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Disability & Sport Summer Programme
County Boccia League
The July round of the county Boccia league took place in De la Salle Sports hall in Castlebar on Monday 26th July. 10 teams participated on the day. IWA had a big representation on the day with seven of the 10 teams from all over the county representing Castlebar, Westport, Claremorris, Ballina and Belmullet. As the day progressed through the group stages IWA were well placed Belmullet B and IWA 3 in the semi finals against Charlestown A and Charlestown B. Charlestown A were looking to regain their tital that they had lost to Belmullet A in April, and reached the final where they defeated Belmullet B who had looked very strong all through the day but could not get the better of Charlestown A.
The next round of the County Boccia League will be held in Belmullet Sports Centre on Monday 20th september 2010 were the home teams will be looking for a big performance. if you would like to enter a team in the Boccia league contact Ray Mc Namara on 094 9047023 or rmcnamara@mayococo.ie
Inclusive Summer Camp for Children with a disability and their friends
The 2010 Summer Camp was held in De la Salle Sports Hall from 19th - 23rd July. a great week was had by all that attended the Camp as they got to participate in Sports and Activities which included Basketball, Soccer, Balloon Volleyball, Cúlí, Crazy golf, Tennis, Badminton, Tab Rugby, Rounders and fun Games.
The week consisted of different Sports and activities every day which provided Children with a variety of tasks and challenges throughout the week. Children completed tasks and learned new skills which improve Balance, Coordination, Consentration, Social skills and fitness. Children are incorraged to take what they have learned during the course of the week and participate in these activities at home in their own community.
A great week was had by all and energy levels they extremly high with everyone joining in the fun games that were played during the week. Look out for the Children's Saturday Club coming up in September in Castlebar and Ballina it you are interested in gettig involvedfor more information contact Ray Mc Namara on 094 9047023 or rmcnamara@mayococo.ie
Achill Outdoor adventure Day a Huge Success
The first Outdoor Adventure Day for people with a disability organised by Mayo Sports Partnerships Disability Officer Ray Mc Namara took place on the 21st April 2010 in
The day started off wonderfully as the 61 participants descended on the Achill Outdoor Education Centre the
The groups with their leaders and helpers went in different directions to take part in activities of their choice. Participants then came together for lunch and could choose from Archery, Climbing Wall, Environmental Beech Combing and Hill Walking for the afternoon. Participants with disabilities such as physical, learning, visually impaired all took part and had a great day.
Special thanks to PWDI for their support in funding the event. Tim Daly and staff of the Achill Outdoor Centre and to Kevin O Callaghan and all the Students of GMIT who helped out on the day. GMIT added a disability module to its course where students completed disability awareness training, training on how to deal with people with a disability in an outdoor setting. They also had to help organise the Outdoor Adventure Day and helping people take part in the activities on offer.
Arthritis Exercise Programme Timetable
Belmullet - Bernies Fitness Tuesday 5.30pm
Disability helpers Award
Disability Helpers course took place on the 5th March 2010 in Ballina Swiming Pool and Sports Complex. 22 participants attended the course and are now certified by Swim ireland to assist people with a disability in the water. Many of the participants will now go forward to complete thier disability assistant swim teachers qualification which takes place in April and again in May.
County Boccia Competition
Irish Wheelchair Accosiation (IWA) A Team win County Boccia Tournament
The County Boccia tournament continued in Breffy Gaa club house from 12noon - 3pm on wednesday the 5th March 2010
Charlestown A and Irish Wheelchair Accosiation (IWA) A team contested a very competitive final. Charlestown A came in to the competition as champions of the last competition held on the 3rd February 2010 and were keen to hold on to their title. after the first two ends Charlestown A lead 4-0 but IWA A won the next three ends and lead the match 11-4 heading in to the last two ends, Charlestown took the last two ends but it was the IWA A team the triumpted on the day with an 11 - 6 victory to rain as champions until the next competition in May.
Assistant Disability Swim Teachers Course
Date: 16th & 17th April 2010
Venue: Ballina Swimming Pool and Sports Complex
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
This Course is now full there will be another assistant course coming up in May, details will appear here.
