Athletics Ireland has announced that it will be offering Ukrainian citizens wishing to join athletics clubs in Ireland free membership.

Many athletics clubs in Ireland have already been offering support to those escaping the war in Ukraine, with Crusaders AC in Dublin being one such club.

The team at Crusaders AC welcomed 17-year-old sprinter Mark Inuwa as one of the first Ukrainian athletes to join an Irish club in recent weeks.

Mark, who is currently in accommodation in Dublin, made a solo trip to Ireland a couple of weeks ago where he was welcomed by a host family in Dublin. The host family soon became aware for his passion for athletics which led them to reach out to Athletics Ireland, who in turn put them in touch with his local club.

After taking up running at just 15, Mark has been attending a Sports School in Ukraine, where he received both his athletics training and education.  He will continue to attend this school remotely until the end of May.  

Athletics Ireland Director of Coaching & Development, Pat Ryan, began working with Susan Walsh of Crusaders to get Mark involved in some of the club training sessions with Crusaders.

Mark arrived on a Saturday morning to Crusaders where he received a warm welcome from the club before being presented with a club training top.

Athletics Ireland presented Mark with the Irish kit along with a pair of sprint spikes kindly donated by Joma.

Athletics Ireland encourages any Ukrainian citizens who wish to join their local athletics club to visit Join A Club or contact a Regional Development Officer