Athletics Ireland Ramps Up Ambitious Participation Strategy to Inspire an Active Nation - Athletics Ireland
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Athletics Ireland Ramps Up Ambitious Participation Strategy to Inspire an Active Nation

5 February 2025

Athletics Ireland has published its 2024-2028 Participation Plan, an ambitious strategy designed to inspire the nation to embrace healthier, more active, and socially connected lifestyles through athletics. This comprehensive plan aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to participate in walking, jogging, running, jumping, and throwing activities.

A Vision for All

The plan’s vision is to “Inspire the nation to be active, healthy, and social beings by providing the spaces and opportunities for people to participate.” It places participants at the heart of Athletics Ireland’s mission to create a culture that supports engagement in all forms of athletics and physical activity.

The Participation Plan addresses a wide spectrum of involvement in athletics, including athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials, and spectators. Whether on the track, road, trail, sideline, or school, Athletics Ireland is committed to enabling every individual to find their role and purpose in the sport.

Key Objectives by 2028
By 2028, Athletics Ireland aims to achieve:

  • Increase the number of children, young people, and adults actively participating in athletics.
  • Increase the number of children participating in athletics in school through Athletics Ireland programmes (see Appendix 1) at primary and post primary
  • Increase the number of Athletics Camps (i.e. Easter, Summer, and Halloween) delivered by Athletics Ireland and Athletics Ireland Clubs
  • Expansion of school engagement, with 1,500 schools participating in The Daily Mile and significant increases in athletics camps and school programmes.
  • Enhanced inclusivity, advancing the Xcessible programme to the Silver level, creating new opportunities for people with disabilities.
  • Increase participation opportunities per annum in Athletics Ireland permitted, owned and managed mass participation events to 220,000.
  • Increase the number of adults involved through volunteering, coaching, and/or officiating.

Strategic Pillars for Growth
The Participation Plan is built on six strategic pillars to guide its implementation:

  1. People: To increase the number of people actively engaging in athletics and physical activity.
  2. Programmes: To expand the coverage of our programmes and foster wider participation in primary, and post-primary schools, third level institutions and community-based organisations.
  3. Clubs and Communities: To create an environment where everyone can participate in a space where they feel safe, respected, and empowered to become better physical, mental, and social beings.
  4. Events: To increase attendance at events and deliver events that are safe, and accessible for all.
  5. Partnerships: To build and maintain a strong partnership approach and work collaboratively with key stakeholders.
  6. Promotion: To improve awareness of athletics and broaden our reach through effective communication and promotion.

Guided by Core Values

Athletics Ireland’s approach is grounded in the values of Integrity, Respect, Inclusion, and Excellence. The organisation is committed to transparency, promoting diversity, and supporting individuals to achieve their full potential in an environment that is welcoming and inclusive for all.

A Call to Action
Athletics Ireland invites individuals, clubs, schools, and organisations across the country to join this movement toward a healthier and more connected Ireland. Visit AthleticsIreland.ie to learn more.

Rachel Ormrod, Athletics Ireland’s Director of Participation, remarked: “The Participation Plan steps out our commitment to making athletics accessible and inclusive for all. We believe everyone has a role to play, and we’re excited to provide the spaces and opportunities for people to engage in athletics in ways that work for them.”

Louise Burke, Director of Participation, Sport Ireland, said: “It is great to see the ambition of Athletics Ireland to create a culture and environment for participation in athletics to reach its potential. True participation is not just about showing up; it’s about actively engaging, listening, and contributing to a collective vision that empowers everyone to grow together, Athletics Ireland clearly understand this and aim to deliver for the nation through their values.”

“As one of the priority sports identified in the Government’s National Physical Activity Plan, I look forward to working with the team at AI and its strong community to bring this new strategy to life.”

Download Athletics Ireland Participation Plan 2024–2028:

For more information on how you can get involved, please visit www.athleticsireland.ie.

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