Mayo Sports Partnership by Eleanor O Donnell

contents clár Introductory Comments Réamhráitis Chairman Cathaoirleach......................................................................................................................................................................................... 02 Sports Coordinator Mayo Sports Partnership Comhordaitheoir Spóirt na Comhpháirtíochta Spóirt Mhaigh Eo.. ..................................................................................... 02

Report sections Rannáin na Tuarascála 1. Summary and Background Achoimre agus Cúlra.................................................................................................................. 03 2. County Mayo Profile Próifíl Chontae Mhaigh Eo....................................................................................................................... 03 3. Introduction to this Strategic Plan Réamhrá ar an bPlean Straitéiseach........................................................ 04 4. Agencies and Others Gníomhaireachtaí agus Eile................................................................................................................ 05 5. Executive Summary Achoimre Fheidhmeach. ........................................................................................................................... 05 6. Methodologies Modheolaíochtaí......................................................................................................................................................... 06 7. Referenced Adventure Sports Spóirt Eachtraíochta atá Tagartha. ........................................................................ 06 8. Consultations Submissions and Research Comhairliúcháin, Aighneachtaí agus Taighde............. 07 9. Adventure Sport and Disability Spórt Eachtraíochta agus Míchumas................................................................. 10 10. Current Providers Soláthróirí Reatha................................................................................................................................................ 10 11. Written Submissions Aighneachtaí Scríofa. ................................................................................................................................ 11 12. Summary of Submissions Achoimre ar Aighneachtaí........................................................................................................ 12 13. References Tagairtí........................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

introductory comments rĂŠamhrĂĄitis Mayo is endowed with magnificent natural facilities and therefore it was not surprising that adventure sports became popular over the past thirty years. An early contribution to this development was the initiative of Mayo VEC in Achill in 1973 with the setting up of the Outdoor education Centre. This centre brought young people from schools all over the country and introduced them to a range of activities such as hill walking canoeing, rock climbing, and surfing which many pursued into there later adult lives. In addition the centre had an impact on the Island and the surrounding areas and a number of other related initiatives particularly those associated with tourism have flourished. Over those years too there has been considerable expansion in the development of activities such walking, sailing, and cycling and these are now fast becoming significant tourism products. A number of private adventure sports centres have been established and have also contributed in an important way. However it is not only tourists and visitors to the county who are interested in the outdoors, many local communities for example, have now become involved in creating walking routes in there own areas. There has also been a growth in the number of clubs involved in adventure sports throughout the county and the significance of the degree course in outdoor education at GMIT Castlebar, cannot be overlooked either, as it is the only course of its type in the country. Thus it would appear that Mayo is ideally placed to gain advantages from the promotion and development of adventure sports and that there are potential social and economic benefits which could accrue to the county. This plan is an attempt to contribute to this development and to utilize the Mayo Sports Partnership to harness the expertise and resources of those already involved in adventure sports to coordinate actions towards maximising the potential in this area. The plan also integrates with the objectives of the overall Mayo Sports Partnership Strategic Plan and is therefore an important action in itself, to have been completed. On behalf of the Mayo Sports Partnership I would like to thank all those who have contributed to the plan and in particular Joe McDermott for his work in producing the final document Pat Stanton Chairman Mayo Sports Partnership

Since the inception of the Sports Partnership in late 2004 use of the natural environment has been a key component of our work. Through our Special Participation Grant Scheme Initiative a number of community projects in Kayaking, Orienteering, Surfing, Powerboating, Cycling and Hillwalking have been supported and nurtured. Into the future we will continue to support initiatives such as these and showcase the county as a top adventure sports location. The importance of collaboration and sharing of information between all agencies / stakeholders who have an interest in Adventure Sports cannot also be understated. In this current economic environment it is imperative that resources are maximised and partnerships developed. Mayo VECs Active Learning Initiative which will bring Mayo Sports Partnership, Mayo VEC, GMIT, Mayo Education Centre and the Junior Cycle P.E. Support Service together to promote the use of adventure sports in the school environment and to build school / community links is a practical example of a partnership approach in a unique initiative . Finally I would like to acknowledge the contribution by all the various partners / stakeholders to this particular project. The Irish Sports Council for funding the initiative, plan facilitator Joe Mc Dermott, all agencies represented on the Sports Partnerships board and all those from the Adventure Sports arena who attended the consultation meetings. Yours in Sport

