Adapting to new ways of being active is one of the main topics which will be discussed in a live online broadcast from Cara, taking place on Thursday 3rd December to mark International Day of People with Disabilities.
National and international guests, including key individuals from the sport, health and disability sectors will take part in live discussions focused on how change can create opportunities for people with disabilities to get involved in sport and physical activity.
The event will also explore new ways which are required in continuing to enhance awareness and provide support to people with disabilities in leading active and healthy lifestyles.
Cara is the national organisation for disability sport and inclusive physical activity and is partnering with Sport Ireland, to present this online event after a year that has seen restrictions to sport and physical activity create many challenges.
“This has been a very tough year for everyone, and for many people with disabilities where their regular training opportunities, access to swimming pools and gyms and access to their supports services have been significantly affected, it has been particularly difficult,” said Cara CEO Niamh Daffy.
“We have seen people and organisations adapt to these challenges in very positive and innovative ways. While some areas of sport and physical activity have seen reduced capabilities, we have also seen new opportunities arise and enhanced partnerships as a result of the current situation.”
Keynote
One of the keynote presenters on the day will be Dr James Rimmer. A professor in the School of Health Professions at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the USA.
Dr Rimmer is an expert in environmental barriers and facilitators of physical activity for people with disabilities. His presentation is titled ‘Beyond Sport: Using all forms of wellness to optimise resilience in people with disabilities’.
Irish Paralympian Ellen Keane will also make a keynote presentation sharing her own remarkable personal story from being the self-conscious ‘girl with one arm’ to becoming a three-time Paralympian.
“I was born with an undeveloped left arm,” she said. My parents didn’t want to treat me any differently so I attended swimming lessons with my brothers and sister. By learning to embrace and celebrate what made me different has changed my entire life for the better. Swimming has helped me live a fulfilled life beyond the pool.”
“Sport Ireland is delighted to support the CARA Live Cast,” said CEO John Treacy.
“It is excellent to see such strong numbers signed up for this event, which will highlight how the sector as a whole has adapted to new circumstances to continue to deliver ways of ensuring people with disabilities could keep active, stay connected and maintain benefits to their overall health and wellbeing”.
Cara will be joined by key decision makers in the sport, health and disability sectors as well as Minister of State for Sport and The Gaeltacht, Jack Chambers TD.
The live event is free to attend and anyone can register at www.caracentre.ie.
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