News and Events
Mayo Sports Partnership and GMIT Celebrate
International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2012
The Mayo Sports Partnership and GMIT hosted a talk on ability and outdoor activities on Monday 3rd December in GMIT Castlebar to Celebrate International Disability Awareness Day. The day organized by Ray Mc Namara (sports Inclusion Officer with the Mayo Sports Partnership) and Nigel Jennings (Sports Officer in GMIT) was launched by Mayor of Castlebar Brendan Heneghan, he spoke about the importance of sport and physical activity to people of all abilities and welcomed Dennis Toomey to Castlebar. The talk was given by Dennis Toomey, Irish Para Cycling Manager and Chairman of the Para Cycling Commission. Dennis who brought Para cycling from nothing to the success of the London Para Olympic games where the Irish Team returned home with 2 gold 1 silver and 2 bronze from the games.Ireland had never won a medal in cycling in the Para Olympics beforeLondon. His talk was inspirational and gave great hope for future young athletes.

After a very successful hand cycling programme in Kilmovee Mayo Sports Partnership received funding for a hand cycle from the Department of Children and youth affairs play and recreation week 2012 through Mayo County Council and aim to promote the sport and give people the opportunity to participate and nurture futureParaOlympic athletes.

As part of the National event Xcessible - "Inclusive Outdoors Initiative” organised by the CARA National Adapted Physical Activity Centre in cooperation with local Sports Partnerships around the country, there was an outdoor adventure day in Lough Lannagh Castlebar following the talk in GMIT. The xcessible outdoors initiative aims to heighten the benefits of an active healthy lifestyle and participation opportunities for people with disabilities within the outdoor environment. Activities included Hand Cycling, Walking, Open boating and Tandem Cycling. A special thank you to GMIT outdoor education students and tutors who ran the activities.

If you would like more information on hand or tandem cycling or outdoor activities please contact Ray Mc Namara in Mayo Sports Partnership on 094 904 7023 or rmcnamara@mayococo.ie
Play and Recreation Week 2012
After a very successful hand cycling programme in Kilmovee Mayo Sports Partnership received funding for a hand cycle from the Department of Children and youth affairs play and recreation week 2012 through Mayo County Council and aim to promote the sport and give people the opportunity to participate and nurture futureParaOlympic athletes.

If you would like more information on hand or tandem cycling please contact Ray Mc Namara in Mayo Sports Partnership on 094 904 7023 or rmcnamara@mayococo.ie
Children's Come & Try
Skill, Balance & Coordination Inclusive Workshop for Children of all abilities goes down a treat
The Work shop held in kiltimagh/Knock United on the 31st October 2012 in conjuntion with the Goal to Work Programme went down a treat with participants and coaches. The weather held off and childern of varing abilities were able to practice their skills and enjoyed a fun day of activity.

