- Profiles
Ciara O'Brien
Womens Hockey International, Ciara OBrien who has more than 100 caps for Ireland outlines her development at Railway Union Hockey Club and the commitment required to be an international hockey player while studying and working. This is her story in her own words ….
Click
Here
for more information
- Projects
Irish Amateur Rowing Union
The Irish Amateur Rowing Union are developing the Wet row programme for schools linking with existing clubs
Click
Here
for more information
- Real Life Stories
Ruth Kilkenny
International Badminton Player, Ruth Kilkenny outlines her experiences since moving to Denmark to train full-time. Here is her story so far...
Click
Here
for more information
The Importance of Leadership in Sport
Sport in Ireland has enormous social benefits, comparable to its benefits as physical exercise. This must be recognised in the levels and pattern of investment in sport, with three people volunteering in sport for every four who play regularly and many more taking part in social activities connected with sport.
These are the key findings of a new study of the social and economic value of sport published today (October 5) by the Economic and Social Research Institute, in association with the Irish Sports Council.
400,000 adults, 15% of the adult population, volunteer for sport in some way during the sporting year in Ireland. This compares with the 20% who play sport on a regular basis. This means that for every four adults who play we have three who volunteer for sport, representing a significant level of social activity, volunteering and community involvement.
Ossie Kilkenny, Chairperson of the Irish Sports Council, said at the launch: “The Irish Sports Council believes passionately in the intrinsic value of sport to individuals and communities. Our research programme is clearly demonstrating that sport has enormous value beyond that with substantial economic, social and health benefits to the wider population.
We will make the case for investment to reflect that importance and work with sport to maximise its potential benefit to the country”.
The study was based on a national sample of over 3,000 adults interviewed in 2003. It was undertaken by the Economic and Social Research Institute in a joint initiative with the Irish Sports Council. It is part of a comprehensive programme of research designed to increase understanding of the shape and dynamics of sport in Ireland.
A report on adult participation in sport was published in November 2004 and a report on children and sport has also recently been published. The key recommendation of the report is that sports policy in Ireland should recognise and support the social aspects of sport, taking account of the social bonding, community involvement and general contribution to the effective functioning of society that they provide. Funding for sport should be shaped with a view to supporting the social as well as the physical benefits of sport, particularly by encouraging the development of community-based models of sports organisation; sustaining or increasing the numbers who volunteer for sport; enhancing the volunteer experience; promoting social membership as well as playing membership of sports clubs; and facilitating attendance at sports events, for example with funding for sports stadiums and club facilities.
John Treacy, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council said: “In the Ireland of 2005 sport is the major generator of social capital. This fact presents an enormous policy challenge and also an opportunity for sport. As a sector working together we have to ensure that the sporting infrastructure meets its responsibility to the community”.