The GAA is inviting all clubs to open their doors to the wider community and support GAA National Inclusive Fitness Day.
The 2021 NIFD theme is "GAA Healthy Families", #GAAClann. The event falls during the European Week of Sport (23rd – 30th September) and aims to promote sport, physical and healthy lifestyle activity to everyone regardless of age, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, nationality, or fitness level.
Inclusion means people having a sense of belonging, of being comfortable in being part of something they value. Diversity means being aware of, accommodating, and celebrating differences.
Duleek-Bellewstown in Meath are a great example of a club who organised a superb inclusion session on GAA National Inclusive Fitness Day last year.
GAA.ie spoke with the club's Juvenile PRO, Katherine Doogan, about how they organised their event and the positive feedback it received.
For National Inclusion Fitness Day in 2020, Duleek-Bellewstown hosted a one hour Sports Inclusion Session at their ground in Duleek on the Navan Road.
GAA.ie: Tell us about the Club and the event you ran for National Inclusive Fitness Day (NIFD) 2020?
Katherine Doogan: Duleek Bellewstown GFC in Co Meath was founded in 2007 when Duleek GFC (formed 1887) and Bellewstown GFC (formed 1964) amalgamated. We have almost 650 members and cater for all age groups from Nursery through to our Adult Teams.
In 2019 Duleek Bellewstown GFC and Duleek Bellewstown LGFC came together through the One Club initiative and this has proved to be very successful.
For National Inclusion Fitness Day on Wednesday 23rd September 2020 our Club hosted a one hour Sports Inclusion Session at our ground in Duleek on the Navan Road. All primary school age children with Special Needs and their families were invited to take part.
GAA.ie: How did the club get started on the planning for the GAA NIFD event?
KD: A Working Group was established by our Health & Wellbeing Committee to plan and then promote the event and our Games Promotion Officer, Damien Sheridan, was also enlisted to tap into his knowledge and expertise.
GAA.ie: What personality skills do you think the event team had to run the event?
KD: The team had a wide range of personality skills. These included enthusiasm, empathy, good communication, leadership, adaptability, flexibility and organisational skills.
GAA.ie: How do you manage event promotion, including social media outreach and email campaigns?
KD:
- Promotion on Club Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
- Emails to all local primary schools, and special schools in the surrounding areas requesting notice be sent to all parent groups on the event.
- Media Notice sent to all local newspapers and radio stations.
- Advertisement in local Parish Bulletin.
All local primary school age children with Special Needs and their families were invited to take part in Duleek-Bellewstown's National Inclusive Fitness Day in 2020.
GAA.ie: What steps did you take to handle last minute or unexpected setbacks before and during an event?
KD: We had a large number of volunteers available on the day of the event and throughout the evening to be on hand to deal with any problems or hitches that may arise.
GAA.ie: Are there any event types you find particularly interesting or exciting to plan for Future NIFD?
KD: Our event was such a success we have held a number of follow up events since. Our next session is planned for the 23rd September 2021 in conjunction with the GAA’s National Inclusive Fitness Day, the theme of which is GAA Healthy Families with the #GAAClann. The event falls during the European Week of Sport (23rd – 30th September).
For this event we are inviting children of all ages with special needs, including children of any ethnic minority or gender, to attend with their families.
What made the event successful?
KD: The event was a huge success as it was enjoyed by all – the children, their parents, the helpers and the organising committee. It was full of colour, laughter, bubbles and of course some football.
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A simple 6 Steps process, including access to all necessary resources, has been developed for clubs interested in participating in the GAA’s National Inclusive Fitness Day, a process that will also support their journey in becoming a more inclusive club.
1. Your club must register online here
2. Sign up to CARA Sport Inclusion Disability Charter here
3. Share the GAA inclusive club policies and resources found on this webpage in your club
4. Hold an Inclusive Healthy Family activity at your GAA Club during the week of September 23rd
5. Share a video or pictures of your activity on social using #GAABelong, #BeActive, #GAAClann
6: Receive an Inclusive GAA Club certificate to proudly display in your club.
For more information please contact geraldine.mctavish@gaa.ie
For more information from your Local sports Inclusion disability officer https://www.sportireland.ie/participation/sports-inclusion-disability-officers