Sinead Kane is one of the most inspiring athletes you might hope to meet in Ireland. You’ll need to be quick to do so today though as she is flying out from Dublin to undertake one of the most gruelling sporting challenges ever devised.
As you read this she is on her way to embark on a five day Antarctic acclimatisation before commencing the first of an incredible seven marathons on seven continents over seven days.
That would mark her down as something special but that is only the beginning.
Sinead Kane was born with only five per cent vision. She qualified as a solicitor and started running in 2012 completing her first mini-marathon less than five years ago.
Getting to the start line at Union Glacier, Antarctica, for one of the world’s most gruelling marathons has not been easy.
“I could not be doing this without the support of Allianz who have made it possible for John O’Regan to come with me as my guide, Kane told Sport for Business yesterday.
“We had been through a lot of hoops with potential supporters but just before Christmas a partnership was pulled which put the whole participation in jeopardy.”
“Allianz came to the rescue and have brought back my confidence as well as my ability to undertake this challenge.”
“I am bidding to enter the record books and hopefully to inspire others to face whatever challenges they have in their life with a positive attitude and dogged determination.”
“The first will be the toughest as my vision impairment means I take in too much light, effectively causing what you might think of as snow blindness. Racing in such bright conditions needs to be prepared for and I have blindfolds and swimming goggles stuffed with cotton wool to get me through, with John’s help.”
“It’s all about teamwork, making sure you have the right support. The race organisers have been great and Allianz coming on board has been the final piece in getting this together.”
“We want to shine a spotlight on ability rather than disability and make people see me beyond my white stick.”
Kane was a guest of ours at the Teaming Up for Women in Sport event we put on at the end of 2016. She is also keen to play a part in how we take initiatives from that day forward and if she makes it through 42 km marathons in Antarctica, South America, North America, Europe, Africa and Australia, all within 168 hours she will be with us when we gather a leadership group next month.
Read about Teaming Up for Women in Sport
“We are truly delighted to lend our support to Sinead as she prepares to take on the biggest sporting challenge of her life,” said Damien O’Neill, Allianz Head of Marketing and Communications.
“Whether it be through home, car or indeed pet insurance, at Allianz we are in the business of supporting people and communities throughout Ireland and help them realise their ambition and goals through adversity.”
“Sinead’s drive, ambition and determination to compete at a world level is an inspiration to us all and we wish her well as she dares to step into the record books.”
Join us on Friday 20th for an early morning of learning, networking and insight on the sporting year ahead with the GAA, FAI, Irish Rugby, AIB, Aer Lingus, PSG Sponsorship and more Reserve your place now.