Physically Active Come & Try Day
After the success of the physically Active Conference in 2011 Mayo Sports Partnership are running a come and try day for people with a disability to sample different sports and activities.
Date: 6th November 2012
Venue: Breaffy House Resort
Time: 9.30 - 3.30
Cost €10
This day is not to be missed for more info click on the brochere below
Physically active come and try day 2012
Children's Come & Try
Skill, Balance & Coordination Inclusive Workshop
For Children of all abilities
Date: Wednesday 31st October
Venue: Knock/Kiltimagh United Fc
Time :11am – 1pm
For more information or to Register contact: Ray on 094 9047023
Text: 087 6973093 or
email: rmcnamara@mayococo.ie
Skills Work shop
Inclusive Saturday Club and Wheelchair Hurling
Click on the link belw to see dates for Wheelchair Hurling and Inclusive saturday Club til the end of 2012
Inclusive Saturday Club and Wheelchair Hurling Dates
Hand Cycling and Tandem Cycling programme a huge success in Kilmovee
The Hand and Tandem Cycling eight week programme that was set up by Mayo Sports Partnership in conjunction with IWA Sport, Spina Bifida HydrocephalusIrelandand Cairdeas, Kilmovee Family Resource centre and supported by Mayo County Development Board proved a huge success. The The programme run by Gerry Towey and Donal Harington from Ballaghaderreen Cycling club, giving instruction and showing lots of young cyclists and Para-Cyclists the way forward. Gerry who has been involved in setting up the programme and who is a Para-Cyclist himself has made giant strides in the past year to challenge the top Para-Cyclists in the country and is certainly a name to watch out for in the future. A hand cycling programme took place every Thursday over the summer months.
If you are interested in hand or tandem cycling for more information call Ray Mc Namara on 094 9047023 or Gerry on 087 8717656. well done to all our Paralympics athletes who competed in London this summer.
Inclusive Summer Camp 2012
This years summer camp will run from the 23rd - 27th July in an Sporslann Castlebar
from 10am - 2pm
see application form below or for more information contact Ray on 094 9047023 or rmcnamara@mayococo.ie
Summer camp 2012 application form
Arthritis Mayo win Belmullet round of the County Boccia league for the second year running
Arthritis Mayo came out as winners of the belmullet round of the county boccia league held on the 13th june. they went through the day with out loosing a game and beat Tuan Stars in the final. Tuam stars have now reached the final on the last 2 rounds of the league
the next boccia league will be held in Breaffy Gaa on Monday the 9th july from 12noon - 3pm
Special Olympic Golf Classic
Special Olympics connaught held their annual golf classic in Ballinrobe Golf Club a great day was had by all
Ballina Boccia takes off
Moy Valley Resourse Centre in association with Mayo Sports Partnership have hosted two come and try boccia events in the kenneddy Glasgow Centre in Ballina. as a result of these come and try days they now have a regular boccia session every thursday from 12 noon in the active 55 club on catederal road in ballina. This activty is open to anyone that would like to participate in an inclusive game and meet new people.
If you are interested in participating contact Corina in the Moyvalley resource centre
Children's Come and Try Sports Day
Mayo Sports Partnership in Association with Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland hostied A Children's Sports Day in
Breaffy Gaa Club House on Saturday 14th April 2012 from 11am - 1pm. The event proved to be a great success with children participating in boccia, Wheelchair hurling, wheelchair basketball and fun games.
a possitive outcome from the come and try sports day is that a wheelchair hurling session has started every second saturday and it is hoped that the first Mayo Gaa wheelchair hurling team will be established in september to participate in a all ireland competition in UL Limerick in November this year.
If you are interested in joining this session contact Ray on 094 9047023 or email rmcnamara@mayococo.ie
World Autism Activity Day
A fun Activity Day took place on Sunday 1st April to celibrate International Autism Awareness Day
a fun and enjoyable day was had by all with Mayo sports partnership providing activitys for all children to participate in.
Erris Mens Team are North West Regional Boccia Champions
Erris mens team won the regional Boccia competition held in Sligo IT on 3rd November. 20 Teams from Mayo, Sligo and Roscommon took part in the event.
