Sport and human rights showcased in second Rights at the Finish Line podcast series

Sporting organisations across Northern Ireland have been promoting their positive work in the community as part of the second season of the Rights at the Finish Line podcast.

The podcast features members of the NI Sport & Human Rights Forum who have signed up to the Declaration of Sport and Human Rights. It aims to provide a platform for individuals and organisations to shine a spotlight on how they have been promoting human rights for all through their sports.

This series we hear from influential members within the Irish Football Association, Glentoran Social Partnership, NI Sport Forum, Focus: The Identity Trust and Ulster Hockey.

The first episode of the new series will hear from Keith Gibson, Football Development Manager at the Irish Football Association.

NI Human Rights Chief Commissioner, Alyson Kilpatrick said:

We are delighted to launch this second series of the Rights at the Finish Line podcast. The series provides a platform to recognise and celebrate members of the Northern Ireland Sport and Human Rights Forum, highlighting the many ways sport can advance the protection of human rights.

Throughout the series listeners will hear how bodies are using sports to tackle human rights issues such as: improving mental health; increasing the participation of women and girls in sport; tackling racism and sectarianism; safeguarding young people; and highlighting the effect and impact on sport of the current persistent and sharp rise in cost of living.”

We are delighted to launch this second series of the Rights at the Finish Line podcast. The series provides a platform to recognise and celebrate members of the Northern Ireland Sport and Human Rights Forum, highlighting the many ways sport can advance the protection of human rights.

Throughout the series listeners will hear that sport is being used to tackle human rights issues, such as: mental health; participation of women and girls; racism and sectarianism; and, safeguarding. The second series will also bring attention to the effect and impact on sport of the current persistent and sharp rise in cost of living. It will discuss the negative consequences but also the potential for sport to mitigate its negative consequences.”

NI Sport and Human Rights Forum Chair, Conal Heatley said:

“The Rights at the Finish Line podcast provides an amazing opportunity for our members to showcase the wide range of initiatives they run that are having a positive impact on communities across Northern Ireland. It is a joy to hear about their own personal journey in sport and what has inspired them to try and make sport accessible and enjoyable for all.

As organisations who have signed up to the Declaration on Sport and Human Rights, it is vital we use this opportunity to amplify the great work being done by our sports.”

ENDS

Notes

• The second series of the Rights at the Finish Line podcast is being launched on Tuesday 16 May 2023.
• In the second season we will hear from:

• • Karla McDermott, Glentoran Social Partnership
  • Richard Honeyford, NI Sport Forum
  • Dr Sarah Jo Haveron, Focus: The Identity Trust
  • Marc Scott, Ulster Hockey

• The podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, and more platforms will be added moving forward.