For more information contact Ray Mc Namara on 094 9047023 or rmcnamara@mayococo.ie
Disability Swimmers Helpers Course
Date: Friday 5th March 2010
Time: 9.30 - 4.30
Venue: Ballina swimming Pool and Sports Complex: Cost €50
Course is full, but if you are interested in taking part in future courses and
for more information contact: Ray Mc Namara 094 9047023 or rmcnamara@mayococo.ie
Autumn Events 2009
Sport and Physical Activity opportunities for people with a disability
Mayo Sports Partnership have a number of oppertunities for people with a disability to get involved in Sport and Physical Activity in the coming months.
Click on the link below to view upcoming eventsIf you want to take part in any of the events below contact Ray Mc Namara Sports Inclusion Development Officer on 094 9047023 or at rmcnamara@mayococo.ie
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:45:00 IST
New Programmes
Inclusive Gymnastics for Children
Mayo Sports Partnership In association with Westport Leisure Park working together has established inclusive Gymnastics classes for Children.
The programme takes place in Westport Leisure Park every Friday with three different classes on offer depending on age. The first Class is from 3.30 – 4.30 ages 5 - 8 years, the second class is 4.30 – 5.30 ages 9 – 12 years and the last class is from 5.30 – 6.30 ages 5 - 8 years. There are 25 participants in each class with all three classes full.
This Programme has a positive impact on the lives of participants and is going from strength to strength.
Inclusive Summer Camp 2009
Mayo Sports Partnership Hosted a Children’s Inclusive Summer Camp for Children with a disability their friends and family.
The camp was run by Sports Inclusion Disability Officer Ray Mc Namara and included help from regional sports development officers who came along and showed off their sports and skills to the children.
Some of the sports children participated in included Athletics, Soccer, Football, Hurling, Camogie, Tennis, Rugby, Fun games and loads more fun activities. A fun packed week of sport and Physical Activity was had by everyone. The camp took place in July, one week in Castlebar and one week in Claremorris.
CPSI (Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland) National Boccia League
Congratulations to the Three Boccia teams from Erris Irish Wheelchair Association and Charlestown H.O.L.D. group who competed for the national Boccia championships in Athlone recently. While the Erris B Team and Charlestown put up a great fight they were knocked out in the second round, but Erris A team fought tooth and nail all the way to the final against a fine Limerick team and won the national championships. The league began in February with 29 teams entering the league from around the country. It was the first time Mayo was represented in the Boccia league with three teams making it through the regional division to the finals. It is hoped to start a county Boccia league on the back of this success.
Swimming opportunities at Aras Attracta Swinford
The Swimming Pool at Aras Attracta is now open to the pubic three evenings a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday with three sessions each night on the hour at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm. There is also a Mums and toddlers session on Mondays with Physiotherapist available. Hoists and ramps are in operation.
Admission is €4 per adult and €2.50 per child. Bookings can be taken through Aras Attracta and for more information contact Ray 094 9047023
Gym Programme
A very successful gym session has gone down very well in the Westport area. The gym session is on once a week in Westport Leisure Park on a Wednesday afternoon and has attracted lots of participants with varying abilities.
There are up to 15 participants that attend the session which has gone from strength to strength participants with MS, physical and arthritis having there own personnal programmes as well as some group activities during the session.
It is hoped to extend the programme to two days a week with a Friday session. The IWA are providing transport on a Friday to encourage people in the area to participate in the programme.
Other Gym opportunities have also been set up with participants that can come in their own time. They have got their own personal programmes and attend the gym when it suits them to do so. The staff of Westport leisure Park has contributed to the huge success of the programme and have to be complemented in the way they the sessions have been run.
Disability Awareness Training
The training ‘The Inclusion of people with a disability in Sport’ was held on the 10th June 2009 in the community centre in Ballyheane.
Participants were representatives of their clubs who received funding under the Mayo Sports Partnership Special Participation Grant Scheme.
