Laois Sports Partnership’s Post

It's #NationalInclusionWeek This is the article I wrote for Student Roost about why inclusion should be at the heart of work culture. "Inclusion – the action or state of including or of being included within a group or structure.] I’m writing this while watching the Paralympics, a few weeks ahead of you reading this, and it occurs to me that sport is a great basis for writing about inclusion. The Olympics and Paralympics are incredible examples of what can happen when everyone is included. When we can put aside the differences of our sexuality, our skin colour, our religion or our disabilities, we can watch amazing people do amazing things. From the gymnastics GOAT Simone Biles, who has ADHD and very public struggles with her mental health; to Cindy Ngamba, the refugee boxer who can’t go back to her birth country because she’s a lesbian. The games are full of these stories. At this point you might be asking “Libby, what does this have to do with Student Roost?”My answer to that is everything. Work, like sport, should be inclusive. You should be able to walk into work and think “I belong here.” You Do You has been a Student Roost value since the very beginning but it goes much deeper than hair colour, or tattoos; it’s the very heart of who we are. Inclusion at Student Roost means bringing your whole self to work and knowing that you’re not being judged for your skin colour, or your disability. We don’t expect our residents to all be straight or white or able-bodied so we shouldn’t expect it of our staff, either. Employees who feel like they belong at work are better advocates for the business, they’re more engaged, and stay longer. Inclusion breeds innovation, new ideas and perspectives. We gain a better understanding of our residents with better skills to support them. When we feel like we belong, we’re happier and more productive. We all have things to learn from each other, things we can share and stories to tell. Work should be a safe place to do this. Inclusion goes hand in hand with diversity and equity. No one should be held back because of who they are and those aspects of themselves they can’t change."

What’s is Snowball??…so far it is… Winner Best Digital and Tech Award 2023 Top 10 Most Influential People 2023 Winner Santander X National Award 2023 Winner Santander Global Award 2024 Winner Leicestershire Innovation Award 2024 Finalist British Diversity Award 2024 Nominated Business Success Awards 2024 Nominated Entrepreneur of Excellence Award, National Diversity Awards 2024. It’s been a cracking 6 months for Snowball. What is Snowball? Snowball Community (known as Snowball) a revolutionary accessibility national and global ward winning app just over a year old and is now the biggest, most used disability app in the world, the app asks disabled people to rate services and businesses by how disability-friendly they are.   Users of the app can find a restaurant, tourist attraction, supermarket or coffee shop that is accessible by selecting their location, wherever they are in the world. User can also add place that are not on the Snowball app and leave a review and they have done so by adding tens of thousands of places including changing places and accessible toilet. The best part of the app is that it is supported by Google Maps and if you need to find a place your phone will use Google Maps to guide you there. There is nothing like Snowball on the market.   Disabled travelers and locals can add venues they have found welcoming and accessible for people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and sensory issues. The more people that add suggestions the bigger the app grows - like a snowball. Snowball is the brainchild of wheelchair-user and founder Simon Sansome. He says: “The app will give people the confidence to socialise with ease as they will be able to see what facilities and venues are available in their immediate location. They will also be able to plan days out, giving people more freedom to access their communities, explore and travel with confidence.”   Simon, 42, a former council worker and rugby player, from Leicester, became paralysed from the waist down following a sudden injury in 2014. After a year of recovery, he took his wife to their favourite local restaurant only to realise there was no wheelchair access.   Simon set up the Facebook page Snowball Community to highlight good and bad examples of accessibility. It quickly gained 100,000 followers.   Team GB Paralympic gold medalists Hannah Cockroft OBE and Aaron Phipps MBE have welcomed Snowball and are the Brand Ambassadors. It is also producing data that now other business can collect and advise local authorities and governments where infrastructure is needed. Uer of the app can find blue badge bays in different cities, toilets, places to eat and much more. On top of all this Snowball is launching a National disability membership scheme where Snowball Assessors will visit businesses and rate them from 1 to 5 system similar to a food health hygiene certificate but for access. All details can be found here https://lnkd.in/enstw4GC

