One of the largest disability organisations in Ireland has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Cara Sport Inclusion Ireland. The agreement formalises the relationship between the two groups as they continue to work together to make physical activity more accessible to people of all abilities.
Cork-based charity Cope Foundation works to enhance the lives of people with an intellectual disability and/or autism; working in partnership with them, their families and local communities to provide a broad range of services and supports. It currently supports over 2,800 people of every ability to live a life of their choosing.
Cara is a national pan-disability sports organisation providing a collaborative and partnership platform to increase sport and physical activity opportunities for people with disabilities across Ireland. Cara was founded in 2007 and has its offices based at the Kerry Sports Academy, Munster Technological University Kerry and the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus, Dublin.
The Memorandum of Understanding sets out the areas of work where shared interests are best served through the development of a strategic partnership. The two organisations have agreed to collaborate in the areas of awareness, advocacy, project partnership, sharing of knowledge and expertise, and research.
Sean Abbott, Chief Executive of Cope Foundation said:
“We have a strong working relationship with Cara and this Memorandum of Understanding provides a framework for how we can continue to work together in the years to come. It’s about sharing expertise and resources to support people with disabilities to stay active and live healthy lives. As far back as the 1970s we at Cope Foundation realised that one of the best ways to create an inclusive community was through sport. Sport is enjoyed by everyone, either as a spectator or a participant. We believe that there is a place in sport for everyone, regardless of ability.”