30 participants took part in the training and it is hoped that clubs will create more opportunities for people with a disability to participate in their local clubs.
Helper Disability Award
The first disability helper’s course set up by Sports Inclusion Disability Officer ray Mc Namara took place on the 2nd July 2009 in Westport Leisure Park. 23 participants from various leisure centres and organisation from all over the county completed the course. The course was a one day helper’s course and consisted of activities such as correct entry and exit techniques, supporting techniques in the water and various activities that can be done during a session in the water.
Sports Inclusion Project
After the resounding success of the Sports Taster day in the Lakeside Centre in Ballinrobe at the end of May a programme of further taster days and events are being worked on. Further details will be posted on this page or you can contact Ray Mc Namara Sports Inclusion Development Officer at 094-9047023.
Sports Ability Day in Belmullet a Huge Success
The opening day of the festival of Sport in Belmullet which took place from the 3rd - 5th October in the Sports Complex in Belmullet was a huge success. the day consisted of a host of activities for both children and adults.
The day began with an inclusive games session for children. Pupils from a variety of classes from Glencastle primary school participated in a variety of sports and games that were both challenging and fun. They were assisted by transition year students from the convent secondary school who helped out and joined in the fun. Teachers and students got alot of good ideas to take back to their school to make sports and games more inclusive on a regular basis.
The afternoon session was for adults. People from the Irish Wheelchair Association, Western Care and transition year students from both the convent and St. Brendans secondary schools participated in a variety of activities which included, Adapted Dance, Boccia, Kurling, Bowling and an Outdoor Activities demonstration from Ciarán Ó Murchú from Uisce Sport trí Ghaeilge Courses and Activity Centre.
There was 75 participants on the day, 33 of those had a disability.
A special thanks to all who helped out on the day in making it a huge success.
Children's Saturday Club
After the success of the Sports Ability Day for Children in Breffy International Sports Arena on the 6th September a Children's Saturday Club have been formed. The Club takes place every third Saturday in the Dela Sal Sports Hall St Geralds College Castlebar from 11am -12.30pm and proved a huge success. The starts back on 19h September 2009, and will run every second Saturday until the new year
The Club is open to Children with a disability, their family and friends, There is no charge for the activities which include Basketball, Football, Fun Games and much more. The club is organised and ran by Ray Mc Namara Sports Inclusion Disability Officer so if you are interested in coming along, helping out or know of anyone that would like to join our club either contact Ray at 094 9047023 or just come along on any of the above dates and join in the fun.
Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:12:00 GMTLocal and National News
Accessibility Showcase
Westport Leisure Park in association with Mayo Sports Partnership held an accessibility show case on Monday 16th March 2009.
The Accessibility Showcase proved to be huge success with over 50 participants participating in a variety of sports and activities over the course of the day. The day consisted of workshops of activities and programmes that have been set up by Sports Inclusion Disability Officer Ray Mc Namara, Manager of Westport Leisure Park Dermott Langan and Westport Leisure Park Access Officer Barry Robinson.
The Programme of Events Started at 10am with Special Olympics Boccé Session. This was followed by Inclusive Gymnastics at 11am, Aqua Aerobics at 11.45am. Adapted dance at 12.15 and a second Adapted Dance session for wheelchair users at 12.45.
Jarrleth Cunningham gave some participants a feeling of what it’s like to walk on water with the giant inflatable sealed ball that you get into and move around in on the surface of the water.
There was an excellent turn out on the day with over 50 participants sampling the activities that were on offer.
Dermott Langan Manger of Westport Leisure Park welcomed everyone and thanked people for coming along to sample the activities and hoped that they would avail of what the Leisure Park has to offer. He also praised his staff and said the achievement of the Leisure Park would not have been possible with out them. He went on to say that he was delighted with the programmes that had been set up in cooperation with Sports Inclusion Disability Officer Ray Mc Namara and looks forward to working with Ray in setting up even more participation opertunities in the future.