Can greenwashing get more blatant than this? Equinor’s "social impact strategy” in Brazil wasn’t set up to help communities—it aimed to protect their oil interests in the region. Here's some much-needed context to Anders's post. In 2016 Equinor acquired Bacalhau, one of Brazil's largest unexploited oil fields. While waiting for preliminary and installation licenses, a Brazilian NGO, Instituto de Cultura Oceânica (ICO), conducted a risk analysis of the proposed project. Their findings were alarming: an oil spill at Bacalhau would likely reach Brazil’s coast, causing catastrophic damage to local communities and ecosystems. Faced with the potential for significant public backlash, Equinor made a telling move. Instead of fostering open dialogue, the company held public hearings about the project online, effectively silencing local representatives who might have raised concerns about the oil field’s risks. Equinor now needed to improve its image. Enter their so-called "social impact strategy." As part of this effort, Equinor partnered with the Urece institution, an NGO in Rio de Janeiro that provides access to sports for blind and visually impaired individuals. While this partnership may seem altruistic on the surface, it’s a common greenwashing tactic amongst oil giants. By aligning themselves with NGOs and sports initiatives, they seek to buy social acceptability from the very communities whose well-being their operations jeopardise. More info on Equinor's Bacalhau project 👉 https://lnkd.in/e5t4-g6R

🌍 From Courts to Communities: Basketball as a Path to Peace 🏀✨ In a world shadowed by the conflicts in Ukraine, Russia, Israel, and Palestine, Project Unity dares to dream of a brighter future. Where politics divide, we believe basketball can unite. Through the universal language of sport, we aim to create spaces where trust is built, dialogue is fostered, and humanity takes center stage. 🤝🕊️ 💡 A Vision Beyond Borders Project Unity is not just about playing basketball. It is about reimagining connections. By embracing the core values of sport such as mutual respect, collaboration, and fairness we bring people together to create bridges that transcend political and cultural divides. This is more than a game. It is a movement for healing and coexistence. 🌈🏅 🏀 Turning Vision into Action - Conflict Zones to Collaboration Zones: Imagine children from opposing sides of conflicts coming together on a basketball court, sharing high fives instead of hostility, and learning teamwork through sport. - Cultural Exchange through Play: Basketball games and workshops that mix teams from different regions, encouraging players to step into each other's shoes and see their shared humanity. - Empowering Leaders for Peace: Training coaches and community leaders from conflict areas to use basketball as a tool for reconciliation, teaching them to nurture respect and empathy in their communities. - Broadcasting Stories of Unity: From the courts of war torn areas to social media and global news, we will amplify real stories of transformation and hope to inspire others. 🌟 The Power of a Ball and a Hoop When young players from opposing sides meet on the court, the focus shifts from their differences to their shared passion. Every dribble, every pass, and every basket becomes a step toward understanding and compassion. It is not just about playing the game, it is about rewriting the narrative of division into one of connection and collaboration. 🏀🤲 💬 Join the Movement The wars in Ukraine and Palestine remind us of the cost of division. But through Project Unity, we can show that a basketball court can be a stage for hope, resilience, and peace. Together, we can empower the next generation to break cycles of conflict and create bonds that last a lifetime. 🌏🌟 📢 Basketball News Australia (BNA) is seeking sponsorship to bring this vision to life. If you or your organisation want to be part of this groundbreaking initiative, let us join hands to make a difference. 🌈🙌 #CourtsForPeace 🏀 #UnityThroughSports ✌️ #BuildingBridges 🌍 #SportsForHealing ❤️ #PeaceBeyondBorders 🕊️ #GlobalConflicts 🌎 #BasketballForChange 🌟 #InclusionMatters 🫂 #HopeForHumanity 💖 #LeadershipForPeace 🏆 #EndDivision 🔥 #PositiveChange 🌟 #SupportPeace 🤍 #UkraineForPeace 🇺🇦 #IsraelAndPalestine 🕊️ #StandTogether 🌏 #HumanityFirst ❤️

