Does your Child enjoy Sport and Games with their family and friends??

Then We have the “Inclusive Games Club” for you!!

We are hosting a parents information evening on the 24th march 2010 int he Archbishop Mc Quaid National School at 7pm

* This Club will take place at dlr Leisure Services Loughlinstown (formerly Loughlinstown Leisure Centre) on Wednesday evenings from 14th April 2010 at 5.30pm til 7.00pm

If you are interested in attending this meeting or require more information please contact:

Phena O Connor - DLR Sports Partnership on 01 2719506

This programme is being run in conjunction with Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland, Irish Wheelchair Association Sport, DLR Leisure Services and the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership.

The competition will run from the 1st -4th July 2010 in Dublin City University (DCU).

More information about the event will be posted here.

17th February 2010

Reporting to:Head of Paralympic Swimming

JOB PURPOSE:

The job holder will be responsible for delivering, monitoring and evaluating coaching programmes for PSI panel athletes at PSI training camps and competitions. This includes liaising with the Head of Paralympic Swimming (HPS) in relation to the development of coaching plans for all PSI events and leading the coaching team at such

Subject to performance and the availability of accreditation, the position holder may have the opportunity to be a member of Team Ireland at the London 2012 Paralympic

This position is a voluntary position however, subject to successful completion of an agreed annual work programme; an honorarium payment may be paid.

KEY TASKS

1. Lead all training sessions at PSI calendar events including camps and competitions in Ireland and overseas.
2. Work with the HPS on the development of coaching plans for all PSI calendar events.
3. Provide the correct structures and supports for athletes to enable them to compete at the highest possible level.
4. Assist the HPS in monitoring the athletes’ physical and mental condition leading in to competition.
5. Advise the HPS in relation to any necessary adjustments to athletes’ programmes based on observed performances or issues arising during camps or competitions.
6. Contribute to the provision of the correct performance environment on competition day to ensure the correct level of physical and mental stimulation.
7. Liaise with the HPS who will act as Team Manager in relation to competition times and changes to the competition programme that might affect the athletes’ pre-competition routine etc.
8. Support the staff team in the care of junior squad members ensuring they are supervised in full compliance with the Code of Ethics and Good Practice in Children’s Sport, the PSI General Protocol and the PCI’s Junior Policy.
9. To adhere to the PSI General Protocol and the PCI Participant Rules at all times.
10. Contributing to the development of an ethos of elite performance among all panel members and support staff.
11. Producing a coaching report to the HPS within two weeks of the completion of any camp or competition.
12. Working with the appointed PCI Sport Science Team in relation to the provision of sport science support to athletes at PSI events.
13. Provide support to the HPS and other support staff on request from the HPS.
14. Participate in any post competition debrief as requested by the HPS.

PERSON SPECIFICATION - Paralympic Swimming Lead Coach

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Coaching qualifications indicating an ability to successfully monitor theappropriateness of coaching support to athletes on the programme.Recent track record of working at elite level with athletes and squads.
• Experience as a lead coach with a National standard Swimming Team
• Demonstrable ability to work as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills including negotiation skills.
• Ability to be adaptable and to perform in a pressurised setting.
• A clear understanding and commitment to Anti-Doping in sport.
• Sufficient time to carry out the role effectively approximately 28 days.

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

• Experience of working in a sports performance and excellence environment.
• Experience of dealing with athletes with a disability.
• Knowledge of IPC Swimming Rules

Interested Candidates Please send a CV to:
Nancy Chillingworth Paralympic Performance Director

Address: PCI, Sport HQ,

Parkwest Business Park,

Clondalkin,

Dublin 12.

Closing date for applications is Friday February 26th 2010.

The Paralympic Council of Ireland in association with Paralympic Athletics Ireland (PAI) is seeking to appoint a Head of Paralympic Athletics.

The job holder will be responsible for implementing the High Performance Programme for Paralympic athletics leading to the 2012 London Paralympic Games. This includes the management of Paralympic Athletics Ireland squads with special emphasis on the development and implementation of a high performance coaching plan.

The Head of Paralympic Athletics will report to the Paralympic Performance Director of the Paralympic Council of Ireland and among the key tasks will be required to:

• Develop, implement and monitor the High Performance Plan and appropriate pathway for Paralympic athletics in agreement with PAI and the Paralympic Performance Director.

• Conduct a full needs assessment of all athletes on the senior panel and take steps to address any gaps in high performance coaching support.