After a closely matched final Erris got the better of Sligo team 1 and were deserving winners on the day it is hoped that the event will be an annual event and will complent the county boccia league which has gone from strenght to strenght.
Sport & Disability Conference‘Physically active’ goes down a storm
Despite the weather the ‘Physically Active’ Themed Conference which focused on Activity, Accessibility & Healthy Lifestyle themed conference which was held on Thursday 6th October 2011, in the TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar proved to be a huge success.
The day is aimed at all People with a disability as well as their parents, carers and organisations so that all can understand the value and the benefits of being ‘Physically active’.
The Day kicked off with some presentations from Sports Inclusion Development Officer Ray Mc Namara, Niamh Daffy Manager of the Cara APA Centre Tralee, Barry Robinson duty manager and Disability Officer fromWestportLeisureParkand Martin Salmon Kyaction Kayaking Club Castlebar.
The day when burst in to activity with a number of different workshops, this included Kayaking, Soccer, Tennis, Wheelchair Basketball, Nutrition and Healthy Eating, Boccia, Tips on getting started byWestportLeisureParkand Beep Baseball.
Mayo Sports Partnership would like to thank everyone who helped in making the day such a huge success.
If you are interested in any of the activities that took place on the day log on to www.mayosports.ie or call Ray Mc Namara Mayo Sports Partnership on 094 904 7023 or email: rmcnamara@mayococo.ie
Latest News
Inclusive Leisure Centre Inititive
To celebrate International Disability awareness Day On December 3rd there are two leisure centres in Mayo taking park in a national initiative which runs from 28th November to 11th December.
Claremorris Leisure Centre will run an open day on Monday 28th November from 9.30 -4pm with a special activity class at 11am and an Aqua aerobics Class at 1pm
Westport Leisure Park will run its open day on Wednesday 30th November from 9.30 -6pm with active 55’s and activity class on at 11.30am, Boccia at 12.30pm, Water Zorbbing at 12.30pm and Boccé at 4.30pm
Please let as many people know as possible that these activities are been held and try to support where possible
If you need any more information contact the centre directly or contact the office on 094 9047023
Wheelchair basketball
Wheelchair basketball will be held on Tuesday 29th November 2011 in An Sportslann Castlebar
if you are interested in coming along please do so or contact Ray on 094 9047023 or email rmcnamara@mayococo.ie
Visually impaired Regional Sports Day for all ages to now take place in February 2012
Activities will include:
Soccer
Archery
Tandem Cycling
Goal Ball
Athletes
Date: TBC
Time: 12.30-3.30pm
Venue: An Sportslann Mc Hale Park Castlebar
Free Admission
If you are interested in coming along please contact Ray on 094 9047023 or email rmcnamara@mayococo.ie
(Pre-Registration is advised)
Sport and Disability 'Physically active’ Conference
Pictured at the launch of the Sport & Disability Conference ‘Physically active’
Activity, Accessibility & Healthy Lifestyle themed conference, Thursday 6th October 2011, in the TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar, 9.30 –4pm
The day is aimed at all People with a disability as well as their parents, carers and organisations so that all can understand the value and the benefits of being ‘Physically active’.
With the Sports Inclusion Disability Programme going from strength to strength and participation level increasing all the time the day is an opportunity to sample some of the activities that are now accessible to people with a disability and to also move to the next level of understanding the benefits of exercise and the value of being ‘physically active’
If you are interested in attending download an application form or call Ray Mc Namara Mayo Sports Partnership on 094 904 7023 or email: rmcnamara@mayococo.ie
Click Below to view Calender of events from April - August 2011
Calender of Events April - August 2011
Tennis Programme
A very successful tennis programme has been running in Castlebar Tennis Club over the last 6 weeks where participants has recieved coaching in how to play tennis. the programme will continue for another 12 weeks so if any is interested in the programme please come along on monday evenings at 6.30 or call Ray Mc Namara on 094 9047023.

