Spotlight on building safer, more inclusive sports clubs for all
The issues surrounding a lack of inclusive practices in sport and the implications in terms of an individual’s wellbeing and the sustainability of sporting organisations, is the focus of an upcoming webinar featuring representatives from the GAA, TENI (Transgender Equality Network Ireland) and AIB this coming Wednesday, November 4th.
The webinar panel discussion - LGBTQI+ Inclusion in Sport: Insights and Best Practice sponsored by AIB is hosted by the DCU Centre of Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion, in collaboration with Leman Solicitors, the GAA, Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) and AIB.
The virtual event will provide stark insights into the lack of inclusive practices in sport and will examine how having the right policies in place can create safer spaces for freedom of expression in sport.
Speaking about the campaign, Sandra Healy, Director of the Centre of Excellence said,
“There is a lot to be done to make sport a more inclusive and welcoming place for the LGBTQI+ community. The changes in attitude in our society are not always reflected in our sports clubs and we need sports leaders who are willing to commit to diverse and inclusive values and practices.
Our aim is to start the conversation. Our series of short videos featuring experiences and insights from a range of participants which were shared earlier in the year provoked plenty of interest from individuals and sports clubs nationally. We know that many clubs and organisations are on a journey and we hope this webinar will provide useful guidance to support them at whatever stage they are at. Our mission in the DCU Centre of Excellence is to transform lives and societies through diversity and inclusion practices and we believe this topic takes us one step closer to achieving that.”
Caoimhe Scolard, Group Diversity & Inclusion Lead, AIB remarked,
“AIB is proud to play our part in this campaign which highlights the need for conscious inclusion among the sporting community. In AIB we say we are ‘better together’, and there is real merit in dialogue between the corporate world and sporting clubs on this important matter so we can learn from each other. Through listening to the stories and journeys of others, as well as sharing proven strategies and successes, the sporting and business worlds can become more inclusive. That’s how we can make a real difference for LGBTQI+ members and empower them to thrive.”
Larry Fenelon, Partner and Head of Litigation, Leman Solicitors added,
“It is important that our national sporting governing bodies do more and do better to promote inclusion. Doing this right goes beyond having a protocol for inclusion, it requires active support and implementation on the ground. With only 15% of sporting clubs in Ireland having a fit-for-purpose grievance procedure, there is much work to be done.”
The webinar panellists include,
Dr. Tanya Ní Mhuirthile, Assistant Professor of Law, LlM Programme Chair – DCU
Morgan Crowe, Associate, Data Protection Law and Dispute Resolution – Leman Solicitors
Caoimhe Scolard, AIB Group Diversity and Inclusion Lead – AIB
Geraldine McTavish, Diversity and Inclusion Officer – GAA
Gordon Grehan, Operations Manager – Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI)
Moderator – Sandra Healy, Director, Centre of Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion – DCU
To register for the webinar “LGBTQI+ Inclusion in Sport: Insights and Best Practice” sponsored by AIB, Wednesday, November 4th 1-3PM click here
Follow the conversation at #PrideInSport2020