Ballaghaderreen GAA Club awarded for promoting integration of refugees
BALLAGHADERREEN GAA Club has been was recognised for its commitment to promoting the integration of refugees and asylum-seekers.
The club was one of five GAA and football clubs to receive an award, having successfully completed the ‘Club Welcome’ programme developed by the anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card.
Through ‘Club Welcome’, Show Racism the Red Card supports activities aimed at increasing the participation of refugees and asylum-seekers in grassroots sports.
As part of the programme, Ballaghaderreen GAA Club organised a blitz and a trip to Croke Park for last year’s Roscommon versus Mayo fixture for Syrian refugees living locally. The club now has Syrian refugees training with its Under-18s football team on a regular basis.
John Killgallon from Ballaghderreen GAA Club was presented with the award by David Stanton, Minister of State for Equality, Immigration and Integration.
At the event, Show Racism the Red Card announced that ‘Club Welcome’ will be expanded this year, and called on sports clubs nationwide to register their interest in participating.
Speaking at the event, Garrett Mullan, Director of Show Racism the Red Card, said: “Sport is a powerful tool for social integration and inclusion. It can be an accessible and enjoyable way for migrants to connect with their new communities and begin to forge friendships and bonds.
“I commend Ballaghderreen GAA Club and all the other clubs here today for the encouragement and support they have shown to refugees and asylum-seekers, and for making it as easy as possible for them to experience what their local clubs have to offer.”
* Pictured at the Show Racism the Red Card ceremony to award sports clubs for their commitment to the integration of refugees and asylum-seekers were David Stanton, Minister of State for Equality, Immigration and Integration and Sharoize Akram, who was born in Pakistan and recently made his debut with the Mayo Senior Football team. PHOTO: BARRY CRONIN