Reflection on 2022
Laois Sports Partnership have enjoyed a fantastic year of activities, training courses and events with the people of Laois. This year, as we returned to a more familiar environment post covid, meaning we were able to get back to doing what we enjoy most, engaging face to face with the wonderful people of Laois.
In 2022 there were a number of proud and memorable moments for Laois LSP. These included the opening of Ireland’s first ever Fitsticks Trail in Derryounce, the launch of our 5th strategic plan, the celebration of our 21st birthday and many more. During the year we were fortunate to be able to deliver many different programmes throughout the county. To name a few, Archery, Soccer, Basketball, Kayaking, Sit Fit Exercises, Boccia, Scooch, Learn to Cycle, Corrective Gymnastics, Orienteering, Self Defence, Activator Poles, Junior Parkrun, Zumba, Get into Golf and much more. Laois LSP pride ourselves in being inclusive and welcoming of all ages and abilities, to provide opportunities for all to participate in sport and be active. We also ran a number of disability specific programmes including 5 inclusive summer camps which were a huge success.
We returned to schools this year to deliver a number of programmes and courses such as Couch to 2km and 5km running programmes, Sports Hall Athletics and delivered multiple Sports Leader Courses.
2022 saw the addition of new programmes and projects from Laois Sports Partnership. One in particular that stood out was the Menowell programme for women experiencing menopause. MenoWell is a FREE fully funded 6-week online physical activity and health education programme for women in all stages of menopause. The programme included two Menopause specific exercise classes per week and one Menopause specific health masterclass per week. Other changes observed but not measured during or post intervention were the changes in the participants’ feelings of health, empowerment, and positivity. Many of the participants 33 reported that they really enjoyed the varied exercise training session, especially the sessions that incorporated weights to promote bone and muscle strength. One participant answered, “Everything! I thoroughly enjoyed the whole program and would do it again. It was very clearly explained about how the exercise classes support healthy bones and body during and after menopause. The Wednesday modules provided clear, concise, and excellent information on the menopause and what we can do to help improve/ maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
We hope you all have a well-deserved Christmas break, and we look forward to seeing you all again in the new year.
Enjoy the selection of photos from 2022 below.
