Today, at Áras an Uachtaráin, President Michael D Higgins became patron of the Sanctuary Runners Movement.
A group of Sanctuary Runners led by the organisation’s founder Graham Clifford and CEO Michael Darragh Macauley, and which included some runners living in Direct Provision, met with President Higgins to officially receive his patronage.
President Higgins said: “I am delighted to have become patron of Sanctuary Runners, a great solidarity-through-sport initiative that fosters friendship and respect for migrants, asylum seekers and refugees while bringing greater awareness of the migration system.
Through their regular events throughout the country, Sanctuary Runners celebrate our diversity and help to strengthen the bonds of friendship and shared experience between us all.”
Sanctuary Runners was founded in 2018 to bring people together through running, jogging and walking with a special emphasis on the inclusion of those who are new to Ireland – and especially international protection applicants and refugees.
Now with over 40 groups across Ireland, some 30,000 people have taken part in a Sanctuary Runner activity over the last seven years promoting solidarity, friendship and respect amongst all across Irish society.
President Higgins has been a constant and enthusiastic supporter of the Movement since its inception but today marks a new chapter in the relationship between the organisation, a registered charity, and the office of the Presidency.
Graham Clifford, Founder and now Head of International Development with the Sanctuary Runners said:
“Whenever we have asked for President Higgins’ support he’s been there for us. He understands to his core why we do what we do. He has always been a passionate advocate for community integration and social cohesion and he feels the same joy as we do when people come together in solidarity regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, legal status, religion, age, gender or sexual orientation. This, for our movement, is our proudest day and one which will live with us for years to come.”
Included in the Sanctuary Runners’ group to meet with President Higgins today were runners originally from Zimbabwe, Ghana, India and Nigeria.
Amongst them was Patience Dube who said: “I feel so happy that President Higgins is now our patron. I, and all my fellow Sanctuary Runners who have come to Ireland from other countries, feel so joyous today. President Higgins is one of us, he epitomises the warm heart of Ireland and we cherish his solidarity.”
And Sanctuary Runners’ CEO Michael Darragh Macauley said the newly announced patronage of President Higgins would give a massive lift to those involved across Ireland and beyond.
He said: “This act of solidarity by President Higgins will mean so much to all those who have run in a Sanctuary Runners’ top over the years – especially those seeking safety and connection. President Higgins’ empathy, understanding and advocacy on behalf of those who can often be marginalised and overlooked is one of the main hallmarks of his presidency – and we are so proud today to welcome him with open arms as our patron.”