Charlie Lambert Sports Co-ordinator Mayo Sports Partnership

summary and background achoimre agus cúlra Mayo Sports Partnership is concerned to provide information, and to pursue sports specific courses through their national governing bodies, to assist individuals and clubs and providers in the various adventure sports. The Board is comprised of sixteen members representing agencies that invest in, or have an interest in sport in the county. A professional Sports Coordinator and administrator have been employed to coordinate the implementation of the various sports strategic plans.

county mayo profile próifíl chontae mhaigh eo County Mayo is an ideal location for adventure sports. This is primarily one of the great unspoiled environmental regions of Europe. The landscapes of the county are supremely suited to almost every type of adventure sport. The coastline is rugged and lengthy with many suitable sheltered bays for scuba diving and snorkelling; there are beaches with appropriate surf for the various types of surfing now in vogue. Hillwalkers are catered for on many mountain ranges within the county including, Mweelrea [819m], the provinces highest peak. Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s sacred mountain overlooks the pleasant sailing waters of Clew Bay. There are lakes, rivers, forest and open mountain sides, many of which are under utilised at present. The potential for mountain biking and orienteering is immense. Adventure seekers would be well served to visit the county and experience the great diversity of possibilities that exist here in Mayo.

introduction réamhrá This Strategic Plan charts the course that will be followed in the coming years to develop, encourage, and promote Adventure Sports in Co. Mayo. It describes the goals and objectives and discusses the strategies for achieving those goals. It explains how Mayo Sports Partnership will work with individuals, communities, public and private organisations and local government in order to ensure the implementation of these goals. For the purposes of this report Adventure Sport is defined as follows: It consists of various disparate activities where there are a relatively high number of inherently uncontrollable variables. Participants compete sometimes against one another, but almost always against environmental obstacles and challenges. These environmental obstacles are regularly water, wind, remote locations, high mountains and snow. None of these factors can be controlled and thus they will inevitably affect the outcome of the activity or event. Another consideration is that the participants tend to be individuals, not attracted to club membership, although they will avail of such facilities where they exist or are necessary for participation. A recent development of this concept of adventure sport is the idea of “Soft Adventure” where the particular adventure sport is modified to give some experience to those not drawn to the more rigorous versions of the particular activity. Some adventure sports are seen as seasonal activities; rockclimbing in summer for example. However, most activities can be practised for the greater part of the year. A further consideration must be the economic benefits that such sports can bring to the county through attracting participants from other parts of Ireland and abroad. This is the tourism aspect of adventure sports. It is an important component of county Mayo’s tourism profile. Any future implementation plans will need to take cognizance of this.

agencies and others gnĂomhaireachtaĂ Sport today cannot be separated from economic, or political life. It is not something practised in a social context alone. Indeed there are those who would advocate its spiritual dimension. The promotion of health through sporting activity is seen as a priority for many agencies, governmental and other. The availability of natural resources owned by the state is an example of where additional use can be made of a resource for the benefit of adventure sports, a case in point being Coillte owned forests. Failte Ireland also has a major role and interest in promoting adventure sport. It seeks to generate tourism products around various adventure activities, creating sustainable jobs and income streams. Imaginative use of Rural Social Schemes in maintaining and developing trails and access points to adventure facilities is now part of everyday life here in Mayo. Thus, one can see that government, local government and non governmental agencies all have a role to play in facilitating and promoting adventure sport. There is a need for understanding and collaboration amongst academia, the private sector, government agencies, local government and its agencies, as well as media and the general public. It is worth noting that in Mayo the foundations of this collaboration already exist. Galway Mayo Institute of Technology already offer academic and practical courses in adventure sport training. Mayo Vocational Education committee has an outdoor education centre on Achill Island, and it is the longest established centre in Ireland. Mayo County Council, through its County Development Board, promotes the Mayo Sports Partnership. Any implementation plan for adventure sport will need to take cognizance of these connections and strengthen them where necessary.

