GAELIC GAMES GAA Launch Inclusion Strategy
The GAA, in conjunction with Ladies Gaelic Football and the Camogie Association, today launched its Inclusion and Integration Strategy 2009-2015 at Croke Park in the company of Mr. Conor Lenihan TD who underlined the government's support for the project.
The aim of the strategy is to offer an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone to participate in our games and in our culture.
GAA President Nickey Brennan stressed the significance of the event and the strategy itself at what was one of the last public appearances of his three-year tenure.
He said: "Initiatives such as this are of utmost importance and this topic was one of the 11 we highlighted in our Strategic, Vision and Action Plan which we unveiled last November.
"Sport and the cultural offshoots of our association provide a perfect vehicle for us to welcome those who might not be familiar with our games and past times allowing them to integrate with those who are already immersed in these activities, especially at a young age. Sport has a huge role to play in tackling barriers and divisions.
"While we may sometimes take the association, our games and the influence they have on wider society for granted, we should remember that there may be a demystifying and educational process required to allow those from non-traditional GAA backgrounds to access our games and activities to the full.
"The aim of this strategy has to be to encourage people of all ages, abilities, ethnicities, nationalities and religious backgrounds, living in Ireland, to feel comfortable enough to get involved with the GAA and that's the goal we will be working towards through this strategy."
Also in attendance for today's strategy launch were Helen O'Rourke, Ard Stiْrthَir of Ladies Gaelic Football and Joan O'Flynn, President of the Camogie Association.
Both associations lent their support to an initiative that they hope will lead to a more open and inclusive association - one that can have a positive influence on wider society.
Pat Quill President of Ladies Gaelic Football said, "The ethnic diversity of modern Ireland presents so many opportunities for our country and sporting organisations. The wider GAA family must welcome non-Irish nationals with open arms and we need to examine all measures to ensure this process continues apace so that our sport continues to be representative of the whole country."
Joan O'Flynn added: "For the Camogie Association, the Inclusion and Integration Strategy is a statement of intent of our commitment to reach out and promote the positive inclusion of groups who may be under-represented amongst our players, membership and supporters and to identify and work to overcome barriers that may inhibit some groups from getting involved in Camogie either as players, members or supporters."
The strategy was devised by a 10 person committee after consultation with a number of interested and relevant external parties.
For more information contact
Kieran Leddy on 01 8363222
Alan Milton on 087 9299488