For 25 years, Laois Sports Partnership has been at the heart of sport, physical activity and community wellbeing across County Laois. What began as a vision to create more opportunities for people to be active has grown into one of Ireland’s leading Local Sports Partnerships, helping thousands of people of all ages and abilities discover the joy, benefits and connections that come from being active.
Since its establishment in 2001 and the formation of its board in 2002, Laois Sports Partnership has worked with communities, clubs, schools, volunteers and local organisations to remove barriers and open doors to participation. From children’s programmes and women’s initiatives to disability inclusion, older adult activities and community wellbeing projects, our focus has always remained the same: Everybody Active in County Laois.
Now, as we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we look back with pride and forward with ambition.
Over the past quarter-century, Laois Sports Partnership has evolved alongside the communities we serve.
We have supported local clubs, trained coaches and volunteers, delivered innovative programmes and created opportunities for people who may never have considered sport or physical activity part of their lives. We have worked with older adults, women and girls, people with disabilities, young people, disadvantaged communities and families to ensure everyone has a chance to participate.
In recent years alone, nearly 10,000 participants engaged through our programmes and activities, highlighting the growing demand for inclusive, community-based opportunities to be active.
Our success is measured not only in participation numbers, but in stories of confidence gained, friendships formed, wellbeing improved and communities strengthened.
One of the most exciting developments in our journey has been the growth of our Community Sports and Physical Activity Hubs.
These hubs bring clubs, organisations and community groups together to create welcoming opportunities for local people to get active. Today, Laois Sports Partnership supports five thriving hubs across the county, including Abbeyleix Vitality Hub, Rathdowney Errill Activity Hub, Mountrath Health and Fitness Academy, SVT Activity and Wellness Hub and the innovative VIP Hub.
The launch of the VIP Hub marked a particularly important milestone. Created to support people with visual impairments and physical disabilities, it represents our commitment to inclusion and ensuring that sport truly is for everyone. The hub is the result of collaboration between volunteers, clubs, schools and national partners who share our belief that every person deserves an opportunity to be active and connected.
Laois Sports Partnership would not exist without people.
Our dedicated team work every day to create opportunities, build partnerships and support communities. Behind every programme is a group of passionate staff members committed to helping the people of Laois lead healthier, more active lives.
We are equally grateful to the hundreds of volunteers, coaches, tutors, community leaders, club officers and supporters who generously give their time. Their energy, commitment and enthusiasm help programmes happen in every corner of the county. Volunteerism continues to be one of the greatest strengths of sport in Laois and an essential part of our future.
The real story of the past 25 years belongs to the people who have taken part.
“I joined a beginner fitness programme thinking I wouldn’t last a week. Three years later I’m still active, healthier and have made friends for life.”
“The programmes gave me confidence to try something new. I discovered that sport wasn’t just for athletes – it was for me too.”
“The social side has been just as important as the physical activity. It helped me feel connected and part of my community.”
These are the types of stories that inspire us every day and remind us why our work matters.
While community engagement will always be at the centre of what we do, we have also embraced digital innovation to connect with more people than ever before.
Our online community continues to grow, with more than 10,000 followers engaging with Laois Sports Partnership across our digital channels and a rapidly expanding Instagram audience helping us reach new participants every day.
Through social media, digital campaigns, online programmes, newsletters and community storytelling, we are ensuring that information about sport and physical activity is accessible to everyone, wherever they are in Laois.
Every post, video, success story and event promotion helps us share one simple message:
There is something for everyone, and everyone is welcome.
As we celebrate 25 years, we are not simply looking back.
We are looking forward to the next generation of participants, volunteers, coaches, community leaders and champions of active living.
Our ambition remains bold. We want to reach every community in County Laois. We want to create more opportunities, remove more barriers and ensure that every person—regardless of age, ability, background or experience—has the chance to enjoy the benefits of being active.
The past 25 years have shown what is possible when communities work together.
The next 25 years will be about building on that success, creating healthier communities, stronger connections and a more active county for everyone.
To every participant, volunteer, club, school, community group, partner organisation, board member, supporter and staff member who has been part of our journey:
Thank you.
You have helped make Laois Sports Partnership what it is today.
Together, we have spent 25 years making Laois more active.
And together, the best is yet to come. 🎉💙💚