PARTICIPATION More active participation in sport and physical activity -the goal at the All-Island Sports Conference

The Irish Sports Council, Sport Northern Ireland and Dublin City Council jointly host the 6th All-Island Sports Conference at the new National Conference Centre, Friday 22nd October.

The full-day conference, ‘Active Participation: Be Part of the Debate’ brings policy and decision makers together to vigorously debate how to achieve greater participation in sport and physical activity across society.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Gerry Breen says, “The exciting thing about a conference like this is that it brings decision makers in areas like the state and voluntary sectors, local authorities, health services and education together with the sports sector. By sharing knowledge, listening to world experts in this field and combining our efforts we can make it easier for people to take part in sport and leisure activities. The benefit of sport is that active individuals and communities are healthier and enjoy a better quality of life. Dublin City Council is honoured to be jointly hosting this conference as Dublin is currently designated European Capital of Sport in 2010.”

Irish Sports Council Chief Executive John Treacy says: “The Irish Sports Council and Sport Northern Ireland are delighted to co-host the All Island Conference with Dublin City Council to celebrate the European Capital of Sport. Decision makers from sport, health, education and local government will gather to discuss the major issues on participation in sport and physical activity.  The Conference has proven to be an important forum for advancing debate and policy in sport and I look forward to another productive event.”   

Speakers at the conference include Gil Penalosa, Executive Director of Walk and Bike for Life which believes in improving quality of life through promoting walking and cycling. His many previous roles include a position as Commissioner of Parks, Sport and Recreation in Bogotل (Columbia) where he led a team that designed and built over 200 parks, opened 91 km of car-free roads on Sundays. Over 1.5 million of Bogotل’s 7.5 million population now walk, run, skate and cycle weekly.

Other speakers include Charlie Foster (University of Oxford), Catherine Woods (Dublin City University), Pete Lunn (ESRI) and ‘Apprentice’ star Bill Cullen (Chairman Europa Academy). Broadcaster Matt Cooper will also chair a panel debate.