The Sport for Young People Small Grant Scheme is an initiative of the DCSN.

The Dublin City Sports Network (DCSN) was established in 2001. Its aim is to promote participation in Sport & Physical Activity throughout Dublin City, by raising awareness of the activities and facilities available in the city and by developing programmes and events to encourage people to participate in sport & physical activity. The network brings together key stakeholders from across the city such as Dublin City Council, the Health Services Executive, the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee, the Federation of Irish Sports and members of National Governing Bodies of Sport. These stakeholders take a planned and strategic approach to the development of sport & physical activities targeting in particular groups who traditionally have low participation rates in sport & physical activity such as young women.

The purpose of the Sport for Young People Small Grants scheme is to provide a small grant which will help to increase participation in sport by young people across the city and to increase participation by young people throughout Dublin in physical activity.

The DCSN Grant Information Booklet contains details such as eligibility, details on the process etc; The Grant Application Form must be filled in by all applicants; Finally, if you have not previously applied for this grant, please also return a completed signed copy of the Bank Details Form with your Application Form to ourselves.

All forms can be obtained by calling (01) 2227852 or by email: dcsn(a)dublincity.ie

Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Michael Ring gets involved with Operation Transformation tomorrow when he launches a new iPhone app featuring 400 Irish activity trails while leading a walk in his hometown.

The new iPhone app has details of more than 400 walking and cycling trails around Ireland, and will make it much easier for everyone to get out and enjoy one of Ireland’s many recreational trails.

Minister Ring will be trying out the app while leading a walk in his hometown of Westport tomorrow. This is one many walks and events taking place around Ireland this weekend as part of Operation Transformation 2013.

The app provides loads of vital information on each trail, including an overview map and directions to the start. You can review each trail and it even works offline so that you can find trails even in places where there is no data coverage. The National Trails Office developed the app with the Irish Sports Council, to make it much easier for people to get out and enjoy one of Ireland’s many recreational trails.

“This new app gives you instant information on the huge number of walking and cycling trails in Ireland. It’s an excellent way of encouraging everyone to get outdoors, and could help people visiting Ireland. It’s great to be able to launch this app in my hometown,” Minister Ring said.

John Treacy, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council said; “Participation in physical activity is on the increase and recreational walking is hugely popular. This app is one of the many initiatives of the National Trails Office which aims to increase use and enjoyment of the trails”.

Minister Ring added: ‘We know that high profile campaigns encourage people to get involved in sport and physical activity. Operation Transformation is a hugely successful initiative. It’s great to see the Irish Sports Council involved and so many people energised and enthusiastic about the day’s activities’.

Over 15,000 people took part in the National Walks in 2012 which are a great way of promoting walking as a fun way to get and stay active. It is hope that there will be at least that number participating in 2013 in the 40 walks taking place nationwide on January 19.

http://www.irishsportscouncil.ie/Participation/Operation_Transformation/National_Walks_19_Jan_/

The Irish Trails App is free to download from the App Store from the 19th of January. https://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/irish-trails/id564776288?mt=8

The App will be updated constantly with additional information on the Irish trail network. An android version of the app is in development.

Contact for Minister Ring: Caroline Ryan 086 8915570
Irish Trails App & Trails in Ireland:
Cormac MacDonnell, Manager, National Trails Office, Irish Sports Council, 018608823/ 0876101658
Irish Trails App Developer:
John Maughan, Nimble Tours, 087 9083835

Kick-start your New Year by joining the Lord Mayor of Dublin in a 3 kilometre walk organised by Dublin City Sports Network as part of RTE’s Operation Transformation.
Date: Saturday 19th January 2013
Time: 12 Noon
Distance: 3 kilometres (20 – 40 minutes)
Location: Eamonn Ceannt Park (Sundrive Park) Crumlin, Dublin 12
(meet at Velodrome in centre of park – entrances on Sundrive Road and Clogher Road)

Take this opportunity to get some physical activity, meet new people and enjoy some fresh air in this popular landscaped park.
Limited on street parking available, please use public transport if possible.
Please note No Dogs are allowed.
If you require further information, please contact Antonia Martin: antonia.martin(a)dublincity.ie / 01-2227598

We now have a monthly health column called ‘Active Health’ (under Programme/Events tab above) where you will be given practical tips and advice on how to become active and keep active. All areas relating to overall health and wellbeing will be covered and you can also email us with your suggestions for any topics that you would like to see included in the health column.

We have all heard the saying ‘Your Health is your Wealth’ and yet many people struggle everyday to incorporate and focus on improving their overall health and wellbeing. There are many types of activities you can do to help improve your day to day lifestyle, and it does not have to be strenuous activity. Why not try out some of the tips below and you might just surprise your mind and body of what it is capable of:

• Choose a reason for becoming more active.
• Choose an activity you can do everyday and incorporate it into your daily routine.
• You do not need to be ‘sporty’ to lead an active, healthy life. Doing everyday activities for bouts of 10 minutes like walking, cycling, gardening, stair climbing, dancing or playing with your children will help you to achieve your 30 minutes of activity.
• The best ‘gym’ in the world is probably right outside your door. There are many walks, cycle paths, parks or quiet lanes near you that you can explore.
• Find a buddy who likes to do the same activities as you. Maybe go for a 30 minute walk at lunch time together.
• We all played sports as children – why not go back playing a sport you enjoyed at a non competitive level. You will meet people with common goals and have a social outlet for yourself which, in return will improve your overall well being.
• Set goals and rewards for yourself but be realistic!

Email aideen.oconnor [at] dublincity.ie with your suggestions for the health column or use our contact form. For more information or tips on improving your overall health and wellbeing visit the Get Ireland Active Website: www.getirelandactive.ie/.