Gymastics coaches from Gweeedore, Ballyshannon and Letterkenny have completed the Gymstart Level One coaching course as part of the recently launched North West Sporting Pathways Programme.
A total of 18 coaches attended the weekend course which was hosted by Citadel Gymnastics Club in Letterkenny and delivered by Cosmin Rad from Gymnastics Ireland.
Maggie Farrelly, education and training coordinator with Donegal Sports Partnership (DSP), said the weekend was a great success.
“This course marked the first steps in the the roll-out of the North West Sporting Pathways Programme in Donegal. Over the next few months we are hoping to run out gymnastics programmes in the Ballyshannon and Gweedore communities,” she commented.
“Citadel Gymnastics Club will be the parent club. It will be responsible for the staffing and delivery of the programmes in satellite clubs in Ballyshannon and Gweedore. We look forward to working with them,” Maggie added.
Maggie took up her role with DSP in December, with much of her efforts focusing on delivering the North West Sports Development Programme – a joint initiative between Donegal County Council and Derry and Strabane District Council aimed at supporting a number of minority sports.
The programme involves establishing a sports network including Sport Northern Ireland, Gymnastics Ireland, Gymnastics Northern Ireland, Ulster Hockey, Irish Amateur Boxing Association, Cricket Ireland, Tennis Ireland any other relevant National Governing Body identified.
The focus of the project will be the delivery of coach education and training opportunities, club based coaching, sport camps and celebration/recognition events delivered across Donegal County Councils and Derry City & Strabane areas.
The project will encourage greater day to day joint working between Donegal Sports Partnerships, Derry City and Strabane District Council and the relevant National Governing Bodies and sporting organisations.
North West Sporting Pathways Programme is split into four key areas – grassroots participation, regional talent development, coach education and administration/management.
