Go For Life
Go for Life is the national programme for Sport and Physical Activity for Older People. The programme aims to involve more older adults in all aspects of physical activity more often - not only participating but also planning and leading sport and physical activity within their own groups.
There are two key strands:
Active Living : aims to get more people involved in health enhancing physical activity. The programme is implemented in partnership with the Health Promotion Officers of the HSE.
Sport Participation : aims to increase participation rates in sport by older people. It is intended that leaders will be trained locally through the network of Local Sports Partnerships - leaders who will in turn promote participation in sport amongst the older people in their communities.
The main aims of these programmes are to:
- Inform older adults of the benefits of physical activity and the range of opportunities available to them.
- Educate older people in relation to engaging in physical activity.
- Implement activity events and programmes.
South Dublin County Sports Partnership & Go for Life
South Dublin County Sports Partnership in conjunction with Age & Opportunity and the HSE (Dublin Mid Leinster) deliver Physical Activity Leaders (PALs) workshops locally. The aim of these workshops is to provide information, ideas and skills to leaders so that they can implement programmes to involve older adults in physical activity. Leaders tend to be members of community groups like active retirement associations or clubs.
Currently there are 8 different workshop available: Basic Principles, Sit-Fit Activities, Better Balance, Going Strong, Stepping & Strolling, Rolling & Bowling, Pitching & Tossing and PALs Skills.
"Living the Life"- Activity Mornings in Tallaght, Clondalkin & Lucan Leisure Centres
South Dublin County Sports Partnership in conjunction with the leisure centres in Tallaght, Clondalkin & Lucan are now offering morning activity sessions for older adults. Participants do not have to be members of a recognised group or have to take out membership for the centres. These mornings aim to offer older adults the opportunity to meet each other and enjoy some physical recreation in a relaxed and fun environment. Activities include bowling, kurling, six and nine pins, boccia, frisbee and many more. The cost for each session will be €3 per participant - which includes a voucher for a tea/coffee and buscuits. The timetable for the activities is as follows;
Tallaght - Tuesdays, 11-12pm
Lucan - Wednesdays, 12-1pm
Clondalkin - Thursdays, 11-12pm
For more details on the programmes please contact the Centres.
Tallaght Tel: 4523300
Clondalkin Tel: 4574858
Lucan Tel: 6241930
Funding Opportunities
The National Grant Scheme for Sport and Physical Activity for Older People was announced on August 24th 2009. The deadline for applications is September 30th. Grant applications are for initiatives developed by clubs and local organisations to help increase the participation of older adults in recreational sport and physical activity. South Dublin County Sports Partnership provide information and assistance to older adult groups who wish to apply under this scheme.
Details and application forms are available from the Go for Life office:
The National Grant Scheme for Sport and Physical Activity for Older People
c/o Age & Opportunity
Marino Institute of Education,
Griffith Avenue,
Dublin 9,
Tel: 01-8057733
E-mail: gfl@mie.ie