Youth Sports: Benefits, Challenges, and Parental Involvement https://ift.tt/n3XwDOT Youth sports play a vital role in children’s development, offering numerous benefits that extend beyond physical fitness. However, they also present unique challenges, particularly concerning parental involvement. Understanding the multifaceted nature of youth sports can help parents, coaches, and communities foster a supportive and positive environment for young athletes. Benefits of Youth Sports Youth sports provide a range of benefits that contribute to the overall development of children. Physically, they promote regular exercise, which is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, building strong bones and muscles, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Beyond physical health, youth sports also contribute to mental and emotional well-being. Participating in sports helps children develop critical life skills such as teamwork, leadership, discipline, and time management. It also provides a constructive outlet for stress and anxiety, fostering resilience and self-esteem. Moreover, youth sports offer social benefits. They provide opportunities for children to make friends, build social networks, and learn to interact with peers in a structured environment. These social interactions are crucial for developing communication skills and a sense of belonging. Challenges in Youth Sports Despite the numerous benefits, youth sports also come with challenges. One significant issue is the pressure to perform. Children often face high expectations from coaches, parents, and even themselves, which can lead to stress and burnout. The competitive nature of sports can sometimes overshadow the enjoyment and intrinsic value of participation. Injuries are another challenge in youth sports. While physical activity is generally beneficial, the risk of injury is always present. Overuse injuries, in particular, are common among young athletes who specialize in a single sport year-round. Proper training, rest, and recovery are essential to mitigate these risks. Another challenge is the financial and time commitment required for youth sports. Many sports require significant investments in equipment, training, travel, and participation fees. This can be a burden for families and may limit access to sports for children from lower-income backgrounds. Parental Involvement Parental involvement in youth sports is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, supportive and positive involvement can enhance the experience for young athletes. Parents who encourage effort, celebrate achievements, and provide emotional support contribute to their child’s enjoyment and motivation. On the other hand, excessive or negative involvement can be detrimental. Parents who push their children too hard, criticize their performance or live vicariously through their athletic achievements can create a stressful environment. This can lead to burnout, decreased self-esteem, and a loss of interest in...

🏅 #throwback In December 2023, the Croatian Paralympic Committee launched the "Train the End users" initiative. Many disabled people were introduced to parasports, but the event was also about building self-confidence and overcoming obstacles. 🤗 The goal is to create a more inclusive society and enrich the lives of people with disabilities, which this education brought us closer to. 🙌 📍Read the full article at the link below: https://lnkd.in/d9PUriKm #csrforparasport Institut za društveno odgovorno poslovanje - The Croatian Institute for CSR Magyar Paralimpiai Csapat Paraolimpijac Šport invalidov Slovenský paralympijský výbor #csr #csr4parasport #parasport #inclusivity #inclusive #equality #integrity *Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessary reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

45% of girls stop playing sports by age 14 due to low body confidence. This is according to a recent study run by Dove and Nike. As the father of a 17-year-old daughter/athlete this is a startling statistic. As the coach of an 18U girls volleyball club team for the last 8 years, it makes me incredibly sad.  I see firsthand the benefits of sports on these young women every day in practice and at tournaments. - Handling setbacks and failures - Working as part of a team - Healthy competition - Improved mental health Just to name a few. Great article below on the positive impacts of sports and motivation to continue supporting young athletes. https://lnkd.in/dzfAuhF7.

