John Riordan is the new Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Sanctuary Runners. A voluntary board member since 2021 he has been a Sanctuary Runner since the solidarity-through-sport initiative began back in 2018. He takes over the role as chair from Anna Pringle who became CEO of the organisation in September of this
John Riordan is the new Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Sanctuary Runners.
A voluntary board member since 2021 he has been a Sanctuary Runner since the solidarity-through-sport initiative began back in 2018. He takes over the role as chair from Anna Pringle who became CEO of the organisation in September of this year.
With a wealth of experience in the corporate, voluntary and sporting sector at home and abroad, John is excited about chairing the board at a time when the work of Sanctuary Runners is needed more than ever.
He said: “I’m honoured to take on this new role as inclusivity, respect and solidarity in society is so intrinsic for social cohesion. Over many years now I’ve seen how the Sanctuary Runners’ model is a game changer in terms of bringing people from diverse backgrounds together. I am passionate about community integration. I have lived abroad and have some small idea of what it is to be the outsider trying to make connections, trying to be seen and heard. That challenge, of course, is multiplied 100-times over for people who come to a country seeking safety and sanctuary as refugees or asylum seekers in particular. Sanctuary Runners is a very special organisation and as chair I look forward to helping it grow in Ireland and internationally.”
