Latest Laois News: Latest from Laois Sports Partnership
Mom and Me Bootcamp
The Mom and Me Bootcamp was set up online for mothers and daughters to participate in an online exercise bootcamp. The bootcamp took place via zoom on a Tuesday and Friday nights for 4 weeks.
The bootcamp exercises involved partner workouts in addition to using equipment that can be got around the house i.e. footballs, chairs and couches.
The bootcamp finished on Friday last with great praise from participants. “The bootcamp was great fun, thanks a million for everything”, “Many thanks for everything, we really enjoyed it and will miss it”. It was enjoyed by all participants. “Tonight was great, you really pushed us”, with some even looking for it to continue. There was over 67 participants who had signed up for the bootcamp.
The bootcamp was aimed at increasing physical activity amongst women and developing more interaction and bonding amongst families. The partner workouts really worked great and allowed parents/guardians and children to work as a team and to have a laugh while doing so. It was great to see a smile on participants faces. There was also a little competition along the way.
Jerusalema Challenge
We ran a Jerusalema challenge over the past few weeks. If some of you don’t know, The Jerusalema Challenge is a dance to the song Jerusalema which is a song by South African producer Master KG and performed by singer-songwriter Nomcebo. It is a feel good song and dance that brings the whole community together. The dance trend became viral in February of last year when a group in Angola, South-West Africa, recorded themselves dancing to the song. Most people still copy the moves seen in Fenómenos do Semba’s original video.
We had 8 entries overall and all vidoes were very good. The winner of the competition was in with a chance of winning €500 voucher for their club or €250 voucher for their family. We decided to get an outsider to view all videos and pick a winner for our competition to ensure there was no bias. Mureen Culleton kindly accepted to pick the winner. She stated, “Very well done to all teams on the Jerusalema Challenge. Congratulations to all for their great efforts”. The winner of our competition was the Ballybrophy “Bally boys and Girls”. “Their variety, inclusivity, creativity and fun”.
Online Easter Camp
We are hosting an online easter camp from the 6th April to the 9th April inclusive from 11am – 12pm. The camp is for all children from 5-12 years of age. The camp is for all abilities.
The camp will consist of different exercise and fun games each day during easter to keep children active and have fun during Easter. There will be lots of dancing, jumping, games and much more.
The camp will be run via zoom, so places are limited. Check out Laois Sports Partnership Facebook Page in order to register or contact Eimear on 086 011 1722 for more information.
Safeguarding Training
Safeguarding 1, Child Protection in Sport, Online Training: Thursday the 29th of April, 6.30 – 9.30pm
Certified by Sport Ireland, Booking Fee is €18
Safeguarding 2 Course, Club Children’s Officer Training: 20th of April, 6.30 – 9.30pm
Certified by Sport Ireland, Course fee is €18 per person. Please note: Participants must first have completed Safeguarding 1 training
Booking link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/safeguarding-2-online-workshop-club-childrens-officer-training-20042021-tickets-147640602015
Laois Virtual 5k a huge success!
Laois Sports Partnership in association with Portlaoise Athletics Club organised the LAOIS 5K VIRTUAL RUN/WALK over 5 days from the 17th – 21st of March 2021.
About 700 Runners/walkers and complete beginners joined in for the “Laois 5km Virtual Run/Walk. We had participants from every corner of Laois and from other counties in Ireland as well as families participating as far as California and beyond.
Funded by Laois Sports Partnership through the Healthy Ireland Keep Well Campaign, we wanted to encourage people of all abilities to take part and run/walk/wheel the 5km from 17th – 21st March. The first 380 participants who registered for the event received a fabulous blue running top which were posted out prior to the event.
Portlaoise AC supported participants for the last 6 weeks through their journey to completing a 5km at whatever pace you could. Couch to 5k training plans were available for beginners and advanced through experienced coaches from the Club.
Proceeds from the event will be used to support activity programmes for people with visual impairments through Laois Sports Partnership and Portlaoise Athletics Club, with a donation also being made to Laois Guide Dogs. €4,000 euro was raised which is being split 50-50 between Portlaoise AC & Laois Guide Dogs.
Background:
In 2020 we launched our first C25K programme for people with visual impairments with Portlaoise AC. The programme was very successful, with participants being able to enjoy guide running for the first time with the support of other athletes from the running club.
We want to build on the success of this programme which can be done now because of the fantastic support from everyone that registered and supported the event.
Participants enjoyed getting out for their activity and enjoyed the benefits of getting out in the “fresh air” which in turn improves quality of life, improves sleep, improved physical fitness, improved wellbeing, reduces stress and anxiety. When people are in natural surroundings, physical activity releases endorphins which gives us that “feel good” feeling.
We have received great feedback from participants of which I enclose a testimonial. I am sure you will agree with the sentiment.
Testimonial 1
“I have completed many 5k walks over the years but nothing like the virtual 5K yesterday. To say I felt pride is an understatement. For the first time in over a year I could feel that sense of community in the air. We walked with our heads held high, a smile on our face and waved to so many in their blue T-shirt’s. With the sun on our backs, we started out supporting Laois Guide Dogs and Portlaoise Athletics Club but by the end it meant so much more Thank You…”
Testimonial 2
My daughter, Emily, and I were honoured to join in the event. We participated remotely from California along with our 2 Goldens, Daisy and Lady.
NOTE: We are descendants of the Cullens of Abbeyleix. My wife, Katie, and I had a magical visit to County Laois 2 years ago and stay in close contact with Trudy Mhic An Earla and Sile Headen. We definitely plan to return.
It was truly an honour to participate in the 5K run and support such worthy organizations. Although our feet were in California, our hearts were with all of you in County Laois!