Jon Morgan is to step down as the Chair of Cara Sport Inclusion Ireland in July, following a successful four-year spell at the helm.

He will remain in his post until the Cara AGM on the 13th of July and in one of his last acts will, together with the Board and executive management team, lead the organisation in announcing a new 10-year strategy launch and rebrand later this month.

“It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve as Cara’s Chair for the past four years,” he said today.

“I am extremely proud of the organisation, the pivotal role that it plays within the physical activity and sports sector and the impact made since its formation.”

“My warmest thanks to all of those who helped make Cara the organisation that it is today, particularly our fantastic Board and staff who remain totally committed to delivering our vision of a more inclusive Ireland.”

“As I pass on the baton, I know that the organisation is in excellent hands and will continue to go from strength to strength as it launches its new strategic plan and refreshed brand.”

Morgan’s relationship with Cara began over a decade ago when he first spoke at the National Inclusion Seminar in 2005. He joined the board in 2018 and was then appointed as Chair in 2019 as it set in motion its three-year strategy which, when launched, could not have foreseen the challenging years ahead.

During his tenure as Chair, he was instrumental in leading the organisation to achieve Cara’s compliance to the Sport Ireland Governance Code, ensured effective and efficient financial management, helped steer the organisation through the pandemic and, within the past year, provided leadership and direction towards the exciting development of a new strategic vision for the organisation.

“I would like to thank Jon for his significant contribution through what has been a challenging and transformational time for us,” added CEO Niamh Daffy.

“Jon has been influential in growing and leading a dynamic and committed board of directors. He has gone above and beyond to ensure Cara is recognised and valued as a credible organisation; he has positively challenged our thoughts and ideas to ensure creativity and success and he has been an inspirational leader, mentor and friend.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to wish Jon every success in his future endeavours and I know he will be keeping a close eye on our developments as we live out our new strategy.”

“This is a really exciting time for anyone with a passion for inclusion, equality and active lifestyles and an opportunity to lead an ambitious organisation in delivering a new strategy that has been co-designed with people with disabilities.”

Cara will soon commence a recruitment process to appoint a new Chair to lead it through the successful delivery of its new strategy which will launch later this month.