Events and Local Action

1. €15,000 National Scholarship Scheme - ISA & Coláiste UISCE

Coláiste UISCE has launched a scholarship scheme to the value of €15,000. This scholarship has been launched in conjunction with the ISA (Irish Sailing Association). A Coláiste UISCE scholarship gives students a chance to win a place on a Summer Gaeltacht course absolutely free. Coláiste UISCE is the only Irish college with official recognition from the ISA. This means that each student will receive nationally accredited certificates in the various watersports on their return home. ‘Learning Irish is Fun’ at Coláiste UISCE. The lucky winners will not forget this amazing experience of learning Irish through adventure activities and time spent with us at the Coláiste.

All competition details can be found on our website www.uisce.ie. Each applicant must answer three Coláiste UISCE related question and give us a reason why they deserve a scholarship with us. Go n-éirí go geal libh.

Jacqui Durnin

UISCE

Cuan Eilí

MSP Mission Statement: "To plan, lead and co-ordinate the sustainable development of sport in Mayo"

Some upcoming Courses:

1. Code of Ethics and Best Practice in Sport Awareness course will be held on:

March 8th and 9th (7:30-9:30pm each night) in Castlebar, cost is €15 per person.

2. Active Sports Leadership course

March 10th, 24th & 31st (7-10pm each night) in Ballyheane, Castlebar, €30 per person

See website for further details and an application form: www.mayosports.ie -Calendar of events

Launch of “Be Active 55” Spring Timetable for Co. Mayo

The Spring timetable for the “Be Active 55” project in Co. Mayo has been launched, with leisure centres in Ballina, Ballinrobe, Erris, Castlebar, Claremorris, Lacken, Mulranny and Westport participating in the scheme. “Be Active 55” is now in its second year and has proven to be an exciting and novel way of getting older people interested in exercising, socialising and generally enjoying health in later life.

Leisure centres in County Mayo are continuing to offer special classes for people aged 55 and over, with an emphasis on getting fit and having fun. The centres are working with Mayo Sports Partnership and the HSE on the “Be Active 55” project, with each leisure centre providing a “Be Active 55” class once a week on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Thelma Birrane, Health Promotion Officer, HSE West, and Charlie Lambert, Sports Coordinator, Mayo Sports Partnership, both agree that: The success of this project can be put down to the involvement of older people in the planning of the project and the strong partnerships that have developed between the Sports Partnership, the HSE and the leisure industry.

The aim of the initiative is to increase the usage of leisure facilities by people over 55 through a co-ordinated programme of activities at off-peak times. As a result of the tremendous success of the initiative, centres throughout Mayo have put together a programme of activities at a reduced cost especially for people in this age category.

The physical activities that are organised through the “Be Active 55” project have a number of benefits for people aged 55 and over, including:

Improving your mental health, and reducing stress and anxiety

Helping reduce loneliness and isolation

Preventing falls and reducing the risk of osteoporosis

Reducing your blood pressure, cholesterol, risk of strokes and heart disease

Increasing your mobility and helping you maintain your independence for much longer

Charlie Lambert adds: On Saturday, 27th February, the Winning Streak game show on RTE will feature the ‘Be Active 55’ initiative as an activity project that is supported by the Irish Sports Council. The 2/3 minute piece will be broadcast from the Westport Leisure Park that delivers an excellent and successful programme. Please tune in to the show on the 27th to see the wide range of activities that are available at the centre for over 55s.

Anyone interested in getting involved in the ‘Be Active 55’ initiative over the coming months can contact any of the participating leisure centres in Co. Mayo.

THE RUNNING SCHOOL WORKSHOP

Running technique increasing performance, developing speed and reducing injuries

Saturday 17th April 2-4pm - SISM, N5 Business Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.

In association with the Sports Injuries and Sports Medicine Clinic (SISM) Castlebar and the Mayo Sports Partnership former Chelsea football club speed coach Mike Antoniades returns once again to present a workshop on Running performance. The Workshop is based on analyzing running technique in making athletes and sports people move quicker and faster, improve running technique and economy, reducing chronic overuse and persistent/recurring injuries and recovery from surgery.

The workshop is undertaken by Mike Antionades and Martin Mc Intyre. Mike is the founder and Coaching Director of Sport Dimensions a London based company specializing in Performance & Rehabilitation Training and has worked with Chelsea FC, Chelsea Academy, Arsenal, Christine Ohuruogu (track) , Peter Reid (rowing), Emma Anya (track), Ollie Barclay (Rugby), Eidur Gudjhonsen (football), Tim Henman (tennis). Martin is the founder of the Sports Injuries and Sports Medicine Clinic has a MSc Sports Injury (Medicine); MSc Gaelic football; BSc(Hons) Sports Science; H.Dip Science and Football. He has 10 years experience in the field and has worked with Kerry Senior/ U21/ Minor teams the Roscommon minor team (2006-2008) and currently works with the Roscommon senior team.

The Running School® workshop involves analyzing running biomechanics and creating tailored coaching sessions to improve running technique and performance. The workshop analyses and highlights the weaknesses

· that cause inefficiency and decrease the performance of an athlete,

· that slow an athlete down and decrease their speed

· which predispose them to injury and that you may have and then start correcting their biomechanics and in simple

During the workshop you will have an insight into developing speed for running, sprinting and multidirectional sports and we will demonstrate

How to use your arms while running?

What is the best way for the foot to land?

How can you run faster?

How to reduce repetitive strain injuries?

How can you change your inefficient running style?

The workshop is available through the Mayo Sports Partnership (please complete the attached form) at a cost of €10 or for further information and details check out our website link: http://www.mayosports.ie/CalendarofEventsTrainingCourses

Places are limited.

THE RUNNING SCHOOL WORKSHOP

Flora Mini Womens Marathon May 2010

Rehab is a dynamic Irish charity that provide care, training and employment services to thousands of people with disabilities and others who are marginalised in local communities. Our website is here: www.rehab.ie .

At the moment we are looking volunteers to take part in the Flora Womens Mini Marathon on Bank Holiday Monday 7th June, to support Rehab's services and help improve them in the local community. I was wondering if I could post you a poster, that you would be so kind as to put it up on a noticeboard for your members to see?

Women of all ages representing every county and every walk of life take part in this great Festival of Women. No pressure is put on anyone - all the participants have to do is get fit enough to walk, jog or run the 10k. It is up to each individual to set her own target. Every finisher is a winner - and receives a commemorative medal and ribbon to mark the achievement. We at Rehab would provide a pack to each of our runners that includes a t-shirt and sponsorship card.

Please feel free to call me directly on 01 205 7231 if you have any queries. I look forward to hearing from you.

Many thanks,

Kate

Running technique increasing performance, developing speed and reducing injuries.

Saturday 6th March 2-4pm - SISM, N5 Business Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.