Arthritis Mayo team two win first outdoor round of the county Boccia league
Arthritis Mayo had there Second victory in the July round of the county Boccia league on 11th July in Párc Bheo Belmullet. After joining the league at the beginning of the year their play has improved no end and they came through the day with flying colours as they seen off some stiff competion from Tuam, Belmullet and Arthritis Mayo team one in the final by 8 - 1.

This was the first time the league has gone outdoors in the newoutdoor Boccia court in Párc Bheo Belmullet. Basking in the glorious sunshine Arthritis Mayo proved to Strong for thier rivals and ran out easy winners in the end.

The next round wil be held in tuam on the 29th August 2011
Belmullet IWA and NoName Club play first competition on the new Boccia Court in Párc Bheo Belmullet
a great afternoons fun was haad by both young and old as Belmullet IWA and NoName Club play first competition on the new Boccia Court in Párc Bheo Belmullet. The event organised by Ray Mc Namara had been rescheduled a couple of times because of the weather went ahead on Wednesday the 6th July 2011.

Mayo Sports Partnership also presented a set of Boccia balls to the No Name club so they could fully enjoy the new facility.
Outdoor Adventure Day makes a big Splash
The second Outdoor adventure day was held on the 4th May at Achill Outdoor Education Centre. 55 Participants with varying degrees of ability took part in activities such as Surfing, Kyacking, Archery Hill walking and much more.

The day oganised by Mayo Sports Partnership with the help of GMIT and PWDI went down a treat and left participants wanting more.

If you are interested in Outdoor Activities Contant Ray at rmcnamara@mayococo.ie for more information.
Soccer Blitz
Due to the success of the Soccer Blitz programme the next blitz will take place on the 30th June 2011 at 11am - 2.30pm in Castlebar Celtic Astro Turf. All teams are invited to come along by contacting Ray Mc Namara on 094 9047023.
St Antony's School Soccer Programme
Mayo Sports partnership along with the Goal to Work programme set by the FAI and Mayo County Development Board are running a 8 week Soccer programme for students of St Antony's School Castlebar. The programme organised by SIDO Ray Mc Namara is offering participants to learn new skills and get quality coaching sessions from new coaches, it also gives the coaches experience in working with children of varying abilities and make them aware of how to make thier soccer sessions more inclusive.
IWA Team 1 Win January County Boccia League
The IWA team 1 put togeather a great run of results and emerged victorious in the January round of the County Boccia League. Having had a slow start in the group stage of the competition on the 17th of January they soon got in to stride and saw off some strong competition by dispatching of raining champions Charlestown in the semi final and Belmullet ladies who were also back in form in the final. The league has now attracted some new teams from Arthritis Mayo who have two teams competing and Tuam IWA who have one team now participating in the league. the next round will take place on 14th February 2011 in Breaffy GAA club house.
Rehab win first in - firms Mayo Soccer game
Rehab Castlebar 4 Westport Utd Western Care 1
Sean Sammon 3 & 5 Mary Henry 25
Raymond Costello 10
Gerard Mc Greal 56
A large crowd turned out to watch the first ever in – firms game between Rehab Castlebar and Westport Utd Western Care and they were not disappointed. The game took place on Tuesday 5th October on Castlebar Celtic new astro turf pitch. After a tense start the game burst to life when Sean Sammon ran on to a loose ball and fired a shot into the back of theWestportnet.Westportwas still getting to grips with loosing a goal when Sammon struck again. A lovely move between Martin Murray and Raymond Costello put Sammon one on one with the Westport Keeper which he coolly slotted away. It was 3 -0 after 15 minutes when Raymond Costello broke from midfield and finished to the back of the net with the aid of the post.Westportthen started to come in to the game and were awarded a dubious penalty by referee Pat Foley (who has been watching two many champions league matches). Mary Henry stepped forward and sent keeper Raymond Connelly the wrong way which left a half time score 3 -1 to Rehab.
Rehab looked comfortable in the second half and should have added to their tally with Sammon, Gerard Mc Greal and Paul Kavanagh all going close. Rehab almost paid for not taking those chances whenWestportmissed chances of their own and were awarded a second penalty again for hand ball in the 55 minute. Paddy Mulroys shot was brilliantly saved by keeper Raymond Connolly, and from the clearance Gerard Mc Greal went clear and his shot left the stranded Westport keeper with no chance as he lifted the ball over the approaching keepers head and made the final score 4 – 1. Gerr Deere Mayor of Castlebar Town Council presented the perpetual cup to rehab Captain Raymond Costello to a rapturous applause.
Teams: Castlebar Rehab: R. Connolly, P. Mc Ellin, G. Mc Greal, R. Costello, M. Murray, M. Loftus, K. Joyce, M. English, S. Sammon, P. Diskin, N. Keane, D. Loftus, D. Ginly, P. Kaanagh and J. Corcoran Westport Utd western Care: M. Henry, M. Roache, M, Mc Donagh, P. Mulroy, S. Burke, U. Kearns, B. Keane, B. Faherty, D. Gannon, F. Reilly and J.Stack. The game was organised by Ray Mc Namara Sports inclusion Disability Officer (SIDO) from mayo Sports Partnership with the Help of Jarlath Cunningham from Carrowbeg Enterprises Western Care Westport and James Durkin and Melessa Walsh from Rehab Care. Thanks to Castlebar Celtic, Westport Utd, Castlebar Order of Malta, Western Care, Rehab Care and all who turned up on the day to support the two teams.

