Speaking following the presentation, Rosarie Kealy, Co-ordinator with Waterford Sports Partnership said ‘We are so delighted to receive this award as it acknowledges and validates the work not only of the WSP staff and Board, but more importantly of all the agencies, sports clubs, community organisations and volunteers that we work with on a daily basis. All of our work is through partnership and the objective is to increase participation in sport and physical activity for the health and well being of the Waterford community. It would simply not be possible without partnership and support from the many organisation and individuals we work with on the ground. We thank Waterford City Council for the nomination earlier this year and Waterford City & County Council for their ongoing support and also all the representatives from various agencies, sport clubs and community organisations that met with the judges on judging day last July.’
In their citation about Waterford Sports Partnership, the judges said that Community Health was a very important issue and since inception in 2002 Waterford Sports Partnership has provided a leadership role for the coordination, development and delivery of sport and physical activity opportunities in Waterford. This is achieved through the provision of information and support, facilitation of education and training opportunities and supporting the development of programmes and events that encourage participation in physical activity. The quantity and quality of this work cannot be over emphasised. Waterford Sports Partnership has shown great enthusiasm and initiative in engaging all elements of Waterford’s communities and that it was a thoroughly deserved category winner. The judges were more than surprised with the diversity of activity of the Partnership and the way in which it worked so closely with the different communities and target groups. Special mention was given to the Sean Kelly Tour, the huge array of older person activities and the great work taking place with young people.
Vinnie O’Shea of Waterford City & County Council said that ‘the award is just recognition for the hard work and commitment of Waterford Sports Partnership to the promotion of physical activity across the County of Waterford.’ The chairperson of Waterford Sports Partnership, Jacinta Burke, added that she was ‘very happy to receive the award and outlined that it was great acknowledgement for all of the staff who put in tremendous work in building strong relationships with the different communities of Waterford. Pride of Place represents the best of Irish community effort and endeavour and we are also delighted to see Ardmore not only win their category but also a LivCom Award – an International Best Practice competition with winners to be announced in 2015.’
Waterford Sports Partnership receiving their Pride of Place award in the Community Health-Physical Activity Category for Cities at the 12th Annual IPB Pride of Place Awards in association with Co-operation Ireland at Treacy's West County Hotel Ennis. Back Row: Michael Walsh, CEO Waterford City & County Council, RTE Sports Commentator and MC Marty Morrissey, Ronan Foley, Chief Executive IPB, Dr. Christopher Moran, Chairman, Co-operation Ireland and Tom Dowling, Chairman, Pride of Place. Front Row : Muriel Tobin, Waterford PPN, Jacinta Burke, Chairperson, Waterford Sports Partnership, Rosarie Kealy, Co-ordinator, Waterford Sports Partnership, Brian O’Neill, Youth Sports Development Officer, Waterford Sports Partnership, Cllr James Tobin, Mayor of Waterford City & County and Jacqui de Siún, Waterford Childcare Committee.
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