Twenty Projects in County Louth that strive to improve sport and physical activity in older age-groups have been funded through the Age and Opportunity National Grant Scheme.
The grants scheme, a combined initiative from Age & Opportunity and Sport Ireland, will distribute €514,120 across 995 groups.
The projects which are supported through the scheme will provide accessible and enjoyable activities for older people in our local communities and the scheme will distribute €514k across 995 groups nationwide.
Making the announcement yesterday, Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht Jack Chambers said: “The Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme has been an incredibly beneficial resource in enabling older people to become more active and the grants announced today are a further recognition of the importance of sport and physical activity in the lives of older people.
“I want to thank Age & Opportunity for the excellent work they are doing in providing opportunities for older people and I wish them continued success in their valuable work to communities all across Ireland”.
Dr. Una May, Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, said the Age & Opportunity Active programme continues to act as a valuable resource in getting more older people more active.
“Sport Ireland’s vision is that sport contributes to enhancing the quality of Irish life and that people of all ages are encouraged and valued in sport. To help us achieve this we work with Age & Opportunity to deliver opportunities and grants to as many clubs and groups as possible.
Karen Horgan, CEO of Age & Opportunity, said today’s grant funding is helping us create an Ireland where more older people are more active and more connected and the allocation of these grants ensures clubs and groups from all walks of life can benefit from the scheme.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Sport Ireland. Age & Opportunity works to ensure equality of participation for all older people, irrespective of background, culture, identity, setting or location. We are delighted that this year 383 successful applications were from designated disadvantaged areas. There were also 48 applications from nursing homes and 84 applications from day care centres.”
Local TD, Fergus O’Dowd, said “This is great news for the local recipients and will no doubt provide invaluable support to older people across county Louth.
“Over the recent covid 19 pandemic we have seen just how important it is for all age groups to remain physically active but in particular for older people for their overall health and mental strength.”
The recipient organisations in County Louth are:
- St. Nicholas GFC Drogheda – 800
- Moorehall Lodge – €370
- Newtown Blues GFC – €340
- Lannleire GAA (LGFA) – €1000
- Men’s Shed Seatown Dundalk – €370
- Clogherhead/Walshestown ICA Guild – €340
- Faughart Social Group ARA – €340
- Louth Sports Partnerships – €2000
- Redeemer Athletic Club – €1000
- Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Drogheda Day Care Centre – €370
- Dundalk ICA – €300
- Omeath District Development Co Ltd. – €370
- Drogheda District Support 4 Older people, Monday Morning Club – €370
- Omeath and District ARA – €340
- Drogheda ICA – €300
- Kilkerley ICA – €340
- Ardee ARA – €340
- Dundalk ARA – €370
- Mattock Rangers LGFA – €1000
- Louth Village ICA – €340
