PARTICIPATION National Action Plan Against Racism Announces €400,000 Local Sports Fund for Integration Initiatives

NATIONAL ACTION PLAN AGAINST RACISM ANNOUNCES €400,000 LOCAL SPORTS FUND FOR INTEGRATION INITIATIVES

The National Action Plan Against Racism (NPAR) today launches a €400,000 fund for Local Sports Partnerships (LSP) to develop programmes and initiatives to encourage diversity and integration through sport.  The grant is made available with the support of the Irish Sports Council (ISC). 

The National Action Plan Against Racism identifies sport as an important tool for the integration of minority groups through participation and the establishment of relationships and trust.  The funding will be granted to initiatives that serve that purpose.

Chairperson of the Strategic Monitoring Group of the NPAR, Lucy Gaffney, said:  “Sport has an international language which breaks down barriers - essential to integrating different cultures and traditions.  Whether on the pitch or in the stand, supporters and players are all working towards a shared cause.”

By making this funding available, the NPAR is acknowledging the essential work that the Local Sports Partnerships have already begun in order to promote greater participation in sport at local level.  The LSP structure, with its broad community involvement with government agencies, community and voluntary interests, is well suited to forwarding the aims of the National Action Plan Against Racism on participation and inclusion.

ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Catherine Logan/ Glen McGahern
Q4PR 475 1444
086 811 4785 / 0861940057