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723 groups nationwide will share an allocation of €350,000 under the eighth Go for Life National Grant Scheme for Sport and Physical Activity for Older People. Mلire Hoctor T.D., Minister of State, Department of Health and Children with responsibility for Older People announced details of the allocations today under the Go for Life national grant scheme, which aims to help local clubs and organisations to increase opportunities for their older members to actively participate in recreational sport and a range of physical activities.
This year over 1000 applications were received from older people's groups all over the country. The 723 successful applicants include active retirement associations, senior citizens clubs, ICA guilds, sports clubs, Local Sports Partnerships, day centres and community centres in 26 counties. The grant aid is being used to buy sports equipment and to fund sport and activity programmes.
The Grant Scheme is administered by the Steering Committee of Go for Life - the National Programme for Sport and Physical Activity for Older People. Developed by the Irish Sports Council and Age & Opportunity, Go for Life is a broad national programme which aims to involve more older adults in all aspects of physical activity more often - not only participating but also planning and leading. Speaking at the announcement, John Treacy, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council said: "We know that being physically active is probably the most important thing that any of us can do if we want to maintain our independence into older age. We are very keen to get the Go for Life message out so that more older people can benefit from the increasing opportunities to participate in all kinds of sport and physical activity."
Today's allocation brings to €2.5 million the amount granted under this scheme to older people's groups over the last eight years. At today's announcements, John Hynes, Chairman of Age & Opportunity acknowledged the continued support of the Irish Sports Council for the initiative: "This partnership between Age & Opportunity and the Irish Sports Council is making a significant difference to the quality of life of many older people and we look forward to further strengthening our alliance as the Go for Life project continues to grow."
For Further Information:
- Mary Harkin, Go for Life, 01-8057733
- Ann Leahy or Sue Russell, Age & Opportunity 01-8057709
- O'Herlihy Communications, 01-6602744
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