The Go for Life National Grant Scheme recently celebrated a momentous allocation of funding for sporting activities in older age-groups. The grants scheme, a combined initiative from Age & Opportunity and Sport Ireland, will distribute €32,355 across 112 groups in Dublin. Nationwide over 1,000 groups will receive grants totalling almost €300,000. The National Grant Scheme provides an accessible and enjoyable means for older people in communities nationwide to reap the health rewards from doing physical activity.
Brendan Griffin, Minister of State with responsibility for Sport, said: “I am delighted to see that almost €300,000 has been allocated by Sport Ireland to the Go for Life grants to over one thousand groups this year. This means that 33,000 older people will take part in sport and physical activity as a direct result of this grant scheme. Over the last eighteen years the National Grant Scheme funding has supported and empowered thousands of groups of older people to get more active more often and the record number of applications this year shows the continued importance of the scheme for groups throughout the country. Go for Life is doing a wonderful job of providing opportunities for older people to enjoy all the benefits that participation can bring”
Local groups receiving funding will include An Cosan CDP The Shanty Education Centre, Bohernabreena ICA, CHIME Tallaght, Clondalkin ARA, Dominic’s Active Ladies Club A.R.A, Dominics Active Men Social, Kilnamanagh ICA, Kingswood & Kilnamanagh Active Age Mens Club, Kingswood Community And Leisure Centre, Knocklyon Ladies Club, Ladies Social Group Newcastle, Lucan ARA, Lucan ICA, NCCWN Rowlagh Women’s Group, South Dublin Sports Partnership, Tallaght ICA and Women Together Tallaght Network
The Grant Scheme demonstrates the wide scope and ambition of Ireland’s older generations where keeping healthy and active is concerned. Tennis, cycling, rowing, seated boxing, dancing, aqua aerobics and handball are just some of the activities the grant will fund. The Grant Scheme is part of Age & Opportunity’s ‘Go for Life’ programme, funded by Sport Ireland, and delivered nationwide with the support of Local Sports Partnerships and the HSE.
