Latest Laois Event: Laois Sports Partnership launch their 5th Strategic Plan
On its 21st anniversary LSP unveils its 5th Strategic Plan
Our plan has been developed around 5 thematic themes; Active People, Active Places, Active Partnerships, Active Promotion, Active Governance which these have been identified and refined to address challenge, barriers and gaps in existing provision which are aligned to other policy documents such as the National Sports Plan, Sport Ireland Statement of Strategy, National Physical Activity Plan, Sport Ireland Participation Plan, Healthy Ireland Framework for improved health and wellbeing, Laois County Council Development Plan and Laois County Council Local Economic and Community Plan
These themes define the type and nature of work that Laois Sports Partnership are engaged in. Each theme is expanded through a strategic aim along with a series of key objectives. Each objective has action areas and key performance indicator/s which will form the Annual Operational Plans.
Caroline Myers, Laois Sports Partnership said “It is also now more important than ever that we continue to invest and develop opportunities for participation for an active and healthy Laois. We will continue to work together with our partner agencies and local communities to create an environment that improves activity, health, and wellbeing. With a growing population it is key that Laois Sport Partnership continues to grow its strategic capacity and is supported as the lead agency for sports participation in County Laois. We are excited for what is to come and look forward to working with you all in delivering this Strategy “Everybody Active in County Laois”.
Among those in attendance to launch the plan was Dr. Una May, CE Sport Ireland, who stated
“Laois Sports Partnership have identified the need to create sustainable pathways for all to participate in sport, physical activity and recreation in the county. Their proactive approach to strengthening partnerships with agencies, organisations, clubs and communities will ensure that sport and physical activity opportunities are accessible to all across the county.
I commend Laois Sports Partnership on the extensive consultation, evaluation and research carried out during the strategy development, during a period when such work became more challenging than ever. This process has led to a strategy that meets the needs of the communities in Laois and has buy in and support across the county. I would like to thank, in particular, the staff and board members of Laois Sports Partnership, as well as all stakeholders and partner organisations who were involved in developing this strategy and who will contribute to its successful delivery”.
The launch of our Strategic Plan 2022 -2026 was held in Mountrath Activity & Wellness Hub HQ, our 3rd Community Sports Hub and is our first facility-based hub. This Hub is a social project aimed at getting Mountrath fit & Moving. The project is one of several with a view to generating a sustainable funding model for the Bridgidine Convent community project.
The Social Enterprise Project is overseen by the management of BloomHQ under the governance of Mountrath Community Forum and any / all profits go to develop services in the community for all. So, by supporting them and signing up to a membership, you’re not just getting fit and healthy, but helping your local community!
In 2021, in partnership with Laois Sports Partnership and BloomHQ, the Mountrath Activity and Wellness Hub was awarded funding through Sports Ireland under the Dormant Accounts fund. This funding will allow us to support the development of a sports activity hub within the BloomHQ project and create more opportunities for sports and fitness for the whole community of Mountrath and its surrounding areas. Bloom HQ is a wheelchair-accessible facilities are inclusive of all ages and abilities. The facilities include:
- Large Equipped Martial Arts Gym with 40mm sprung floor
- Strength & Conditioning Gym with Full TRX & K08 setup
- Sports Hall
- 2 senior & 1 Junior Basketball Court
- Tennis and badminton courts
- Therapy room available to hire for physio & wellness practitioners
Mountrath Activity and Wellness hub facilities are open to all communities to partake in programmes or to hire for their own activity or wellness activities.
Mountrath Activity and Wellness Hub provides sports, activity and wellness programmes for over 160 attendees at various different classes and clubs on a weekly basis. Classes on offer include; bowls, activator poles, yoga, Karate, aerobics, ZUU, TRX, inclusive sports, and children’s camps.
Through the Dormant Accounts Fund and Sports Ireland funding, we aim to expand our services and programme offerings for 2022.
To find out more, visit www.mountrathgym.com