‘Sporting Peace’ is a cross border club/community sports project involving strategic collaboration between community and public sectors in Sligo, Omagh, Belfast and Enniskillen. Community cohesion and the fostering of an understanding, respectful society at grassroots level throughout County Sligo will be fostered through the involvement of five sports clubs, including Sligo Rugby Club.
‘Sporting Peace’ aims to develop a shared and reconcilled society through the medium of sport. The project will address strategic priorities identified in the Sligo Peace and Reconciliation Partnership Committee Action Plan, including:
1. Challenging sectarianism and promoting and furthering developing cross border peace-building
2. Countering racism and promoting positive attitudes to cultural diversity
3. Promoting conflict resolution and mediation
4. Supporting active participation by Peace III Programme target groups in civic life
Sligo RFC President Brendan Leahy said: “We are pleased to be working with Sligo Sport & Recreation and look forward to renewing our relationship with Enniskillen RFC.
“It is initiatives like this that ensures the game grows stronger in Connacht and Ulster and provides Sligo RFC with greater opportunities to grow the game locally.”
Martin Gallagher Domestic Rugby Manager for Connacht Rugby, commented: “I am delighted that Sligo RFC have taken this opportunity in supporting this excellent development programme between Sligo and Enniskillen Rugby Clubs – Connacht and Ulster Rugby has had a long-standing relationship as part of the interprovincial series.
“Sligo Sport & Recreation are an outstanding LSP in Ireland and Deirdre Lavin, Diane Middleton and their colleagues work tirelessly to develop opportunities and provide children and adults at every turn a chance to participate in healthy fun sporting activities.
“We, at Connacht Rugby, are only too happy to be supportive of this initiative and will do all we can to ensure its success.”
The launch of ‘Sporting Peace’ took place recently at the Glass House Hotel, which was offically opened by Cllr. Jimmy McGarry, Mayor of Sligo, and guest speaker Mark Langhammer, Crusaders FC/Newington YC Stadium Working Group, Belfast.
‘Sporting Peace’, and the strategy for its delivery, embraces key target groups and issues as outlined under the Peace III programme.
Reinforcing progress towards a peaceful society and promoting reconciliation will be addressed and enforced through targeted club sport programmes, extensive cross border programmes and leadership/empowerment initiatives.
Challenging attitudes towards reducing levels of sectarianism and racism will be facilitated through seminars, workshops, innovative peace-building games and will address issues including equality, sustainable development, sectarianism, racism and partnership.
As part of this initiative, Sligo Rugby Club has developed an agreed Sporting Peace Club Action Plan involving the following project elements:
– Attend all SSRP project meetings and workshops
– Complete a Club Diversity Audit
– Implement an Inclusive Club Policy
– Attend coaches workshops on Inclusive Games and implement into club training sessions
– Host an inclusive ‘Come and Try’ event
– Develop and promote a club slogan promoting peace and reconciliation
– Attend SSRP’s Peace Through Sport Coaching Conference’ in 2010
– Establish a Cross Border Club Link
– Attend/host two Cross Border twinning initiatives promoting peace and reconciliation through themed workshops
– Complete a Progress report, monitoring and evaluation returns as requested
– Promote the initiative and the funding body in all publicity in relation to the project
For further information on ‘Sporting Peace’, please contact Community Sport Development Officer, Diane Middleton, on tel: 071 9161511 or email diane@sligosportandrecreation.ie.
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