executive mission achoimre fheidhmeach Vision, Mission, Thematic Goals and Outcomes Long Term Vision: The long term vision of Mayo Sports Partnership is of an environment which encourages and enables people to be involved in Adventure Sport. Mission Statement: In the pursuit of the stated vision the mission of Mayo Sports Partnership is to plan, lead and coordinate the sustainable development of adventure Sport in Mayo. Themes and Goals Theme 1: Increasing participation. Goal: To increase the levels of participation in Adventure Sports in Mayo. Theme 2: Education and Training. Goal: To facilitate education and training for those involved in adventure sport clubs, in the community and in schools. Theme 3: Facilities and Amenities. Goal: To promote a strategic and sustainable approach to the development and usage of adventure sport amenities, facilities and infrastructure in Mayo. Theme 4: Communication and Co-ordination. Goal: To communicate the wide ranging benefits of adventure sport and to co-ordinate the work of the key activists in the field of adventure sports. Anticipated Outcomes: } More information available about adventure sports } Additional trained leaders and volunteers accessible to end users } Improved facilities and better use of natural resources

methodologies modheolaíochtaí The writing of this plan employed the following methods. 1. Desk research involving local newspapers, reports, and promotional literature. 2. Internet research 3. Using the Mayo Sports Partnership data base of adventure sport clubs and activists. 4. Newspaper advertisements inviting written submissions 5. Two consultative public meetings 6. Consultation with the Mayo Sports Partnership Board

referenced adventure sports spóirt eachtraíochta atá tagartha The following adventure sports are identified as being in practice in county Mayo, or having the potential to be practiced here. Archery

Obstacle Courses

Canoeing/Kayaking

Orienteering

Caving

Personal Water Craft

Coastal Cruising

Powerboat Training

Coasteering [intertidal physical activity in rocky coastline areas]

Raft making

Dinghy Sailing Gorge Walking Hang gliding High Ropes Courses /Aerial Runways Hill walking Mountain biking

Rock climbing & Bouldering Sailing Surfing [various forms of] Snorkelling/Scuba diving Upland Pony Trekking Windsurfing Yacht Charter

consultation, submissions and research comhairliúcháin, aighneachtaí agus taighde The importance of Adventure Sport in county Mayo is considered under the following themes and goals.

Theme 1: Theme 2: Theme 3: Theme 4:

Increasing Participation Education and Training Facilities and Amenities Communication and Coordination

Theme 1: Increasing Participation Téama 1: Méadú Rannpháirtíochta Mayo Sports Partnership is committed to the concept of “sport for all” and “all sports for all” adventure sports have the capacity to promote physical and mental wellbeing as well as promoting social inclusion and community development. Mayo Sports Partnership believes that age is no barrier to participation in adventure sports. The following issues emerged from the research and consultation process followed by Mayo Sports Partnership. In the first instance the promoting adventure sports within communities in Mayo is seen as very important. This support should be directed at schools communities and at an older age group who may historically not have had exposure to adventure sport. In doing this, those consulted felt that such encouragement would help to combat the increasing sedentary lifestyle engendered by Television sport. Awareness of adventure Sport through the following could be promoted by the following means: 1. Local Press, articles and images of activities 2. Support the setting up of local “Adventure Sport Clubs” at school and at community level 3. Create a Mayo Adventure Club 4. Explore the possibility of an “interactive multi adventure sport website” It was also felt that successful festivals should be looked at to determine the reasons for their success. Finally consideration should be given as to how interclub “meets” might be utilised to encourage trying out various adventure sports. Objective

Action

Outcome

Promote Carry out Adventure and market the necessary activities adventure promotion promoted activities Set up a “Mayo Adventure Organisation”

Who Mayo Sports Partnership Failte Ireland Mayo Adventure Centres Rural Recreation Officers Local authority Walks Officer

Facilitate the coming Mayo adventure Mayo Sports Partnership together of those organisation Adventure clubs with an interest in formed Rural Recreation Officer setting up such an Local authority Walks Officer organisation

Theme 2: Education and Training Téama 2: Oideachas agus Traenáil As in all sports there is an ongoing need for training and education for the participants and for leaders. There is also the growing concern over insurance and liability for those volunteering to lead and instruct in adventure sports.