🌍✨ Bridging Divides Through Basketball: Introducing Project Unity 🏀🤝 In a world where conflicts create divisions, Project Unity is using the unifying power of sports to bring people together. By promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, and inclusion, we aim to connect individuals and communities who may feel divided. 🌈🫂 🔥 Our Vision: To use basketball as a platform for fostering positive interactions, building relationships, and spreading the core values of sport such as respect, collaboration, and unity starting from the grassroots level. 🏅🤝🏾 🎯 What Does This Look Like in Practice? - 🏀 Community Sports Clinics: Bringing diverse groups together for basketball workshops that focus on team building and mutual understanding - 🏆 Unity Tournaments: Creating mixed teams from different backgrounds to highlight the power of collaboration - 🌏 Cultural Exchange Programs: Facilitating cross cultural interactions through basketball to promote learning and empathy - 💡 Leadership Training: Empowering coaches and community leaders with tools to inspire inclusivity and resolve conflicts through sports - 📣 Media Campaigns: Sharing stories of success and unity to inspire others to join the movement 🌟 At Project Unity, we believe basketball is more than just a game. It is a tool for healing, connection, and creating lasting change. Through meaningful interactions on and off the court, we hope to show that differences can become strengths and unity can overcome hostility. 🤲❤️ 💬 Together, we can use the spirit of sports to build bridges and inspire the next generation to lead with empathy and understanding. 🌉🌟 📢 Basketball News Australia (BNA) is currently seeking sponsorship for this initiative to help bring this vision to life. If your organisation is interested in supporting this impactful project, please reach out to us. 🙌✨ #ProjectUnity 🏀 #BasketballForPeace ✌️ #ConflictResolution 🌍 #UnityInDiversity 🤝 #SportsForChange 🌟 #GlobalConflicts 🌎 #BuildingBridges 🌉 #InclusionMatters 🫂 #PeaceThroughSports 🕊️ #BasketballCommunity 🏅 #HopeForHumanity 💖 #LeadershipThroughSports 🏆 #EndHostility 🔥 #PositiveChange 🌟 #SupportIsrael 🤍 #StandWithIsrael ✡️ #IsraelStrong 💪 #PeaceForIsrael 🌈 #UnityWithIsrael 🕊️ #IsraelForPeace ✨ #ProIsrael 💙 #IsraelForever 🌟 #IsraelSupport 🛡️ #WeStandWithIsrael 💬 #IsraelBasketball 🏀 #IsraelUnites 🌏 #AmYisraelChai 💫 #IsraelMatters 🤝 #LoveForIsrael ❤️ #PeaceInIsrael 🕊️

Sport Sparking Impact Last week, during the European Week of Sports #beactive, the Erasmus National Agency invited us to attend a networking event in Rimini, Italy. Aart Bos met with 25 passionate friends (Kacper Romaniuk, Huseyin Uvet, Róisín Lawlor, Leander Verbeeck, Regina Valenzano and Samer Al-Kasih) active in sports or youth work during the three-day network event, and we discussed the EU strategy in sports and youth work. This is the second meeting organized under “YouSports," a long-term strategic project to connect sport, youth work, and non-formal education for individual competence development and community/societal impact. Our context is Youth. It is a Strategic Project within the European Youth Programmes funded by the Youth sector. We come from youth work and non-formal education to create bridges and connect closer to sport. For NFE, we talk about youth work and projects, from grassroots to regional to national level to international projects, including those funded by European programs. YouSports (https://lnkd.in/eZgaDize) has two main aims. To increase and improve: 1. The use of sport in non-formal education 2. The use of non-formal education in sport   Sport is part of our first step in engaging, connecting, and empowering youth toward a sustainable future and leaving no one behind. What we see in reality is that a great percentage of the younger generation is disconnected, lacks trust in decision-makers, and does not feel in daily life that they matter. Research tells that ca 50% of youth 14-18 years has mental issues.   We believe that Sport is an engaging “tool” to involve more youth (who doesn’t like sports or have a hero and role model as a poster in his/ her bedroom? ) and tap into their world using fun, games, and learning in a rich variety of learning methods (as in game-based, collaborative, embodied, social and emotional, experimental, and active learning). During the three days, we exchanged best practices and many ideas to co-create in campaigns, concepts, and funding. We agreed on three main streams: 1)    Recognition of social sport e.g., raising awareness, visibility, and understanding of sports' potential as a tool for individual and societal change 2)    Partnerships eg. Building networks and relationships between those who share a passion for the sport as a tool; linking youth and sports fields close together, building a community of practice; increasing the capacity of organizations; providing links and opportunities for sharing of practice; encouraging Programme connections with federations and sports bodies as multipliers of opportunities; encouraging project building; moving more organizations from being potential applicants to become active beneficiaries of European Youth Programmes... 3)    Quality Projects eg. Supporting methods and methodology for value-based learning and competence to use them for different types of learning; #erasmusplus; #BeActive;