Maltese Sports Council visits IT Tralee – 2015

Maltese Sports Council visit IT Tralee

In June members of the Maltese Sports Council came to Kerry to learn about the management of sport in Ireland. The trip was part of training that was developed for the Maltese group by EOSE (a European not-for-profit association which supports skills development in sport) developed training for the Maltese group that incorporated the trip to Kerry because of the Institutes international reputation in high quality industry relevant education and partnership. UNESCO Chair staff coordinated a diverse programme for the visitors to showcase Kerry and the expertise we have in the county. John Breen, Kerry County Council, welcomed the group highlighting how innovative partnerships between the Council, the Institute and many service providers in the county enhance the provision of sport.

Work shadowing was coordinated for each member of the group at Cappanlea Outdoor Education & Training Centre; the Regional Sports and Leisure Centre in Tralee; the Aquadome; the GAA Gaelic Sports office; and the Run the Kingdom organisation. These organisations coupled with the academic staff of Health & Leisure Department, IT Tralee showcased the importance of collaboration between higher education and the business world.

Robert Portelli, head of Programme Development for the Maltese Sport Council, commented on behalf of the Maltese delegation, “we have been made very welcome and are very grateful for the time and generosity of our hosts. We have been greatly impressed by their passion and enthusiasm for their work, especially that which is inclusive of people with disabilities, and which has brought some remarkable successes. We have learned a great deal and hope in the future we can put these ideas into practice back home in Malta, and indeed to welcome our hosts themselves back to our Island. We have even been able to enjoy a week of Maltese like sunshine here in Tralee!”