|
The future of recreation and sport in Kerry was firmly in the spotlight on this week when representatives of the county's sports clubs, schools, active retirement groups, sporting facilities and other interested groups converged on Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre to see Minister for Arts Culture & Heritage Mr. Jimmy Deenihan TD and Mayor of Kerry Cllr Pat Leahy officially launch the rebranded Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership.
The Mayor of Kerry welcomed the large attendance and acknowledged the great service that Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership has given to the people of Kerry since it was first developed as a sub structure of the County Development Board in 2003. Cllr Leahy went on to explain that since its inception the Partnership has done great work to foster an interest in sport and physical activity across the county.
The Mayor thanked Mr. John Treacy CEO of the Irish Sports Council for his strong advocacy for Local Sports Partnerships and for the excellent outcomes that he and the Irish Sports Council have achieved in the promotion of sport and physical activity nationally. Cllr Leahy also acknowledged the help and cooperation that John and his staff have given Kerry County Council over the past year. The Mayor recognised the wealth and experience that each of the board members brings to the Partnership and stated that it was a tremendous boost for the Partnership and the entire county to have the support of a person of Micheلl's calibre and national standing. He thanked Mr. Micheلl O Muircheartaigh for accepting the position as Cathaoirleach.
Cora Carrigg CoOrdinator of Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership in her address explained the rationale behind the re-branding, namely, to reflect the Partnership's focus on recreational activity as well as on mainstream sports. Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership from now on will be referred to as KRSP which is pronounced "crisp".
The audience heard about the type of physical activity based programmes delivered by the Partnership to groups across the county varying from pre-schoolers to the active retired. The primary work of the Partnership Cora explained, has been concerned with creating opportunities for groups that are the least likely to participate in some form of physical activity or who to date have been afforded the least opportunity to participate, such as....girls, women, people with disabilities, unemployed & disadvantaged communities".
John Treacy CEO of the Irish Sports Council wished all involved with Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership every success in the future. He said "The Local Sports Partnerships are the national network which enables people to participate in physical activity and sport in their communities. The Partnership builds on work already carried out by the thousands of volunteers who are the life blood of local clubs and community groups."
In his address, the newly appointed Cathaoirleach Micheلl O Muircheartaigh said "As Cathaoirleach of Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership I am looking forward to a great response to the call for more involvement in recreational and sporting activities. This will lead to improved participation levels and a higher standard of health related fitness among the general population of Kerry. Let the dedication of the Kerry team be the inspiration". He thanked the gathering for their role in promoting their chosen sport and for the essential volunteer work that they do for the good for their communities.
Minister Jimmy Deenihan in his address emphasised his belief that sport and physical activity should be for the many and not just for the few. He said "We should try to create a whole culture of sport and physical activity in Kerry. In particular, there should be a huge concentration on physical education in the primary school sector and also support for women in sport and recreational activities".
Later in the evening Micheلl introduced the board members and team of Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership. He also stressed the importance of the partnership model, i.e., a model that brings all groups involved in sport development in the county to work together towards the shared vision - more people participating in sport and physical activity in County Kerry.
The evening was concluded by a panel discussion chaired by Micheلl O Muircheartaigh. The panel included Minister Jimmy Deenihan TD, Mr Jack O'Connor, Kerry Football Team Manager, Ms Emily Piggott, Operation Transformation Leader and Mr. John Treacy. Each member gave an insight into their chosen sports and outlined their views on a variety of topics.
For further details about Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership log onto www.kerryrecreationandsports.ie or email info@kerryrecreationandsports.ie
|