• Five Active Cities to be rolled out in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Waterford
• Aim is to provide increased opportunities for city residents to be active in their communities.
• Creating change for those who are economically, socially or educationally disadvantaged or those who have a disability. 

Attending the launch for Active Cities were Active Cities National Officer, Mary Corry, DLR Sports Partnership Sports Coordinator,  Shane McArdle, Chairperson DLR Sports Partnership, Pat Smith, Sport Ireland CEO, Dr Una May, Director of Participation, Louise Burke and Oisin Foley, Partnerships Manager.

Highlighting the importance of raising awareness Sport Ireland CEO, Dr Una May added: “Sport Ireland are proud to support a wonderful initiative such as Active Cities. Communication and promotion will be central to the success and impact of Active Cities. Research has highlighted the importance of identifying and connecting with trusted local community leaders, willing to promote opportunities within their locality. This initiative will provide a fantastic opportunity for Active Cities to generate a sense of community and togetherness, while bringing sport and physical activity to people’s lives”.

A recent “Active Cities Marketing Communications Research Report”, identified preferences on engaging individuals from targeted groups (i.e., from socially, economically, or educationally disadvantaged areas or people with disabilities) to establish their preferences around the promotion of physical activity.

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr. Caroline Conroy, Mayor of South Dublin County, Cllr. Emma Murphy and Mayor of Galway, Cllr. Clodagh Higgins were joined by Sport Ireland CEO Dr Una May, Louise Burke, Director of Participation and Oisin Foley, Partnerships Manager and members of the Local Sports Partnerships for the launch of Active Cities.

Speaking at the launch Partnerships Manager, Oisin Foley commented:

“Active Cities is about creating opportunities and increasing the number of active spaces throughout cities across Ireland. We want physical activity to become a social norm, naturally and habitually built into people’s home, work and community lives. I would like to encourage as many people to get involved with your local Active City and take part in the wonderful events being rolled out through the initiative”

So many stakeholders have a pivotal role to play in the success of Active Cities and in prioritising  physical activity for ALL which is reflected in the four guiding pillars; Active Systems, Active Environments, Active Societies and Active People.  With all five cities aligned nationally to impact positive change, the pillars also give each city the individual pathway for implementation at a local level through local partnership and collaboration.

Active Cities is about creating an environment where city residents can be more active, with more choice, more opportunity and lead healthier lives in the context of sport and physical activity. Be part of the #ActiveCities movement. You can find tips on how to get active through your Local Sports Partnership website, check out SportIreland.ie or ask your doctor/ physician/ OT for information on how best to get active.

Be part of the Active Cities conversation using the hashtag #ActiveCities and tagging @sportireland, your Local Sports Partnership and any stakeholder you see as having the potential to influence and impact physical activity opportunities.

(*ISM Mid-year 2021)