Cork-founded Sanctuary Runners take their model of inclusion to Sydney

An Irish sports movement, founded in Cork in 2018, has officially launched a new branch in Australia.

Sanctuary Runners, set up eight years ago by former journalist Graham Clifford, uses running and walking to bring people of all nationalities together in one positive and inclusive environment.

The group already has branches in four countries, with Sanctuary Runners Australia marking its fifth across the world.

The Australia-based group was unveiled last Thursday with a large crowd gathering at the Customs House near Sydney Opera House.

In partnership with the Refugee Council of Australia, the Sanctuary Runners Australia organisation already has plans to open a new chapter in Adelaide in the coming weeks.

Speaking at the event, Mr Clifford said the Australian branch was created due to ongoing demand.

“Already we have people running in three groups in Sydney, a group in Adelaide will be up and running later in August, and we’ve had interest from groups and organisations in Canberra, Hobart, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Darwin,” said Mr Clifford.

“So many Australians are eager to show solidarity with those who have moved to the country from elsewhere, and this country has an obvious history of immigration, including from Ireland.

“At a time when many are manufacturing divisions between people based on ethnicity and legal status, many see the Sanctuary Runners as a way to display solidarity, to meet people in their community, and to enhance social cohesion.

“I’m very proud that our movement was founded in Ireland, championing Irish values and playing a very important role in Ireland’s new International Sports Diplomacy strategy,” said Mr Clifford.

Paul Power, co-ceo of the Refugee Council of Australia, said it is clear from the positive response that Sanctuary Runners Australia has received so far, that simple and practical initiatives to connect people of different backgrounds are needed now more than ever.

“We know that recent settlers to Australia are experiencing more overt discrimination than has been the case in the recent past and so Sanctuary Runners offers a way for people to receive solidarity and for Australians to display welcome and kindness to all,” said Mr Power.