Paralympics Ireland is this week calling on members of the public to help them in a bid to recognize every Irish Paralympic athlete since the first Paralympic Games in Rome, 1960.
The initiative, which is known as the ‘Paralympian Recognition Programme’, was officially launched by the organization on July 2nd, at the ‘More Than Sport’ fundraising ball and will see each Irish Paralympian receive a pin and a unique number in order to recognize their contribution to the Paralympic movement in Ireland.
The official launch saw Paralympian Oliver Murphy receive the Number One pin, with Anne Ebbs – who founded the Paralympic Council of Ireland (now Paralympics Ireland) in 1987 – receiving pin Number 22.
The Programme, which is being organised by the Athletes’ Commission, aims to recognize every Irish Paralympic athlete from the first Games in 1960 all the way through to present day.
Speaking about the Programme, Chair of the Athletes’ Commission, James McCarthy stated: “It takes great sacrifice, hard work and massive dedication to become a Paralympian. It is a very unique group as, since the first Games in 1960, just over 250 athletes have been afforded the honour of being selected to be an Irish Paralympian.”
“It is fitting that with Rio 2016 on the horizon, Paralympics Ireland will recognize and celebrate the achievement of each Paralympian and will acknowledge their contribution, not just to Paralympic sport, but to sport in Ireland.”
Also speaking about the programme, Vice-President of Paralympics Ireland and candidate for the IPC Athletes Council elections, Eimear Breathnach commented: “We are delighted to launch the Paralympian Recognition Programme with the awarding of Paralympian Number 1 to Oliver Murphy and Paralympian Number 22 to Anne Ebbs – two Paralympians who truly embody the Paralympic spirit.
“The success of our current Paralympic Programme is built on the strong foundations laid down by former Irish athletes and we hope to honour all of these Irish Paralympian’s through this programme, which we hope will provide an outlet for Irish Paralympic Athletes to receive the recognition that all Paralympian’s deserve.”
Now, the organization is hoping that members of the public will be able to help them to locate all former Irish Paralympic athletes. If you have any information about a former athlete, you can contact Paralympics Ireland on ac@paralympics.ie.
The list of Paralympians that has been gathered so far can be viewed below.
Click images to enlarge.
