RDAI launch volunteer initiative backed by Dormant Accounts Funding

The Riding for the Disabled Association of Ireland (RDAI) launched their volunteer training initiative this week at Broadmeadows EC in Co Meath.

In October 2016, Horse Sport Ireland were awarded funding of €40,000 under the Dormant Accounts Fund, for a volunteer training initiative put forward by Horse Sport Ireland as the National Governing Body for Equestrian Sport, in collaboration with RDAI, to deliver innovative and comprehensive training programmes for RDAI volunteers.

Pictured at Broadmeadows EC,  from left: Avalon Everett (HSI) , RDAI Directors – Mary Walshe, Dilys Lindsay, Mary Neill, Stephen Keeley, Irish Olympic Modern Pentathlete Arthur Lanigan-O’Keeffe, Noneen Fox, Sophie Sauveroche and Roisin Henry (Photo: Seb Daly/Sportsfile)

The funding announcement was made by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD and the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’ Donovan TD. The process is administered by Sport Ireland.

Róisín Henry, RDAI Field Officer and Director said:

“We are extremely grateful to Sport Ireland for the funding to allow us to implement this program and to Horse Sport Ireland for supporting our application. Broadmeadows is the first of our two-day training sessions with prestigious coaches Sue Adams Wheeler, chair of coaching at RDA UK and internationally. The RDAI and its volunteers are the quiet unsung heroes of the horse world. They work week-in week-out with the intellectually and physically disabled for free. There are no prizes or medals for the service they provide which means it often goes unnoticed in such a goal orientated world.

“The Dormant Account Sports Inclusion Fund, in conjunction with HSI , has given us the opportunity to put in place an innovative and comprehensive training programme which will make our volunteers feel valued and appreciated. As well as improving the experience of our riders, this training offers our volunteers continuous professional development, a step towards future qualifications and a very meaningful addition to their CV.
Lynne Munro, regional physiotherapist with RDA North Wales added: “We look forward to taking this programme to six other venues around the country before the end of the year.”