Conference Contribution Details
Mandatory Fields
Carol Moran & Deirdre Lavin
Embedding Research Evidence in Community Development
How can sport be used to build social capital?
Sligo, Ireland
Oral Presentation
2015
Optional Fields
04-DEC-15
04-DEC-15
Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership (SSRP) has co-ordinated the Cranmore Regeneration through Sport Initiative since 2006. SSRP work with partner agencies including Sligo County Council, Cranmore Regeneration Office, Cranmore Co-Operative Society and the Health Services Executive, to promote physical activity and health for residents of the Cranmore Estate. In addition they are integral in helping the residents to use sport as a tool for developing their community and building capacity in the area. This paper examines the lived experience of people who have been involved in the delivery of this programme and also those who have availed of the opportunities presented through the initiative. It was found that morale in the community has improved as a result of the regeneration of the physical and social environment. Confidence has improved for participants across the various demographic profiles. Integration within the community has increased and education in relation to anti-racism and anti-bullying has been undertaken as well as educational activities related to healthy eating and healthy heart initiatives. Active leadership, coaching skills, first aid, child protection and ethics training have been provided to members of the local community; all of which are helping to build capacity in the community. The evidence gathered from the community demonstrates that the current paradigm of interagency delivery in tandem with local stakeholders is working effectively and provides a useful model which could be replicated in other communities.