• Manage and coordinate coaching support and other support staff members for all events and activities within the performance plan including Senior & Potential panel events, and logistical coordination of same.

• Identify appropriate support staff personnel to support the development of PAI squads.

Applicants should have:

· Proven ability in the management of squads.

· Athletics coaching qualification of level 3 or above and can clearly

demonstrate an ability to successfully monitor the appropriateness of coaching support to athletes on the programme.

· Recent track record of working at elite level with athletes and squads.

· Ability to be adaptable and to perform in a pressurised setting to strict targets
and deadlines.

· A clear understanding and commitment to Anti-Doping in sport.

Salary: €20,000

Contract type: Fixed Term Contract on a part-time basis for 20 months with the potential for renewal up to Dec. 2012, subject to performance.

Base location: Dublin (flexible working options are negotiable). Due to extensive travel involved, a clean current full driving licence and own car is essential

Applications, with current Curriculum Vitae by Monday 22^nd February 2010 to:

The Chief Executive Officer,

Paralympic Council of Ireland,

Sport HQ, Joyce Way,

Parkwest Business Park,

Clondalkin, Dublin 12

Email: info@pcireland.ie

Posted on behalf of PCI - picireland.ie

The Paralympic Council of Ireland with the support of the Irish Sports Council is seeking to appoint a
Programmes Coordinator with responsibilities in the area of Performance, Classification, Education
and Events.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer the successful candidate will have a no. of areas of
responsibility within the Paralympic Council of Ireland’s programmes in the build up to the 2012
London Paralympic Games. The successful candidate will be responsible for key functions within the
following four principle areas:

Note: The initial phase of the contract (April - December 2010) is primarily to cover the Maternity
leave of the Paralympic Performance Director (PPD). During this period, the key tasks listed as
“Performance” below will be the primary focus for the successful candidate. The role of PCI
Programmes Coordinator will take full effect from Jan 2011.

1) Performance: Provide assistance to the Paralympic Performance Director in designing and implementing the High Performance Programmes for squads and individual athletes leading to the 2012 London Paralympic Games.

2) Classification: The development and implementation of a National Classification Strategy for
Paralympic sports ensuring the PCI are compliant with the IPC Classification Code.

3) Education: The rollout of PCI’s Education Programme to heighten awareness of Paralympic sports
in Ireland, specifically targeting schoolchildren

4) Events: The planning, delivery and evaluation of PCI events

Applicants should have:

• 3rd level qualification, or equivalent, in a sports management/sports development/event management related discipline
• Experience of working with athletes and squads at elite level
• Proven ability in project management
• A clear understanding and proven commitment to Anti-Doping in sport.
• Wide knowledge and understanding of the structure of high performance sport, as well the
• Paralympic sports movement.
• Knowledge of the principles and processes of classification in Paralympic Sport as well as and understanding of the IPC Classification Code.

Terms:

Salary €40,000 per annum
Fixed Term Contract to December 31st 2012
Dublin based
Due to extensive travel involved, a clean current full driving licence and own car is essential

Applications by post, email or fax, with current Curriculum Vitae by 5pm, Friday February 12th, 2010
to:
Chief Executive Officer,
Paralympic Council of Ireland,
Sport HQ, Joyce Way,
Parkwest Business Park,
Clondalkin, Dublin 12
Email: info@pcireland.ie
Fax: 01-6251176
A full role description is available on www.pcireland.ie

CEREBRAL PALSY SPORT IRELAND

NATIONAL INTERCOUNTY BOCCIA LEAGUE

Continuing on from the very successful Boccia league that has run for the last 3 Years,  Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland are about to Launch their 4^th National    Inter-County Boccia League.

Boccia is a target sport played by individuals, pairs or teams. Boccia is played with 13 balls (6 red, 6 blue, 1 white).  The jack ball is used to start off the game and is thrown by one of the competitors on the court.  It requires a high degree of muscle control, accuracy, concentration and tactical awareness with the goal being to land six of the coloured balls closer to the white target ball than the opponent’s balls.

Last year CPSI seen a massive increase in team applications, going from 8 teams in the first 2 years to 26 teams applying for a place last year.  Hopefully we will be able to reach the 30 mark this year.

This high increase is mainly due to the very strong working network that has being developed between CPSI, the Sports Inclusion Disability Officers in each of the local sport partnerships and the Enable Ireland Centre’s. As a result of such high team applications, the league will be broke down into provinces which will see the teams play off against each other in their pools to hopefully reach the finals.

