Minister of State for Food, Forestry and Horticulture Andrew Doyle has welcomed the announcement that 23 Wicklow Clubs and societies will benefit in over €7,200 worth of grants to fund physical activity for older people (over 50). The Go for Life Grant Scheme from Age & Opportunity and Sport Ireland. These grants are aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of older people across the country by providing them with opportunities to engage in physical activity and sport. Grant recipients include Active Retirement Groups, ICA guilds, Local Sports Partnerships, Sports Clubs, Family Resources Centres and many others who provide older people with opportunities to get active.
‘The National Physical Activity Plan, launched earlier this year, sets an ambitious target to get half a million people more active within ten years. Programmes like Go for Life and the National Grant Scheme will help us reach this target by supporting and empowering older people to get active.
Karen Smyth, CEO of Age & Opportunity, outlined the importance of providing opportunities for older people to engage in sport and physical activity: “Research shows us that physical activity improves mental and physical wellbeing as well as providing opportunities for social networking. Through our Go for Life Programme and the Grant Scheme we are helping get older people, more active, more often. Those participating in the Games are testament to the impact these grants have in local communities, empowering older people to keep fit and healthy on their own terms. The variety of groups who apply and the activities they are engaged in demonstrates the richness and variety of the ageing experience in Ireland.”
Speaking at the launch, John Treacy, Chief Executive of Sport Ireland said: “The National Grant Scheme continues to grow in importance, as demonstrated by the record number of groups who have applied this year and the record number of grants awarded. Increasing participation in sport and physical activity is one of Sport Ireland’s key strategic priorities. We are delighted to partner with Age & Opportunity’s Go for Life Programme, to increase participation among older people in recreational sport activities. I also want to acknowledge the groups themselves and our own national network of Local Sports Partnerships who provide opportunities to increase participation among older people in sport and physical activity”.
