100th Organisation Signs Inclusion Charter

Campus of Inclusion – The National Sports Campus become the 100th signatory of Ireland’s Sport Inclusion Disability Charter.

Today marks the 100th signatory of Ireland’s first ever Sport Inclusion Disability Charter, as the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus pledge their support to this Charter.

Charter for Inclusion Ireland
Signing of Charter – National Sports Campus

Speaking at the event, Michael Murray, Chief Operating Officer of the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus said “The Sport Ireland National Sports Campus is delighted to sign the Sports Inclusion Charter. Signing the Charter highlights our commitment to making the Campus accessible for all, and ensures that we consistently strive to improve and develop our programmes and facilities. Our current inclusive programme includes Activity Camps, Sports Academies and Fitness Classes, and we look forward to increasing participation and supporting more people with disabilities by addressing the key needs highlighted in the Charter.”

This Charter, launched by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD in Leinster House on November 27th, has been steadily gaining support among the sporting community within Ireland. Those who have adopted the Charter so far include national governing bodies of sport, local sports partnerships, state bodies, national organisations, schools, clubs and disability services.

Sport and physical activity are central to the fabric of life in Ireland. As citizens of this state, people with disabilities have a right to be active within their local communities. To truly understand what it is like for a person with a disability to be active in Ireland, Cara, with the support of the Sport Ireland Local Sports Partnership network, coordinated nationwide focus groups with people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities where they shared their experiences, challenges and needs.

The Charter, which was developed by Cara (Sport-Inclusion-Ireland) in conjunction with Sport Ireland, was developed through engagement with over 140 people with a disability throughout Ireland. We asked about their experiences, challenges and needs in relation to their participation in sport and physical activity. From the vast feedback received, the Sport Inclusion Disability Charter was developed, which clearly outlines five key areas people with disabilities are asking all organisations to consider in increasing opportunities for them in sport and physical activity:

  • Be open to and understanding of all people with disabilities
  • Access training for our people to facilitate the inclusion of people with disabilities
  • Develop and deliver inclusive activities
  • Review our facility/venues/equipment to make our organisation more accessible
  • Promote the inclusive nature of our activities, in a variety of formats
100th Signing of the Sport Inclusion Disability Charter
Michael Murray, Chief Operating Officer of the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus and Niamh Daffy, CEO Cara

Cara’s CEO, Niamh Daffy, added: “It is hoped that this Charter will be a catalyst for change which will lead to a unified approach to increasing awareness, increasing opportunities and ultimately increasing the participation of people with disabilities in sport and physical activity across Ireland”.

More information on the charter can be found at https://activedisability.ie/sport-inclusion-disability-charter/ or by contacting Doireann Ni Mhuircheartaigh at dnimhuircheartaigh@caracentre.ie.

Ends.

==================

Notes to the Editor:

Cara (Sport-Inclusion-Ireland) is a national not for profit, pan-disability sport organisation, working to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to, and awareness of participation opportunities in sport and physical activities of their choice.

For more information see: www.caracentre.ie