Vision Sports Ireland have announced the launch of a new Associate Club Programme. The initiative is designed to create a network of inclusive sports clubs around the country that are open to including individuals with vision impairments throughout the mainstream and adapted activities within their clubs.
Founded in 1988, Vision Sports Ireland is a registered charity and acts as the National Governing Body for Blind/Vision Impaired Sport in Ireland, collaborating with a wide number of national governing bodies, local sports partnerships and organisations to make sport more accessible to people who are blind or vision impaired.
Vision Sports Ireland, as a member and subsidiary of Vision Ireland – the new name for NCBI, aims to ensure that all blind and vision impaired people in Ireland have access to, and can enjoy the health benefits derived from regular participation in sport and physical activities of their choice.
“We are thrilled to introduce the Associate Club Program as part of our ongoing efforts to create an inclusive sports sector across Ireland,” said Aaron Mullaniff, CEO, Vision Sports Ireland.
“Through collaboration with clubs and the provision of support and resources, our goal is to foster a sports environment that is not only accessible but is also welcoming to individuals experiencing visual impairment or blindness.”
“As a Vision Ireland Board Director, I am delighted to support the launch of this fantastic initiative,” added Robbie Henshaw.
“I urge all clubs around the country take this step in creating a more inclusive sports sector for people who are blind/vision impaired.”
“Old Wesley Rugby Club has been proud to partner with Vision Sports Ireland as the host club for VI Rugby in Ireland for the past two years,” said Club President Ronan Bools.
“We have observed firsthand the benefits derived from such a partnership – not only for people who are blind or vision impaired in accessing sport, but also for our own club and members in creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all.”
“We are thrilled to be the first club to sign up to Vision Sports Ireland’s Associate Club Programme and we recommend clubs across the country to do the same.”
The decision to establish the Associate Club Programme arose from Vision Sports Ireland’s commitment to creating an inclusive sports sector and will help direct people with vision impairments towards inclusive clubs in a sport of physical activity of their choice.
Vision Sports Ireland invites all sports clubs in Ireland to join the Associate Club Programme and encourages clubs to take proactive steps towards inclusivity and accessibility within their organisations.
Further details and eligibility criteria can be found on the Vision Sports Ireland website.
This is one initiative that should be actively embraced by clubs across every form of sport.
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