Over the duration of the league, the teams will get an opportunity to develop their skills and techniques and newer players and teams will have the opportunity to play other new and experienced players.

The overall objective of the programme is too get teams from each of the centre’s to meet and compete with each other.  This in turn, providing an opportunity for the SIDO’s and Enable Ireland teams to develop and create a strong Boccia Network within each county.

Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland has of course a vested interest in the league as it allows CPSI to observe the level of play across the country.  CPSI are always looking for new potential players that would and are able to compete at National and International level.

For more information about entering a team into the League, please contact Brenda Hopkins - brenda.hopkins@cpsi.ie  or  01 6251160.

To keep up to date with the league, log onto the cerebral palsy sport Ireland’s website @ www.cpsi.ie .  You’ll find loads of information about all our sports and what’s happening around the country.

Voluntary Coaching Position Available

National Wheelchair Basketball Head Coach

The Irish Wheelchair Association Sport is currently seeking a Head Coach for their National Wheelchair Basketball Squad.   IWA-Sport is a National Governing Body (NGB) in Ireland for sport for people with physical disability. Our main aims are to develop and promote opportunities for people with physical disabilities to participate in sport at a level of their choice. IWA-Sport promotes sport and recreation through clubs, IWA Resource Centers and schools. IWA-Sport also supports high performance athletes in reaching their full potential at both National and International Standard. Our high performance athletes represent Ireland at European Championships, World Championships and Paralympic Games.

Position Title: National Wheelchair Basketball Head Coach

Reporting to: IWA-Sport, Director of Sport

Position purpose:

The National Wheelchair Basketball Head Coach will be responsible for implementing a High Performance Programme for the National Basketball Squad with special emphasis on the development and implementation of a high performance coaching plan.

We are currently inviting expressions of interest in relation to the role of National Wheelchair Basketball Head Coach. Please note that all applicants should preferably hold a current coaching qualification and preferably be registered with the Basketball Ireland National Coaching Committee.

Please apply with a letter of application outlining all relevant experience before Friday 22nd of January to: Nicky Hamil,

Director of Sport IWA-Sport,

Blackheath Drive,

Clontarf Dublin 3.

Nicky.hamill@iwa.ie

Following his immense victory in the Athletics Ireland Inter-Counties Cross Country Championships, Paralympian Michael McKillop took his place on the start line with the Irish Team for the Junior Mens race at the Spar European Cross Country Championships last weekend.  On a beautiful day in the impressive setting of Santry Demesne, thousands flocked to the Dublin venue to support Ireland’s athletes in the 6 races, including a no. of McKillops’ Beijing 2008 team mates.

McKillop put in a stirring display in tough underfoot conditions following the recent rains in Dublin to finish in 63rd place out of the 88 starters in the race in a time of 20:12.  The race was won by Belgium’s Jereon D’Hoedt in 18:46.

In the team event, McKillop was the fifth Irishman home and helped secure 11th place for Ireland behind the winners Great Britain.

INFO SOURCE - Paralympic Council of Ireland -   www.pcireland.ie

]]> http://www.cpsi.ie/2009/12/athletics-mckillop-competes-for-ireland-at-european-cross-country-championships/feed/ http://www.cpsi.ie/2009/12/the-road-to-london-looks-bright-for-irelands-prospective-paralympians/ http://www.cpsi.ie/2009/12/the-road-to-london-looks-bright-for-irelands-prospective-paralympians/#comments Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:08:35 +0000 Brenda Hopkins http://www.cpsi.ie/?p=263 With the success of Beijing 2008 still fresh in the memory, Ireland’s Paralympic athletes haven’t rested on their laurels in 2009 as the London 2012 Paralympic Games approaches in little under 1000 days time.

Post Paralympic year is always a difficult year for Paralympic Sport as many sports undergo significant transition with some senior athletes, coaches and other support staff “retiring” or moving on to pastures new.  In addition, it is a year when many sports look to introduce their younger developing athletes to the rigours of senior International competition.  Couple this with the inevitable drop in funding in year 1 of a 4 year cycle and a drop in the level of success is fully understandable.

