Sanctuary Runners is a solidarity-through-sport movement with a particular focus on community integration especially of refugees and asylum seekers.

Started in Ireland in 2018, they now have over 20,000 people who’ve taken part in one of their events since they started, and 40 groups in Ireland who run/walk weekly (more info).

They are organising a venture on 19th October 2024, called the Global Solidarity Run. Their aim is to get 1 million people running, jogging, walking or rolling to show solidarity with all those who are forcibly displaced and living in extreme poverty. This is an opportunity for people to show solidarity with refugees and those seeking safety and sanctuary across the planet. The event is sponsored by Irish Aid and the Ireland Funds (Global Solidarity Run).

Across the globe on the 19th October they hope to have people taking part. Starting in the Pacific islands of Fiji and the Solomon Islands, working its way west through Australasia, and Asia before arriving in Africa and Europe then crossing the Atlantic and reaching South, Central and Northern America, they hope to have a wave of solidarity.

So far they have refugees, diplomatic missions, sporting organisations, charities, NGOs, University groups etc. running with them across the world – in 35 countries at the time of writing and they are wondering if members of the Wicklow community would be interested in taking part.

They are asking people to:
1. Wear blue
2. Run, Jog, Walk (or roll in using a device with wheels) any distance (we’re suggesting 5km)
3. Individually or in a small group
4. Post a picture of you (or your group) taking part on social media using the hashtag #GlobalRun2024 and tag @sanctuaryrunners on Saturday, October 19th
5. This is an event to show solidarity so there is no fundraising involved whatsoever

Attached is an easy to follow Infographic which you can share with anyone who you think might be interested in your community.

📣📣Wicklow Sports Partnership are now recruiting for the following posts:

• Sports Partnership Programme Manager
• Sports European Fund Officer

Please see full details 👇