Vision Sports Ireland and Athletics Ireland have announced the launch of a Guide Running Workshop, developed to give runners the skills and confidence to guide an individual who is blind, or vision impaired.
Workshops will be rolled out nationally over the coming years with the aim to create a National Register of Guide Running Volunteers which will increase running opportunities for people who are blind, or vision impaired across Ireland.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Athletics Ireland and other key partners to provide education for runners to become guides and to support the creation of a National Register of Guide Runners,” said Padraig Healy, National Sports Development Manager at Vision Sports Ireland.
“We hope that Athletic Clubs, Local Sports Partnerships and parkruns will support us to host workshops across the country and connect with the running community. This course has the potential to support the over 2,000 people in Ireland who are blind and require a guide to enjoy the benefits of running.”
“Athletics Ireland are delighted to be working in partnership with Vision Sport Ireland and other key stakeholders as we take the next step in launching the Guide Running Workshop.,” added Athletics Ireland Director of Participation Rachel Ormrod.
“It is hoped that by providing the right training supports we will be able to mobilise a cohort of guide runners who will be able to provide greater levels of access and opportunities for people across Ireland with a vision impairment to engage and participate in running.”
Irish Paralympian Athlete Greta Streimikyte was at the launch at the UCD track in Dublin.
“The skills gained from the guide running workshop provide the knowledge and confidence needed to guide blind or visually impaired individuals on their runs. I see this as an important step not only in understanding guide running but also in bringing people together that share the same love for running and being active.”
Vision Sports Ireland and Athletics Ireland are delighted to host a Guide Running Workshop on Saturday, March 4th in SETU Carlow, Co Carlow in partnership with Carlow Sports Partnership. This training is suitable for runners who wish to learn the fundamental skills of guide running.
Places are strictly limited, further information including registration can be found at www.visionsports.ie