Paralympic sport in Ireland has thrived in the 2009 despite the “year 1″ difficulties.  There have been many highlights of which I will highlight a few:

The medal trail commenced at the CBC European Boccia Championships which took place in May in Portugal.  After a no. of stirring performances in the individual competition, Ireland’s BC1/BC2 Team of Padraig Moran, Tom Leahy, Jason Kearney & Bobbie Connolly, contributed greatly to Ireland’s world ranking with a fourth place finish.  The highlight however was the performance of John Cronin, Steven Valentine & Gerard O’Grady in the BC3 Pair competition. Having failed to qualify for the Beijing Games, the BC3 Pair gave a wonderful riposte with a silver medal winning performance in Portugal.  But for a lapse of concentration when leading 6:0 after two ends, the result would surely have been a gold medal.  Nevertheless, the Boccia squad, both BC1/BC2 Team and BC3 Pair, are very much on course to qualify for London 2012.

Ireland sent a team of six athletes to the IPC European Swimming Championships in Iceland in October.  Led by former Paralympian Dave Malone, the new Head of Paralympic Swimming, the team consisted of 3 Beijing team members, Darragh McDonald, Ellen Keane & Stephen Campbell, and major championship debutants Laurence McGivern, Gina Lourens and “ParaLion” Jonathan McGrath.  The team performed superbly with a combined total of 12 personal bests set and 14 appearances by Irish swimmers in finals.  Darragh McDonald, Beijing silver medalist in the S6 400m Freestyle, repeated the feat in Iceland and added the silver in the S6 100m also.   With a burgeoning squad of athletes coming along including the likes of Charlotte Hall, James Scully and Namphon Steele, not to forget Ireland’s other Beijing swimmers, Johnny Cummings and Hannah Clarke, the competition for places on the Irish team for next year’s IPC World Championships in Eindhoven is hotting up.

Ireland’s Cerebral Palsy Football Team competed in the CPISRA International Championships in the Netherlands in October.  The team consisted of experienced players such as Aidan Brennan, Gary Messett & Luke Evans, and new players including “ParaLion” Dara Snell.  The team concluded their participation in the Championship with a hard fought victory against their nemesis, the Netherlands.  It marked their first victory against the Dutch since 2003 and ensured their final world ranking at the end of the year in 5th place.  The event also produced a significant result for Ireland with the reinstatement of Derek Malone following a classification review resulting from his omission from the Beijing Games.

The sports of Boccia, Swimming and Football have been traditionally strong for Ireland.  The sport of cycling however has developed step by step over the last six years with Denis Toomey at the helm.  The cycling squad in 2009 came of age with a no. of podium finishes at various events throughout Europe.  They left the best to last with supreme performances at the UCI World Track Championships in Manchester in early November.  A whole host of Irish records were set by the squad but the momentum was created by Cathal Miller on day 1 when he became the first Irish rider ever to qualify for a medal ride-off at a World Championships.  Unfortunately, Miller was unable to win the ride off for the bronze medal but he is edging ever nearer the World Championship podium.

Catherine Walsh, bronze medal winner in the pentathlon at Sydney 2000, transferred to cycling in 2005 and became Cycling Ireland’s first female Paralympian in Beijing.   The transition was completed with a stunning performance in Manchester along with her tandem pilot, Caroline Ryan, winning the silver medal in the 3km Individual Pursuit.  The American victors had to break the world record to win the gold medal.

So as another year comes to a close, the road to the London 2012 Paralympic Games is a very promising one with Ireland’s athletes showing significant potential to indicate that the “Home Games” in London will be successful for Ireland.  The work of many people has contributed to their success including coaches, sports science providers, NGB’s etc., however, the ambition, determination and commitment of the athletes themselves have been the most significant factor in their success.

The highlight for me this year was not the stunning success of Irish athletes at major competition, but the knowledge that the potential for Paralympic sport to grow in Ireland is available at the minute.  The ParaLions Athlete Search Day in DCU in May which showcased Paralympic Sport in Ireland brought over 400 people through the doors and into the Paralympic Family in Ireland.  Many young people with disabilities are now active in Paralympic sport as a result of that uplifting day, with many Irish Paralympic stars of the future identified and now pushing for places on Irish teams.  The future is bright, be part of it.

INFO SOURCE - Paralympic Council of Ireland (By Liam Harbison, Chef de Mission, London 2012).

www.pcireland.ie

To view the all the pictograms for London 2012 Paralympic Games click http://www.london2012.com/games/paralympic/index.php

INFO SOURCE - Paralympic Council of Ireland - www.pcireland.ie

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