There is a new name and identity in the Irish sporting landscape this morning after the launch yesterday of Active Disability Ireland.
Set amid the inspiring surroundings of Elizabeth’s Treehouse at Barrettstown, the agency formerly know as Cara shed its former cloak and began its repositioning under a brand that is more descriptive to a wider population.
Active Disability Ireland also launched a new Strategic plan and vision for the next decade where it will seek to play its vital part in building an Ireland where people with disabilities have equal opportunities to be active.
Under the new name, they remain committed to helping to build a more inclusive society to empower, encourage and support people with disabilities to be more active with whom they want, when they want and where they want.
“This is a very exciting day for our organisation as we celebrated 15 successful years of Cara and look forward to an exciting future as Active Disability Ireland,” said CEO Niamh Daffy.
“Developing an insights-led strategy was a priority for us. We really wanted people with disabilities to be at the heart of our thinking, to influence and shape our priorities by understanding the everyday barriers they face and identifying the solutions that can have the biggest impact on their access to, and lifelong enjoyment of physical activity and sport.”
“We’re thrilled to have continued government support, including Minister Rabbitte, and the presence of Minister Byrne here today proves we’re on the right path as we set out to achieve ambitious goals over the next five years with the goal of creating equal opportunities for all people with disabilities to enjoy active lives.”
As detailed within the new strategy, Active Disability Ireland will continue their long-standing partnership with Sport Ireland, whilst also working with Irish Government, Local Sport Partnerships, and the National Governing Bodies of Sport to continue to support the ambition of the National Sports Policy target of reducing the gradients within sports participation with, as you would expect, a laser focus on the impact we can make for people with disabilities.
“I would like to congratulate Active Disability Ireland on the launch of their new strategy today and thank them for their significant contribution to sport for the past 15 years,” said Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne.
“Their leadership on the Xcessible Programme for Local Sport Partnerships, National Governing Bodies and clubs, in addition to their high quality inclusive training offerings, has had a significant impact on increasing awareness, access and opportunities for people with disabilities across the sports sector.”
“I look forward to continued collaboration with Active Disability Ireland on providing opportunities for people with disabilities to be more physically active.”
Extending
Extending support and influence across other sectors such as health, education, and the wider community is a key target for Active Disability Ireland. Central to this will be the continued partnership with the Health Service Executive who have been instrumental in supporting us to develop new and innovative programmes within disability services across Ireland.
“We want to challenge existing and new strategies and policies across the health, education, and community sectors to adequately reflect the needs, aspirations, experiences and challenges of people with disabilities in physical activity,” added Daffy.
Jon Morgan who is stepping down as the Chair of Active Disability Ireland spoke with pride of the organisation.
“I am extremely proud of this organisation, the pivotal role it plays within the physical activity and sports sector and the impact made since its formation.”
“Under a new inclusive and ambitious brand, this organisation is built on solid foundations and has a great future underpinned by an insights led strategy, co-produced with people with disabilities.”
“It’s been an honour to lead the Board of Directors and the wonderful team in the development of a new strategic plan and refreshed brand that’s finally out in the open today.”
Yesterday’s event was hosted by Nikki Bradley, Ambassador for Active Disability Ireland, cancer survivor and adaptive adventurer and was attended by a wide range of supporters and friends within the Sport for Business community including Dr Una May and Louise Burke from Sport Ireland, Stephen McNamara from Paralympics Ireland, Karen Coventry from Special Olympics Ireland, Nicky Hamill from IWA-Sport, and Stephen Gleeson from long time backer Hyundai Ireland.
