Council hopes to attract more women to sport

BINGO aerobics, ‘Dry Row’ rowing and 3x3 basketball are just some of the innovative ways in which the Irish Sports Council hope more girls and women can be persuaded to participate in sport.

The Women in Sport Initiative was officially launched by Sports Minister John O’Donoghue at the National Stadium in Dublin yesterday with the ISC providing funding of €750,000 for the project.

Half a million euro of that has been directed into 14 projects devised by various national governing bodies (NGBs) with another €131,000 being distributed across the 16 local sports partnerships.

“At present, only 10% of women in Ireland are participating regularly in sport and physical activity to gain health benefits from it,” said the minister. “This is something that we must work together to address.

“We want women of all ages to become involved in these projects and develop a lifelong relationship with sport.

“Society must ensure that no obstacles or barriers exist that preclude people becoming involved in sport. Every opportunity must be provided to ensure equal opportunity and access to quality programmes and training facilities, resources and services.”

Many of the individual projects envisage using the funds in traditional ways, for example coach education, underage participation and primary schools initiatives.

Others have taken very different routes. The Laois Sports Partnership will use part of their funding to offer aerobic sessions prior to bingo in community centres in towns to introduce women to physical activity.

At present, only three schools in the country offer rowing as part of PE or extra-curricular activities so the Irish Amateur Rowing Union is developing its ‘Dry Row’ programme.

Initially, it will target 27 schools by providing rowing machines and mentoring by local club athletes.

Software will also be provided to teachers to allow students track their progress and the programme will culminate with a ‘wet’ element when participants will get the opportunity to develop their skills on the water.

“Attracting more women into sport is a key element of our participation strategy, which is all about breaking down barriers and increasing participation in sport,” said ISC chief executive John Treacy.

“These projects are the means by which many women can rekindle their relationship with sport, or be introduced to it.”