Sanctuary Runners has recently completed its first pilot Leadership Programme, in collaboration with Athletics Ireland, and with the support of Sport Ireland.
The programme brought together 16 emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds to explore leadership, inclusion and belonging through sport. Over six weeks participants took part in weekly workshops alongside facilitators and guest speakers, who shared their own experiences of leadership within sport. The programme concluded in an in-person gathering where participants presented their team projects – draft inclusion guidelines to help all clubs be more integrated – to fellow leaders, programme facilitators, and staff members from both Athletics Ireland and Sanctuary Runners.
Co-Designing Inclusion in Athletics
A central aim of the programme was to support participants to work collaboratively to develop practical recommendations that would help Athletics Ireland clubs open their doors more widely to migrant people, people seeking international protection, and Sanctuary Runners transitioning into club environments.
“At a time when we’re surrounded by bad news on TV and social media, it was uplifting to be in a room with people who share the same values and passion for running – people who focus on what we stand for and what we share. That positivity is contagious. More than just a leadership course, the real motivation for me was the people in the room, whose lived experiences and passion for helping others were truly inspiring.”
– Ciarán Murphy, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Manager for Sport Ireland and participant in the Leadership Programme
“The course was brilliant. I feel much more confident as a leader – more capable, eager and driven. It’s fun, engaging and rooted in real day-to-day experiences and challenges.”
– Marvin Paul Muganga, Galway Sanctuary Runner and participant in the Leadership Programme.
Building Belonging Through Sport
The Leadership Programme reflects Sanctuary Runners’ belief that sport is a powerful connector, with the ability to build respect, solidarity and shared purpose across communities.
By supporting emerging leaders and co-designing practical tools for inclusive practice, the programme represents an important step toward building athletics clubs where everyone feels welcome and supported.
“It was inspiring to see the presentations from participants. We have so many people with leadership ability around the country and this course really helped showcase that potential. The ideas generated here can have a lasting impact on inclusivity in athletics clubs.”
– Anna Pringle, CEO, Sanctuary Runners.
Sanctuary Runners would like to acknowledge the commitments and contributions of all participants, facilitators and partners, including Athletics Ireland and Sport IrelandFor more information about this initiative or future programmes, visit our website or follow Sanctuary Runners on social media.
info@sanctuaryrunners.ie
