Special Olympics Ireland has published its inaugural Women in Sport Action Plan, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s commitment to gender equality and inclusivity in sports.
The Plan underscores the organisation’s dedication to empowering women and girls with intellectual disabilities through sports.
It aims to address the unique challenges faced by female athletes, coaches and volunteers while fostering an environment of support, opportunity, and recognition.
Taking its lead from Sport Ireland’s Policy on Women in Sport, Special Olympics Ireland now has a clear pathway to success with goals and objectives set out as part of a four-year strategy.
Ther plan lays out a focused set of objectives focusing on Coaching and Officiating; Active Participation; Leadership and Governance; and Visibility.
“As an organisation deeply rooted in the values of inclusion and equality, Special Olympics Ireland is thrilled to introduce our Women in Sport Action Plan,” said Karen Coventry, Director of Sport at Special Olympics Ireland.
“We recognise the importance of providing equitable opportunities for all athletes, and this initiative reaffirms our commitment to empowering women and girls with intellectual disabilities to thrive in sports.”
“Currently 59 percent of SOI coaches are female and we want to focus on our female athlete numbers which currently sits at 36 percent,” added Aaron Senior, Education and Participation Coordinator.
“We’re aiming to promote female participation s and find new ways to keep our female members active in the organisation for years. We want people to see a future for themselves in Special Olympics Ireland, as an athlete, volunteer or staff member.”
“It’s very encouraging to see NGBs such as Special Olympics Ireland build on Sport Ireland’s Women in Sport Policy and apply its guidelines to create their own path to success,” said Nora Stapleton, Director of Strategic National Governing Body Programmes and Women in Sport Lead at Sport Ireland.
“They are really taking ownership of this important work. This step will help women and girls to have an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential in sport.”
Take a look and download the plan here.
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