Sporting Organisations Tackle Inequality
Ulster GAA are one of seven sporting organisations that have achieved foundation level of The Equality Standard: A Framework for Sport (the Standard).
Sporting organisations that are committed to tackling inequality received their awards from Sport Northern Ireland at the House of Sport on Wednesday 16th April.
The Standard, which was launched by all UK sports Councils and UK Sport in November 2004, is a UK-wide framework which assists sports organisations in widening access and reducing inequalities in sport and physical activity from under represented individuals, groups and communities.
Since 2009, the Equality Standard has been redeveloped to ensure it reflects the new Equality Act 2010 legislation (jurisdiction in Wales, Scotland and England) and all Northern Ireland relevant statutes including Section 75.
Reflecting on the achievement of the seven sporting organisations, Chief Executive of Sport Northern Ireland, Antoinette McKeown, commented:
“The Equality Standard provides our local sporting organisations with the adequate support to open sport up to all sections of the community.
“I am delighted that these organisations have engaged with equality, both within their internal structure and process, and in the form of developing actions and initiatives which encourage participation in sport by everyone.”
Speaking after collecting the award Ulster GAA President Martin McAviney commented:
“Ulster GAA is delighted to have achieved the Foundation Level of Equality Standard. Achieving the Standard has helped build on existing good practice in equality and also embed equality at every level within the organisation.”
For further information please visit the Equality in Sport website or contact Edel Cosgrove at Sport NI on 02890 383 882.
Photo caption:
Chief Executive of Sport Northern Ireland, Antoinette McKeown presents the Foundation Level Award of the Equality Standard to Martin McAviney (Ulster GAA President) and Fionntán O’Dowd (Volunteer Development and Policy Officer).
