Earlier in 2007 Laois Sports Partnership received funding from the Dept. of Justice and Law Reform under a grant programme using sport to tackle anti-racism and inclusiveness.

Under the grant scheme both Laois GAA and the FAI Development Officer in Laois received 13,000 each to develop initiatives targeting minority groups such as Travellers and foreign nationals.

Laois GAA ran free Easter camps in Portlaoise, Portarlington, Abbeyleix and Mountmellick where over 250 primary school children were targeted using multilingual campaigns in their local schools. Laois GAA also plans to hold Open Days for parents to establish strong social network amongst traditional member families and the future member families of the club.

The FAI in partnership with local clubs also plan to run a programme along similar lines with places reserved in summer camps and the organisation of Open Days and a 5 a side competitions.  An important element of the funding provided to both organisations is that club officers must commit to intercultural awareness training.

For more details on the programmes please contact Luke Hardy, FAI Development Officer 086-8579948 or Colm Clear, GAA Games Development Administrator 086-1542005.