Westport Leisure Park win gold Standard Disability Award
Westport Leisure Park (WLP) continue to head the field in Accessibility and Disability provision with another national gold standard award from ILAM Ireland and is recognised nationally as one of the leading leisure facilities in Disability provision in the Country. Mayo Sports Partnership works very closely with Dermott and the staff of Westport Leisure Park in developing programmes and oppertunities for people with a disability to participate in exercise and activities in the Leisure Park. Activities include Gym, Swimming Lessons, Yoga, Inclusive Gymnastics and more.

Pictured at the presentation of the award was Dermott Langan (General Manager WLP), Brenda O'Donnell (CPSI), Colette Sweeney (Duty Manager WLP), Barry Robinson (Duty Manager WLP) and Mark Barry (IWA Sport).
Claremorris Tennis Club Development day for people with a disability
Claremorris Tennis Club are hosting an open evening for people with a disability on Wednesday 13th October from 6.30pm - 7.30pm.
A 10 week Introduction to tennis programme for people with a disability will run every Wednesday at 6.30pm - 7.30pm for those who come along and are interested in playing tennis.
If you are interested in participating click on hte link below.
Belmullet B win September Round of County Boccia League
The September round of the county Boccia league took place in Belmullet Sports Complex on Monday 20th September. 8 teams participated on the day. IWA had a big representation on the day with seven of the 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 2 in the semi finals against Charlestown . Charlestown were looking to regain their tital that they had lost to Belmullet A in April, and reached the final where they were defeated by Belmullet B who had looked very strong all through the day and won a close final by 6 - 5.
The next round of the County Boccia League will be held in Charlestown Sports Complex on Monday 18th October 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 inAchill.
The day started off wonderfully as the 61 participants descended on the Achill Outdoor Education Centre theAchillsunshine brightened up the already excited faces of the participants. There they were greeted by staff of the Centre and students of GMIT. Participants had then a choice of activities to choose from Surfing, Sailing, Open Boating, Kayaking and Hill walking.

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.
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.

Disability Awareness Training
St Louis Secondry School Kiltimagh Disability Awareness Programme
42 Transition year Students from St Louis Secondry School in Kiltimagh took part in a Disability Awareness Programme delivered by Sports Inclusion Disability Officer Ray Mc Namara. The Programme is aimed at creating awareness amoungst students about disability and giving them the confedence to volunteer to include people with a disability in their local clubs. One such club is the local Basketball club that plans to have one evening every second week that includeds people with a disability.

The training consisted of two lessons about being more inclusive, getting over our fear factor, and understaning disability and practical lessons where atheletes with a disability came in to the school and took part in some basketball activity where students got the chance to help assist atheletes in developing their skills and getting involved in some inclusive activities.
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 BST
Physical Disability Outdoor Adventure Weekend
Sports Inclusion Disability Officer Ray McNamara from the Mayo Sports Partnership in association with Tim Daly and Achill Outdoor Education Centre are hosting an Outdoor Adventure weekend for people with Sensory and physical disabilities. The weekend is supported by PWDI, IWA Sport, CPSI and Irish Blind Sport. Accommodation is available for wheelchair users The weekend will include a variety of activities.
For more information click on this link - Adventure weekend - Achill (pdf)
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 BSTAnnual 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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