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COMMUNITIES STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
Last month Ulster Rugby, the Irish Football Association and Ulster GAA
launched Sport Uniting Communities Strategic Framework (Deloitte, 2015)
at Stormont Hotel.
The three governing bodies of sport have
been working closely together on a number of
programmes over the past five years; ‘Sport in
the Community’ project, stadia redevelopment,
‘Promoting Equality, Tackling Poverty and Social
Exclusion through Sport’ programme and the
‘Game of Three Halves’ intiative.
The multisport partnership has recognised
the collective objectives across areas such as
community development, good relations, club and
volunteer development, capacity building, and
acknowledges the strategic value and impact of
working together. Moving forward, there is a strong
willingness among the three Associations to build
on the experience gained and significant progress
made.
The strategic framework sets out the nature of the
collaborative partnership, ability to reach further
and connect more communities, deliver meaningful
outcomes and work with central and local
government and Europe to deliver policy priorities.
DCAL Deputy Secretary Cynthia Smith, who
represented the Department at the launch, said;
“There is growing evidence of the power of sport to
bring people together. The latest household survey
has revealed that over 91% of the population of the
north actively engage in culture, arts or leisure. I
doubt if any other part of government has such a
direct impact on people’s lives.
“The sports of rugby, soccer and the GAA have
used their pivotal role within their communities to
increase participation levels and to foster a sense
of social inclusion. These three organisations are
well placed to help deliver of the key Executive
priorities of growing the economy and tackling
disadvantage.
“I welcome the commitment and desire of these
three sporting organisations to build on the
great work they have done to date and use their
collective synergies to make a telling impact on the
opportunities offered across government and by
other stakeholders.”
The three Chief Executives noted their commitment
to further strengthening the partnership and
developing our joint work, particularly in the
fields of social inclusion, education, health and
community development.
Ulster Rugby Chief Executive, Shane Logan, said:
“The multi-sport partnership is as strong as it’s ever
been. The launch of the Sport Uniting Communities
Framework demonstrates the commitment of
Ulster Rugby, the Irish FA and Ulster GAA towards
sustaining and growing this joint work and serving
the community through sport. Moving forward,
we are delighted to lead on a shared future and
celebrate diversity through our work.”
Irish FA Chief Executive, Patrick Nelson, said: “The
partnership between the governing bodies has
evolved and matured in recent years. We have
collaborated across a number of programmes,
which have huge strategic value and impact, whilst
remaining committed to our own organisational
goals. We look forward to further strengthening this
delivery partnership in years to come.”
Dr. Danny Murphy, CEO of Ulster GAA said: “The
launch of this joint strategic framework represents
a significant milestone in the relationship between
ourselves, Ulster Rugby and the Irish FA. The
process has allowed us to reflect on some excellent
work to date and to look forward with enthusiasm at
our collective potential to make a major difference
in communities across Ulster.”
‘SPORT UNITING COMMUNITIES’
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK LAUNCH