Donegal sports stars were showing their support this week for the launch of the Donegal Sports Partnership “Building Positive Clubs” conference which takes place on October 22nd at Colaiste Ailigh in Letterkenny.
The theme of the Building Positive Clubs Conference is “Sport Changes Lives” and the event will focus on the powerful role that sport can play in all aspects of life.
We will hear inspirational accounts from a number of prominent sports personalities who will discuss issues which are more common than some might think in today’s society. The stories they will share with us will explain how sport can help overcome adversity against all odds.
The conference will also highlight the benefits of positive coaching. More often than not sports clubs provide positive environments for everyone to enjoy but sometimes the win at all costs attitude and poor sportsmanship can have a negative impact applying unrealistic challenges and pressures.
Headlining the conference is one of the best known Gaelic footballers of the past 2 decades – Oisin McConville. The former Armagh GAA player spent years gambling before confronting his issues and turning his life around.
We will also here from Alan O’Mara (Cavan GAA) and Breifne Earley (World Cycle Race) who have recently published books on their battle with depression and will highlight the impact of sport on their lives.
Peter Mitchell former professional footballer who played alongside players such as Robbie Keane, Harry Kewell and Rio Ferdinand at Leeds Utd F.C. will give us an insight to how his life was transformed following a car accident which ended his footballing career.
Also in attendance will be Antonio Mantero author of the hugely successful blog “thecoachdiary.com”. Antonio will focus on participation and development in children’s sport and the creation of fun safe environments which encourage learning.
The conference is open to everyone; parents, coaches, players/athletes, sports clubs including administrators, teachers and community organisations. The fee is €19.95 with an early bird option of €15.95 if booked by September 30th, youth tickets (under 18s) are FREE.
All proceeds will go to the Jigsaw Donegal youth mental health support service.
For more information or conference booking visit http://www.activedonegal.com/building-positive-clubs/ or phone 074 9116078.
