New Sports Inclusion Development Officer Appointed!

In 2006 the Dormant Accounts Fund earmarked €2m nationally for projects that address the imbalance in opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sport and physical activity. The Irish Sports Council, in collaboration with the network of Local Sports Partnerships identified the need to appoint dedicated Sports Inclusion Development Officers (SIDO's) at county level in order to address current gaps in the provision of sport and recreation for this target group. Local Sports Partnerships and Local Authorities made applications to Dormant Accounts for funding towards the employment of SIDO's...

...and we're happy to announce that Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Local Sports Partnership was successful in its funding bid. Phena O'Connor, formerly of DLRCC's Sports Development Office, has been appointed to the exciting new role, in which she will work towards increasing participation by people with a disability in sport and active recreation through working in partnership with all stakeholders.

Some of the main responsibilities of the SIDO's position are:

• Promoting the many benefits of participation in physical activity for people with a disability.
• Establishing a disability sport forum, encouraging co-operation and collaboration with service providers, sports clubs and organisations, voluntary organisation and other key stakeholders.
• Assessing levels of programme and service provision by relevant agencies targeted at encouraging increased participation in sport by people with a disability.
• Facilitation and development of training and education programmes for coaches and teachers in the County.
• Organising events, taster sessions etc. including follow-up links to clubs and groups.
• Linking with volunteer networks to assist people with a disability to be active.

This appointment represents a huge step forward for Sport in    Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, and DLR Local Sports Partnership is delighted to be involved in such an exciting endeavour.

Watch this Space!