cup. Midlands United are currently competing in this year’s National League with the intent of retaining both titles. Training takes place every second Tuesday in Moate Community Hall from 5.30pm to 7.00pm.Midlands United Power Soccer Club are currently looking to expand the number participating. If you would like to get involved either as a player or volunteer, please contact: Westmeath Sports Partnership on 044 9390208.

Equestrian Programme

An equestrian programme was established in Athlone for Adults with intellectual disabilities to give participants the opportunity to participate in horse riding and also to give participants a pathway to participate in Special Olympics events. Participants availing of this programme benefit physically, psychologically and socially. The programme is implemented once a week and involves horse riding lessons, grooming and forest treks.Buntús Play and Sport complement the games strand of the Physical Education curriculum in primary schools and is offered to all primary schools and special needs schools. Buntús Play and Sport are designed to give children a fun, but high quality, introduction to sport and physical activity. The programmes help develop fundamental skills such as sending, receiving and travelling with a ball, to engage in game like situations which include running, dodging, chasing and exploiting space.

Transition Year Programme

On Thursday, 23rd of September, 21 Transition Students from Loreto Secondary School Mullingar completed ‘Sports Disability Awareness Training’ implemented by the Sports Partnership. The aim of the course was to develop an awareness and understanding of disability issues through theoretical and practical experience and to encourage the students to apply and promote good practice when interacting with people with disabilities. The course also incorporated the importance of involvement in sport and physical activity for people with disabilities, helped the students understand and become familiar with the barriers to participation in sport and physical activity. As a result of completing the Sports Disability Awareness Training, the Transition Year Students are currently implementing a physical activity programme for St. Brigid’s Special Education School. The programme is implemented once a week and will run up until Christmas holidays. The programme incorporates a variety of sport and fun activities and is delivered under the supervision of the Sports Inclusion Disability Officer and the Physical Education Teacher.

Sports Hall Athletics Programme implemented in Special Education Schools in Westmeath

Under the Sports Inclusion Disability Programme, Westmeath Sports Partnership delivered the Sports Hall Athletics Programme in St. Hilda’s and St. Brigid’s Special Education Schools. The mission of the programme is to deliver a fun programme while working on improving children’s agility, balance and coordination. The aim of the programme is to equip children with the core fundamental motor and fitness skills which will enhance participant’s future involvement in sport and physical activity and enhance quality of life through the provision of direct and appropriate child centred training. The programme uses equipment that is bright, safe and colourful thereby offering immediate appeal to children. Both schools successfully completed an eight week module.If you require further information on any programme implemented by the Sports Inclusion Disability Officer, please go to www.westmeathsports.ie or if you would like to get involved either as a participant or volunteer, please contact:Westmeath Sports Partnership – Sports Inclusion Disability OfficerMary Duignan at (044) 9390208 or by email to mary@westmeathsports.ie

News Bites!!

We have moved!!

Westmeath Sports Partnership was moved offices. We are now based in
Governor’s House, County Buildings, Mount Street, Mullingar, Co.
Westmeath.

Facebook / Twitter

We are up and running online so for latest news and updates follow us on
facebook and twitter.

Find us on facebook sport westmeath

Find us on twitter @WESTMEATHSPORTS

If you have sporting news post a comment or send a tweet and we will
spread the news!

Comments are closed.