New Hoops are a Slam Dunk

Promoting sporting opportunities across all ages, abilities and genders is one of the primary functions of Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership (SSRP). Responding to local sporting needs is also an area the local sports partnership focus on , so when approached by Sligo All Stars to exploring potential funding towards new basketball hoops for the Regional Sports Complex in Cleveragh, SSRP were delighted to collaborate with the goal of making this happen.  Realising that the proposed six new hoops would support the development of basketball locally for children, adults and people with a disability, the partners involved felt it was a very worthwhile initiate to pursue. With the full support and backing Centre manager Eithne Clancy and the Board of Sligo Regional Sports Centre, SSRP in conjunction with Sligo all Stars submitted an application for funding under the 2021 Sports Capital funding scheme. That application was successful and funding for six new hoops was allocated in December 2021 to Sligo Regional Sports Centre under the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Medias Sports Capital Programme.

The newly installed hoops have been a huge hit with children currently training with the All Stars underage teams and with young people from the local Cranmore area through the Resource House community Basketball programme. In addition, SSRPs Wheelchair Basketball programme has relocated to the Regional Sports Centre and the new hoops and recently purchased Sports Wheelchairs have provided players with a physical disability and able-bodied players the opportunity to experience and play the game of wheelchair basketball in a fun, supported and accessible setting. The partnership approach was very much central to the successful funding application and working collaboratively will continue to guide SSRP as they strengthen relationships to support the growth and development of sport in Sligo.

SSRP would also like to take this opportunity to wish Eithne Clancy good health and happiness as she retires from her role as manager at Sligo Regional Sports Centre. Eithne has been a fantastic asset to SSRP in their work and leaves a positive legacy that sport is for everyone. If you would like to find out more about Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership or the Wheelchair Basketball programme please see shane@sligosportandrecreation.ie