Ulster GAA take part in Multi-Sport Volunteer Forum
A Multi-Sport Forum was delivered recently with a focus on developing understanding for volunteers on how to improve inclusivity within sports clubs.
The session was delivered as part of the Department for Communities “Sport: A home for lifelong volunteering programme.” The event was jointly organised by Ulster GAA, Irish FA Foundation and Ulster Rugby. A number of guest speakers delivered presentations to increase awareness around disability, diversity and making your club more accessible to under-represented groups in your community.
The guest speakers presenting on the evening were Shane McCann from Ulster GAA, who identified new initiatives within each sport to support those with disabilities, Elaine Reid from Disability Sport NI, who discussed how DSNI can assist clubs to increase opportunities for those who are disabled but still keen to play or volunteer within sport and Nuala Devenney from the Rainbow Project, who focused on the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community and how sports clubs can increase awareness around this topic and what is required to develop this within a club setting.
On the evening, the three sports also launched the new Inclusion Charter, and this was adopted by clubs on completion of the workshop. After a consultation with all grassroots clubs the three sports identified a gap in provision and knowledge around this area and the information on the evening was greatly received. The event, delivered at the Integrated College Dungannon, was attended by volunteers from all three sports.
