New partnership aims to promote sport for people of all abilities
Last week Cope Foundation, one of the largest organisations of its kind in Ireland, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Cara Sport Inclusion Ireland. The two organisations have agreed to collaborate in the areas of awareness, advocacy, project partnership, sharing of knowledge and expertise, and research.
Cope Foundation works to enhance the lives of people with an intellectual disability and/or autism and currently supports over 2,800 people of every ability to live a life of their choosing.
Sean Abbott, Chief Executive of Cope Foundation said: “We have a strong working relationship with Cara and this MOU provides a framework for how we can continue to work together in the years to come.
“It’s about sharing expertise and resources to support people with disabilities to stay active and live healthy lives. As far back as the 1970s, we at Cope Foundation realised that one of the best ways to create an inclusive community was through sport. Sport is enjoyed by everyone, either as a spectator or a participant. We believe that there is a place in sport for everyone, regardless of ability.”
Founded in 2007, Cara Sport Inclusion Ireland works to increase sport and physical activity opportunities for people with disabilities across the country.
Maria O’Sullivan, Health and Wellbeing Education Coordinator at Cara said: “We have always supported the work Cope Foundation has achieved over the years and have worked closely with their staff and management across numerous programmes and campaigns.
“Cara and Cope Foundation have the same values and beliefs of enhancing the lives of people with disabilities through sport and physical activity opportunities. We hope the development of this MOU will help provide stronger supports and strengthen the relationships across both organisations.”
Terence McSweeney, Manager of Cope Foundation’s Physical Activity and Sports Department added: “Our organisation is unique in having a department solely dedicated to promoting physical activity and sport and in the most inclusive, equitable and person-centred manner possible. Our job is to provide opportunities for the people we support to be active, engaged citizens in society. We endeavour to ensure that the individuals we support, may engage in physical activities and sports of their choosing within their own local communities.”
Our work in influencing and working with our community partners to make Cork the sports inclusion capital of Ireland will be further enhanced by formalising this partnership with Cara.”