The last year has offered up many different challenges and we all have made huge sacrifices to adapt to our new world.

There has been some positives that have come from all this uncertainty. One story springs to mind, Ruby Morrow from Glenageary who after taking part in our Couch to 2k, then 5k and finally 10k, jogged a 10k on her 71^st Birthday! Ruby admitted, ‘she was never sporty but said she’d give it a go!’. It was through her children that she got involved in sport in the community on a voluntary basis and has given up her time ever since. As a volunteer she began to see the physical, mental and social benefits of activity on her children and other club members.

At 71, Ruby felt it was time to do something about her fitness. She said it was the phased build up and relaxed approach to each programme that made it possible to ‘do a bit more’ and before she realised she was ready for a 10k! She also found the engagement in the WhatsApp Groups to be a great source of motivation and encouragement during the programmes. Congratulations to Ruby and thanks for inspiring us all!

Further positives to come to the light particularly around activity. Sport Ireland found that levels of sporting activity increased significantly during the period of Covid 19 restrictions to an unprecedented high of 51%. Even more promising was that 79% of adults said that doing physical activity is now part of their weekly routine.

Sport Ireland today announced an investment of €40 million to National Governing Bodies for Sport (NGBs), High Performance athlete support and to the network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) for 2021.

• €13.8 million for core activity of 59 National Governing Bodies
• €9.5 million to support work of 29 Local Sports Partnerships
• €8,500,000 to support High Performance programmes
• €2.68 million in International Carding scheme

Mobility, Strength & Walking Programme

2020 has been a tough year especially for those who have been cocooning and the over 65yrs Adults. Throughout the Covid -19 pandemic, we at Dun Laoghaire Rahtdown Sports Partnership have been working hard to ensure that the older adults of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown remain physically active. We have adapted by using online and other innovative programmes. Ensuring that everyone in the community has the opportunity to share in the enjoyment as well as the mental and physical health benefits of activity.

We are delighted to introduce our new Stepping Out Together programme. This is a Free 6-week combined physical activity programme incorporating strength, mobility, walking & mindfulness.

https://steppingouttogether.eventbrite.ie