During the consultative process the following issues were introduced. As an educational tool soft adventure sports could be introduced in primary schools, and in the early years of secondary school. Furthermore a need was envisaged for an adventure aspect of Transition Year at second level. Schools should encourage “The Presidents awards” scheme, Gaisce. Adventure Centres should be promoted in an educational context to all schools in the county. Links could be encouraged between such adventure centres and clubs to provide training. Special efforts could be made to target youth groups, scout groups, and such like. Efforts should be made to ensure connection between mainstream education and adventure i.e. learning geography while hillwalking. Attention must be given to adequate access, to health and safety in Adventure Sport through general and specialised First Aid courses. There is a need for more trained leaders in many of the Adventure Sports. Ensure that information is filtering down from Governing Bodies of the various Adventure sports. It was considered by many that training in Mayo for participants was well served by such as GMIT [who provide outdoor education courses from the Castlebar campus] some FAS courses and centres such as the VEC at Achill. It was asked if GMIT could do more to provide training for local leaders. This concept, known as “Extension” as is practised in the USA. Others consulted felt that with regard to Mayo Adventure Centres, instructors need to be more dynamically united. Finally the feeling was that models of excellence [adventure clubs, centres, individuals], within the county should be examined and noted for their success. Objective

Action

Outcome

Promote Create partnerships Increased adventure with those competent involvement activities in to deliver from schools all schools in Mayo Support the training of leaders, volunteers and teachers

Who Mayo Sports Partnership Mayo Adventure Centres GMIT Mayo Education Centre Mayo Leader Companies

Provide training Augmented Mayo Sports Partnership programmes numbers Mayo adventure centres Initiate training of competent Adventure Sports programmes leaders and Governing Bodies where they volunteers Mayo Education Centre do not exist

Theme 3: Facilities and Amenities Téama 3: Áiseanna agus Saoráidí The landscape of Mayo is itself an excellent amenity, suitable bays such as Clew Bay for sailing, diving of the Mullet Peninsula, hiking the Nephins, surfing Carrownisky, and so on. Coillte is committed to providing recreational opportunities in areas such as Glenamoy, Ballycastle, Carrowmorelacken, Knockaunderry, Shanettra, Sheskin, Erris, Tristia, Conn, Bunnafinglas, Swinford, Charlestown, Cloonakilliana, Kilkelly, Kiltimagh, Kilmovee, Turlough. This is not to say that amenities cannot be improved, there is a need for good orienteering maps, for mountain bike trails. However the fundamentals are very good. Croagh Patrick is a good case in point with excellent facilities. There is a need to distinguish the natural environmental facilities used in the various adventure sports as opposed to participant services. The following issues emerged from the research. High on the list of issues raised were, toilets, shelters, showers that are needed at hot spots, places where surfers practise their arts for example. Similarly, parking and toilets at trail heads for hikers were mentioned. Access routes to hills and mountains need to be negotiated, though there is good progress to date. A web presence showing the locations of facilities would be most useful. Suitable venues to provide climbing walls as wet weather alternatives should be considered.

High quality Orienteering maps and locations would encourage national championships to be held here in Mayo. Already work has been done at Moore Hall and some schools have their own grounds mapped. There is a growing need for Mountain Bike trails, such as at Ballyhoura and Connemara to be constructed. Accommodation providers need encouragement and education about what adventure sports participants require. Facilities such as Skate Parks could be promoted. The possibilities of water trails for easy Kayaking should be investigated; there are precedents in Michigan State in the USA that could be followed. Safety information needs to be posted at relevant sites, for example, rip tides on beaches for surfing visitors. Some of those consulted asked that storage facilities for clubs be made available free or for rent at affordable prices at relevant locations. Others wished to know what is the position of Mayo County Council on launch facilities, slipways, etc... In summary the various agencies and governing bodies need to coordinate to develop facilities and amenities.

