Left to right: Denis O'Boyle (GAA Games for All Commitee), Sarah Cregg (Connacht Wheelchair Camogie Player), Ger McTavish (GAA National Diversity and Inclusion Officer), Mattie Kilroy (Connacht GAA Health and Wellbeing Committee), Ray McNamara (Sports Inclusion Development Officer, Mayo Sports Partnership), and John Prenty (Connacht GAA Secretary) at the official launch of the GAA National Inclusion Fitness Day.
On the week of the 23rd of September, the GAA invites all clubs to open their doors to the wider community and support its 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, disability, ethnicity, nationality, ability, 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 difference.
GAA Diversity and Inclusion officer Ger McTavish explains: “Inclusion is about making a difference. Inclusivity is a movement, a move to include. Being truly inclusive is living our GAA motto, ‘Where we all Belong’.
“This work takes many forms. It ranges from ensuring that our policies and practices support the cultural integration and social inclusion of people from across Ireland’s diverse ethnic population, to making sure that all Gaelic games are adapted for people with different abilities.”
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 by September 21th (Go to: www.gaa.ie/nationalinclusionday to register)
2. Sign up to CARA Sport Inclusion Disability Charter
3. Share the GAA inclusive club resources in your club
4. Hold an inclusive fitness activity at your GAA Club on 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 visit https://www.gaa.ie/nationalinclusionday or contact geraldine.mctavish@gaa.ie