A key focus of the initiative is to help clubs, organisations, gyms and sport & leisure centres bounce back from the challenges placed on them by the covid pandemic by ensuring people renew and reactivate their memberships and get back playing, training and exercising.

And with over 750 events and activities planned across the country - including opening the Sport Ireland Campus up for ‘give it a try’ events - there is a specific focusing on encouraging people to try their hand at a new sport they may not have experienced before.

Speaking as he launched the Winter Initiative, Minister Jack Chambers said:

“As we settle into the New Year and as we move beyond the Omicron wave, there has never been a better time to get out exercising with family, friends, neighbours or work colleagues.

We know the impact the pandemic has placed on the sports system, with grassroots clubs and organisations among the most impacted. A key aim of the Winter Initiative is to support clubs, gyms and sports centres up and down the country by giving more people the extra incentive to renew their club membership or pay that gym fee. Or even just go for a walk in your local community to get out and get active again this January.”

Sport Ireland CEO Una May commented:

“The Winter Initiative is a reminder to try and make sport and physical activity a healthy habit in our lives and part of our daily routine. Each year the National Governing Bodies and Network of Local Sports Partnerships host hundreds of events, locally and nationally. I encourage everyone to try at least one event, either virtually or in person in accordance with the current guidelines.”

A full list of all the events and activities planned all-around the country that people can get involved in is available on the Sport Ireland website