Objective

Action

Improve facilities Carry out a needs and make better analysis of use of the natural facilities environment

Outcome

Who

Identified issues Local Authority and needs Private Organisations leading to Mayo VEC a plan

Create links and Set up links Links established Mayo Sports Partnership work with Local Local Authority Authority, agencies Private Organisations and private The Mayo Adventure Forum organisations to develop facilities

Theme 4: Communication and Coordination Téama 4: Cumarsáid agus Comhordú Most people who attended public consultations agreed that the role of Mayo Sports Partnership was vital in communicating the message, that participation in active sport in some manner was very important for the individual, the community, and the economy of the county The following issues arose from the research: A major ambition of those consulted was to see an Adventure Sport Development Officer appointed in Mayo who would coordinate events providers and facilities, and carry out such other duties as were deemed necessary and suitable. Marketing adventure sports will be important for the future and to this end a number of suggestions were made such as an area trade fair to be held for all providers of activities, equipment and services in Mayo. The publication an annual event calendar on a web site would be of great assistance. The provision of internet web site with possible forums and threads could be part of this. Governing Bodies should be encouraged to hold national conferences of various adventure sports in Mayo. The RDS adventure show is costly and not as active as once was could Mayo provide a way forward. Closer links with Failte Ireland to promote communication would help. Sharing of information such as insurance Insurance contacts was another suggestion made. Develop “The Western Adventure Trail” as allocation for activities as a brand and as a tool to market adventure in Mayo. Develop a Database of people interested in adventure sport in Mayo and share it with all interested parties. Such is the use of the internet today as an information source, a marketing tool, etc that most of those consulted felt it was vital that Mayo adventure have a presence there, The Mayo Adventure Sports Website. Some of the following ideas were posited for such a site. Activities, Providers, Accommodation, Locations and Amenities, Events and festivals, Members forum, Google earth links, there are undoubtedly many other possibilities. Objective

Action

Outcome

Create a forum Consultation process Mayo Adventure for Mayo with organisations Forum created adventure sport and interested parties Seek the Investigate funding appointment of for such an Adventure a position Sport Development Officer

Who Mayo sports Partnership Failte Ireland Local Authority Leader companies Adventure centres GMIT Mayo Education Centre Interested parties

Appointment of Mayo Sports Partnership an Adventure Failte Ireland Sports Development Local Authority Officer who would Leader Companies promote the Interested Parties development of adventure sport and related tourism products

Develop a Mayo Develop web site Website developed Adventure Web site

All Agencies Mayo Sports Partnership Mayo Education Centre Leader Companies Local Authority

adventure sports and disability spórt eachtraíochta agus míchumas The idea that people with disability can participate in sport is common today. Adventure sport can offer a variety of opportunities to persons with disability. Many adventure centres and clubs already cater for the special needs of the disabled. Some adventure sports can be engaged in on an equal basis by the disabled and their able bodied colleagues. Internationally, some studies of mental health and psychological well-being, as an outcome of sport participation for people with a disability have been undertaken. These studies show the benefits of all types of sport for those with disability. Mayo Sports Partnership will create opportunities to share knowledge, experiences and best practice, for those, who are disabled and who wish to involve themselves in adventure sports.

current providers, clubs, statutory or other involved bodies soláthróirí reatha, clubanna, comhlachtaí reachtúla nó comhlachtaí eile a bhfuil baint acu le spóirt eachtraíochta It is important to note that because of the nature of many adventure sports and the individual involvement that they encourage, the list below does not accurately reflect the range of engagement or numbers so involved. For instance, there is no real orienteering location within the county as yet, hence activists travel to other areas to participate.

Hillwalking

10 clubs

Cycling

6 clubs [not all provide adventure biking such as mountain biking]

Canoeing

1 club

Surfing

2 clubs

Sub Aqua

1 club

Archery

1 club

Power boating

1 provider

Windsurfing

3 providers

Adventure centres multi activity 3 providers

10. Sailing, dinghy and yachting

2 clubs/providers

written submissions and attendees at public meetings aighneachtaí scríofa agus lucht freastail ar chruinnithe poiblí Written submissions were received from the following: } Mayo VEC } Little Killary Adventure Centre } Also consultation with the Board of Mayo Sports Partnership The following organisations and individuals attended at two public consultation meetings held.

