'A Sporting Chance - Evaluation of the Promoting Equality, Tackling Poverty and Social Exclusion through Sport programme' (Deloitte, 2014), has provided a detailed account of the impact this programme has made in using sport to address and deliver on key issues around equality, poverty and social exclusion across the Province.
The three Associations have delivered a wide range of innovative and valuable programmes in support of the Department’s key objectives in terms of addressing social exclusion in communities.
Ulster Rugby has focussed on participation growth in non-traditional rugby areas, with over 19,500 people engaged in rugby programmes for the first time. This has contributed to the formation of 18 new female teams and four disability teams. Another key aspect of the programme was a community gym initiative, which saw gym equipment installed at 13 venues in areas of deprivation.
The IFA’s involvement in the programme has included provision for addressing physical and mental health inequalities, support for disability football, engagement with socially marginalised groups, club and community development, and using football for education and enterprise purposes.
Ulster GAA has successfully delivered across a series of programmes which included the provision of coaching and equipment to areas of high need, an unemployment scheme, provision for disability games including summer camps and wheelchair hurling and health programmes which addressed mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.
Ulster Rugby, the IFA and Ulster GAA have collectively welcomed the findings and recommendations, which demonstrate clear value and impact of the programme to date, and the strategic importance of sustaining the support for future delivery in these areas.
Sports Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín, said: “I am extremely proud that DCAL was able to fund this excellent programme, which created many opportunities to deliver social change.
“My highest priority - the most important objective for my Department and a key Programme for Government objective - is to promote equality, tackle poverty and social exclusion; growing the economy and proactively changing patterns of social disadvantage. I believe this programme was an excellent example of how my Department is contributing to this valuable objective.
“I would like to congratulate the IFA, Ulster Rugby and the Ulster GAA for their major contribution to the successful delivery of this programme and acknowledge that the relations between these three sports are stronger than ever.”