Rebel Run a Mile 2023

 ‘You don’t realise what this means to our service users, it’s fantastic’

– Over 500 people from 8 Disability Services participate in Rebel Run A Mile 2023 –

Cork Sports Partnership recently coordinated a new and improved Rebel Run A Mile for 2023 to support people accessing Disability Services from across Cork and neighbouring counties to increase their physical activity levels through running and walking. 

The programme, which is sponsored by Boston Scientific and Athletics Ireland, is a 6-week walk to jog programme supporting participants to build up to completing one mile by the end of the 6 weeks.

Record numbers registered for this year’s challenge with over 500 adults from 8 disability services throughout Cork and neighbouring counties registering to take part. In addition to returning services from Cork, enthusiastic participants from Limerick, Tipperary, and Kerry also made the trip to the Rebel County to take part in the end of programme celebration.

The 6-week programme saw participants accessing the programme within day services, residential services, community hubs, and in their homes ably supported and guided by service staff who received training and support from Cork Sports Partnership.

A new addition for this year saw services supported with guest sessions from Cork Sports Partnership tutors to energise and support groups with delivering sessions. These bi-weekly group sessions wee organised in 4 locations, so that participants could receive training sessions from qualified tutors in North Cork, Cork City, West Cork and Kerry.

Services who took part in this year’s programme included Brothers of Charity, CoAction, L’Arche, St. John of God’s Kerry, Praxis Care, Nua Healthcare St. Josephs Foundation, and COPE Foundation.

On beginning the programme, all participants received a Training Booklet with access to tutor led videos to guide them through the programme and received a Rebel Run A Mile Technical T-shirt. On completing the programme all participants received a medal for all their hard work and training throughout the 6 week programme.

Cliona Horan, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer with Cork Sports Partnership said ‘we were delighted to bring a group of lead staff from disability services across Cork together to help design a quality and valuable programme. Demand for this annual event keeps growing, it’s fantastic to see. We are proud to be able to roll this programme out with the support of all the leaders in the services and thank them for their support’.

Due to popular demand, this year’s culminative event took place in 5 locations across Cork City and County as well as Kerry, over a total of 6 dates.   

“This programme will offer worthwhile and meaningful opportunities for services in Cork to engage in physical activity in these very strange times. The Rebel Run a Mile Challenge allows the participants to build up to jogging one full mile in 6 weeks. The participants are supported throughout this journey by both Cork Sports Partnership and their leaders. Thank you again to Boston Scientific for supporting this valuable programme’, Craig Harrington, Athletics Development Officer Cork & MTU.

Cork Sports Partnership welcomed the following reactions and responses from services:

‘We have had participants taking part from Cope Foundation every year and this one is no different with over 60 participants taking part. There are a number of reasons why we entered this programme; it lifts our mood, boosts our mental state and makes us feel good. A recipe for success!’ Susan Murphy, Sport and Recreation Dept COPE Foundation.

“The group from St. John of God’s that took part last week, thoroughly enjoyed it and are already asking to do it again next year!”  Shona Heaslip, St. John of God Services, Kerry.

“We, at Boston Scientific are both honoured and privileged to be involved in this wonderful programme which strives to encourage people of various abilities to stay active across Cork County. It is truly inspirational the work that goes into making this programme bigger and better every year. All at Boston Scientific have been delighted to support the programme and cheer on the participants”. Darren Harris, Boston Scientific

Contact:

For more information on any of the above, please contact Sports Inclusion Disability Officer, Cliona choran@corksports.ie or visit www.corksportsability.ie