Name

Organisation

Fergus Doran Stephen Hannon

GMIT

Edward Joyce

Walking Club

Kevin O Callaghan

GMIT

Pauline Jordan

GMIT

Noelle Doran

ISA

John McHale Sean Swift

Achill O.E.C.

Siobhan Bennett

Detail Events

Chris Harnesse Tom Carolan

South West Mayo Development company

Jamie Young

Killary adventure Company

Ann Reid

Lake district Hillwalking Club

Michael Byrne

GMIT Outdoor Education

Diarmuid Higgins

GMIT

Mary Young

Killary Adventure Company

Carl Maddox

Freelance

Amy Veasy

Broadhaven Marine Training

Mick Loftus

Grainne Uaile SAC

Brian Quinn

Failte Ireland

Pat Stanton

Mayo VEC

Pauline McDermott

Mayo VEC

Joe McDermott

Convener

submissions summary achoimre ar aighneachtaí The following were the main points made by the two written submissions made to the report strategy convener. It should be noted that the two submissions and a consultation with the Board of Mayo Sports Partnership inform and underlie this strategy document.

Mayo VEC The emphasis in this submission was obviously directed toward education and the role of adventure sport in that area. Reference is also made to the infrastructural development of the Achill Outdoor International Education and Activity Centre which is vital to the future development of the island. 1. To “develop excellence amongst those responsible for and committed to Education, Leadership and Group Activities in the Outdoors. This purpose was informed by a profound belief in the value for all human beings of new and adventurous experience. Such experience enhances the quality of life, strengthens the process of self-discovery, and builds a sense of community and respect for the environment”. 2. “We [Mayo VEC] recommend that it should be policy that all pupils passing through our schools be given the opportunity to acquire a certain basic expertise in some of the elements of Outdoor Education and that a strategy be planned and implemented to integrate Outdoor Education into the standard curriculum of each school.” 3. Quality learning experiences in “real” situations have the capacity to raise achievement across a range of subjects and to develop better personal and social skills.

Little Killary Adventure Centre In this submission the emphasis was on tourism, festivals and events. 1. Re-establish an ‘Adventure Type Festival’ in Westport region. A week long example in Norway is “ekstremsportveko.” This to establish Mayo as part of the Western region and ‘adventure capital’. 2. Support Gaelforcewest as a lead event for adventure activities in Mayo and the west. 3. Support the creation of ‘Western Adventure Trail’ and part running through Mayo. This could be created on “track” concept as in New Zealand.

references tagairtí } Department of Sport Arts and Tourism Strategy 2003-06 } Mayo Sports Partnership Strategic Plan 2006 - 2009 } National Health Promotion Strategy, Health Promotion Unit, Department of Health and Children (2000) } Ready Steady Play: A national Play Policy 2004-08, National Children’s Office } Report of National Taskforce on Obesity (2005) } Review of Local Sports Partnership Programme, Department of Arts Sports and Tourism, (Fitzpatrick Associates, 2006) } School Children and Sport in Ireland, ESRI and Irish Sports Council, (Fahey, Delaney, Gannon, 2005) } Social and economic Value of Sport in Ireland, ESRI and Irish Sports Council, (Delaney, Fahey, 2005) } Sport for Life, Irish Sport Council Strategic Plan 2003-06 } Sports Participation and Health amongst Adults in Ireland, ESRI and Irish Sports Council, (Fahy, Layte, Gannon, 2004)

} The Sport - Tourism Interrelationship; Guy Jackson & Mike Weed, in Sport and Society: A Student Introduction; Ed. Barrie Houlihan. Published by SAGE, 2003 } Understanding Lifestyle Sports, Consumption, Identity and Difference. By Belinda Wheaton. Published by Routledge, Taylor and Francal, 2004

Cashin Print, Castlebar. 094 9026622

Mayo Sports Partnership Community and Enterprise Mayo County Council Castlebar, Co. Mayo Tel: 094 9047025 Fax: 094 9047480 Web: www.mayosports.ie