Funding for physical activity for older people in Louth

Age & Opportunity is today marking the distribution of its Active National Grant that provides significant funding for sport and physical activity amongst older people.

The Grant Scheme is a combined initiative from Age & Opportunity and Sport Ireland.

This year it is providing €9,050 to 25 groups in Louth. 

Nationwide €317,430 is being awarded to 909 organisations, ranging from active retirement groups to sports clubs and nursing and day care centres.

The successful Louth groups are:

Togher & District Active Retirement
Fechin Go For Life ARI
Edmund Rice ARA
Cooley Peninsula Men's Shed
Broomfield Men's Shed,
Faughart Social Group ARA, Ladies Parlour
Dundalk Active Retirement
Boyne Badminton Club
Louth Local Sports Partnership
Ard Na Social Club
Gnh Social Club
Earl House Residents Social Club
Alzheimer Society of Ireland
Louth Village ICA
Ardee ARA
Lann-Leire and District ARA
Dundalk ICA
The Peoples Club, Omeath and District ARA
Drogheda District Support 4 Older people - Monday Morning Club
Kilkerley ICA, Drogheda ICA
Clogherhead/Walshestown ICA Guild
Blackrock Abbey Nursing Home.

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Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne TD, said: “Today’s funding announcement is very welcome news.

“As a Government, we want to see older people helped to be more active and this year’s funding will support sports clubs, Irish Countrywomen’s Association Guilds, and Active Retirement Associations in meeting that goal.”

Speaking about the grant, Chief Executive of Sport Ireland Dr Úna May commented: “We are delighted to continue our support of the Age & Opportunity National Grant Scheme which continues to be an important asset to local communities.

“By assisting with funding, we play a small part in providing better opportunities in our communities for our older generation to improve their physical and mental health through taking part in physical activity.”

Karen Horgan, CEO of Age & Opportunity, welcomed the ongoing partnership with Sport Ireland.

“We are also delighted that this year 281 successful applications were from designated disadvantaged areas.

“In addition, there were 50 successful applications from nursing homes and 59 from day care centres.

“The renewed focus on providing meaningful activities in these settings is particularly welcome given the impact that Covid has had on older people in these settings.”

Every year approximately 30,000 older people take part in physical activity funded by the Grant Scheme.

Activities funded include archery, rowing, dancing, cycling, clay pigeon shooting, kayaking, GAA, mountain biking, table tennis, tai chi, walking and weight-lifting.

The Grant Scheme is part of Age & Opportunity’s Active programme, funded by Sport Ireland, and delivered nationwide with the support of the HSE and Local Sports Partnerships.