A total of 100 clubs, groups and organisations in Donegal have been allocated around €104,000 under the Covid-19 Return to Sport Funding Programme.
Donegal Sports Partnership (DSP), with support from Sport Ireland and the Irish government, announced the approval of sports club and community funding allocations this afternoon (Tuesday).
The small grants awards are aimed at supporting sports clubs and community organisations in their efforts to deliver sport and physical activity in parallel with Covid-19 pandemic. The funding approved is directed towards additional costs such as sports and sanitising equipment, venue hire, training and education, and community engagement programmes.
Welcoming the funding allocation, Donegal Sports Partnership Coordinator, Myles Sweeney, thanked the clubs and community groups for taking the time to complete the online application forms.
“Around 160 applications were received across the three funding streams of sports clubs, community organisations and coach/volunteer support. To date, approximately €104,000 has been awarded which is a significant investment to grassroots sport. We are hopeful that a further round of funding for clubs and communities will be presented in early 2022.”
Mr Sweeney said
Giving her reaction to the latest funding announcement, Chairperson of Donegal Sports Partnership Board of Directors, Anne McAteer, thanked the directors and staff members of the DSP for their time and dedication to community sport and physical activity during 2021.
“Investment of funding into our communities is vital to maintaining and sustaining sport in Donegal, and ensuring that our communities can continue to avail of the benefits of sport and physical activity.”
Ms McAteer commented
The DSP Chairperson also recognised the challenges for sport and physical activity across the region, and the significant impact the pandemic is having on volunteering and sport leadership.
Earlier this month, DSP was approved additional funding of €98,200 to support the ongoing return to community support and physical activity.