Sporting Memories
About Sporting Memories
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland Sporting Memories is an awareness and support programme which aims to tackle isolation, depression, and loneliness through safe, friendly sessions. The initiative is led by people with a passion for sport and a desire to help people stay engaged or re-engage in their communities.
Sporting Memories aims to empower communities to help improve the health and well-being of people with dementia and older people in general. Sporting Memories is for everyone, particularly people with dementia – the programme helps those with the condition to re-engage in the community which once played a huge role in their lives. Reminiscence is particularly important for people with dementia, as remembering can instil a sense of competence and confidence, boosting empowerment and connection. The programme strives to help create communities that actively embrace and include those living with dementia and their families.
In 2023, the Sporting Memories won the Letterkenny Chamber Business Awards Best Health & Wellbeing initiative – ‘Helping People Live Healthier Lives, sponsored by Opium.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is honoured to work with organisations such as the GAA and FAI to promote Sporting Memories in the heart of our local communities.
Witnessing the joy people with dementia experience at these events - as they fondly remember moments from the past and reconnect with old friends - is something special. It's not just about the day; the ripple effect of this program, where people rekindle old friendships, find support, and discover new resources and connections in their own communities, is truly remarkable.
Cathryn O'Leary, National Community Engagement Manager
Sporting Memories Handbook
Our Sporting Memories Handbook was developed to support local sports organisations in setting up Sporting Memories groups. An initiative of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, the handbook is supported by the Dementia: Understand Together campaign led by the HSE.
The development of the Sporting Memories programme was inspired by Sporting Heritage, a comprehensive guide for Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
You can download our latest Sporting Memories handbook HERE.
Organise a Sporting Memories Event Near You
Sporting Memories events provide a forum for people with dementia, families, supporters and friends to reminisce and talk about bygone sporting days. Interested in learning more about about the programme? Email [email protected]
Sporting Memories Enquiry
To register your sporting memories event and get additional support in organising the event please complete the form below.
GAA Charity Partnership
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is honoured to be selected as one of the GAA Charity Partners for 2024. The charities will receive a donation from the GAA and some opportunities to raise awareness about their work.
We are thrilled to promote the Sporting Memories programme as part of this partnership as The GAA is at the heart of communities across Ireland, playing an intrinsic part of Irish life for generations. Sporting Memories is a simple and effective programme that can be rolled out by all clubs – big or small – and can empower people living with Dementia, their carers and families to reengage with their past colleagues from the GAA and feel part of the GAA community once again.
For the Health and Wellbeing Committees in the GAA, Sporting Memories is the ideal programme to use to ensure that people for whom the GAA has been a huge part of of their lives continue to feel welcome and part of the organisation.
Read our Sporting Memories Handbook here.