Sanctuary Runners appoint new Regional Development Officer - Athletics Ireland
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Sanctuary Runners appoint new Regional Development Officer

4 March 2022

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Sanctuary Runners appoint new Regional Development Officer and new Liaison Officer in Dublin Region

The Sanctuary Runners are delighted to announce the appointment of our new Regional Development Officer for the Dublin-Meath-Louth Region with the support of Athletics Ireland.

Naima Chaudhry was a founding member of the Dublin Sanctuary Runner group in 2018. Leading the residents committee at the Clondalkin Towers Direct Provision centre at the time Naima was vital in getting the initiative off the ground in the capital.

Now Naima will help to grow our groups in Dublin – conscious of increasing numbers of asylum seekers and refugees living in emergency accommodation at hotels across the city.

Originally from Pakistan Naima has a Masters Degree from UCD in biotherapeutics and has worked tirelessly for people across the community since arriving in Ireland.

As part of her role Naima will also seek to establish a strong Sanctuary Runners’ group in Mosney in Meath and also in Louth.

Graham Clifford, CEO of the Sanctuary Runners said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that such an energetic, decent and inspiring person as Naima has become our new Regional Development Officer in the Dublin region. Thanks to our friends at Athletics Ireland these positions are possible in regions across the country and now we can’t wait to get to work with Naima. The Sanctuary Runners focus on solidarity, friendship and respect and now, more than ever, its so vital these sentiments are shared with migrants regardless from where they hail.”

Naima is the second official Athletics Ireland funded Regional Development Officer in Ireland with the Sanctuary Runners. Already in the Cork/Kerry region they are facilitating the position with Niamh Ní Chonchuir leading there.

And thanks to funding from Rethink Ireland Sikhulekile Ruth Ndlovu took up the position of Regional Development Officer with the Sanctuary Runners in the Midwest region.

In addition, the Sanctuary Runners announce today that the wonderful Adabblah Noel Selorm is our new Sanctuary Runners Liaison officer in the greater Dublin area.

Graham Clifford said: “Noel is, in many ways, the beating heart of the Sanctuary Runners. Since he joined us back in 2019 he has given so much to our organisation and he understands what it is to be isolated and disconnected initially as someone seeking international protection in Ireland. First and foremost he is a gentleman and a great friend to so many. Now in his role as liaison officer he will visit Direct Provision centres and speak to residents about why being part of the Sanctuary Runner family is beneficial for their mental and physical health. We are so grateful to him.”

The Sanctuary Runners is a not-for-profit social enterprise which works to use running, jogging and walking to bring together asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and those in Irish society.

To learn more about the Sanctuary Runners please visit our website Sanctuaryrunners.ie

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