Martin Keane Cathaoirleach of Westport Town Council praised the staff of Westport Leisure Park and Mayo Sports Partnership for the variety of activities and programmes on offer to people of all abilities and congratulated the Leisure Park on the Awards they have won in making the facility more accessible. The awards included National Disability Athority ‘Excellence through Access’ Award, 8 Times Winner of ILAM White Flag and ILAM Overall National Award Disability Provision 2008/2009.
Ray Mc Namara Sports Inclusion Disability Officer said staff plays a key role in the success of new programmes and activities, making them sustainable and having a good relationship with participants. He also thanked Dermott and his Staff for working with the Mayo sports Partnership in creating new programmes and looked forward to creating many more in the future.
The day was supported by western care, Rehab Care,IWA and people within the local community.
All the workshops on the day are currently offered by Westport leisure Park for times and dates of when these activities take place please contact Westport Leisure Park on 098 29160 or Ray Mc Namara Sports Inclusion Disability Officer on 094 9047023 or at rmcnamara@mayococo.ie
Westport Leisure Park Win Ilam White Flag Disability Category Award
Westport Leisure Park has won another award for its dedication to making their facility the most accessable in the country. Last year they were the first leisure centre in the country to be awarded the accessiability award from the NDA, and this year they have claimed the Disability Category Award for 2008 -2009 at the annual Ilam White Flag industry awards a head of 110 other leisure centres. Congratulations to Dermott Langan and all the staff on their achievements.
There are a number of projets progammed to start in Westport Leisure Park in coming weeks, with some projecjs already under way. If you are interested in getting invoved in Swimming, Gym sessions, Bocce or Inclusive Gymnastics either call the Leisure Park direct on 098 29160 or the Mayo Sports Partnership Disability Officer on 094 9047023
Disability Awareness Training Courses
The first set of Disability Awareness Training Courses have been roled out by Sports Inclusion Disability Officer Ray Mc Namara. The Training 'The Inclusion of People with Disabilities into Sport' consists of two modules 'Introduction to Coaching' and 'Level 1'. 42 people completed the 'Introduction to Coaching ' module with 26 of those completing the 'Level1' module. The Training has been developed by the National Coaching and Training Centre who has recently changed its name to 'Coaching Ireland' and is part of the National Coaching Development Programme.
The first of the Autumn '08 programme was a Teacher Training course held on the 20th August in the Lakeside Health and Fitness Club in Ballinrobe were 16 people completed the 'Introduction toCoaching' module.
The second course was held in Achill in conjunction with Corr Acla Teo on the 30th September were 15 people completed both the 'Introduction to Coaching' and the 'Level 1' modules as well as training in New Age Kurling.
The final course of the Autum programme took place in Westport Leisure Park on the 10th October were 11 people completed both modules.It is hoped that all those that completed the training will get involved in some of the Disability Sports Activities in their local communities. Upcoming Disability Training Course for CoachesThe next disability awareness training course will take place on the 18th february 2009 from 6pm -8pm in Castlebar.
Disability Awareness Training Application Form
If you would like to get involved in Disability Sports Activities or take part in Disability Awareness Training contact Ray Mc Namara on 094 9047023 or rmcnamara@mayococo.ie
National Adapted Physical Activity Centre
The CARA Adapted Physical Activity Centre main aim is to facilitate an increase in the number of people with disabilities participating in sport and physical activity, through increasing oppertunities to participate, improving access, providing information on and organising/delivering training. For further information on the CARA Centre click on the link below
Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:41:00 GMTAccessible B&B
Accessible B&B in Mayo
A purpose built B&B to cater for people with a disability is now open in the heart of the Mayo countryside.
Furnace B&B also has activity oppertunities such as fishing, nature walks, art and much more, click on the link below to find out more details.
Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:04:00 ISTAnnual Report
Sports Inclusion Disability Officer (SIDO) Annual Report 2008 - 2009
Mayo Sports Partnership is delighted to present the Sports Inclusion Disability Officer (SIDO) Annual Report for April 2008 –April 2009.
The Report is a summary of the first year of the SIDO programme which has proved to be a very exciting and successful year.
Click on the link below to view the report.
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