Responsible for developing sport in Co. Laois. The LSP initiative was developed by the Sport Ireland in order to create a national structure to co-ordinate and promote the development of sport at local level. Sport Ireland identified that the effective development of sport and recreation at the local level would be best delivered through the adoption of a partnership approach between all bodies and organisations involved in the delivery of sport and recreation. Our objectives are: • Enhanced planning of sport at local level • Increased levels of local participation, especially amongst specific target groups – older people, girls and women, people with disabilities, unemployed people and those who live in identified disadvantaged communities • Enhanced local coach deployment • Club development • Volunteer training • Local Directories of sports bodies and facilities • Better use of existing facilities • Clear priorities for local facility provision and improvement • School/club/community and possibly school-NGB link • Local sports events In order that these aims are fulfilled, the three main functions of LSP’s are summarised by Sport Ireland as: Information: – To include an audit of resources and a needs analysis which can be used as the basis for planning at local level Education: – To provide training opportunities and courses and to facilitate participation Implementation: – The Strategic Plan will be used to implement local programmes based on local requirements, to maximise the impact and benefit of national programmes at the local level, and to market and promote sport and physical activity. Promoting sport and physical activity in Laois. For more info on various courses/programmes contact 057 86 71248 or email info@laoissports.ie or find us on the web: www.laoissports.ie