Celebrating Jim Byrne: Active Champion (Male) at the Active Disability Ireland Awards

We are delighted to share some fantastic news and celebrate a very special achievement from one of our own! Jim Byrne, who has been awarded Active Champion (Male) at the Active Disability Ireland Awards Ceremony. The awards ceremony took place in Athlone on Wednesday 24th June. It brought together over 120 representatives from disability services across Ireland to celebrate innovation, leadership and commitment to supporting active and healthy lifestyles for people with disabilities.

Hosted by Active Disability Ireland. With support from the HSE and Sport Ireland. The Active Disability Services Awards recognise disability services and individuals who are making a real difference through the Active Healthy Me programme. This national programme goes far beyond encouraging physical activity. It helps people with disabilities build confidence, develop independence, learn new skills and create stronger connections within their local communities.

Jim’s Inspiring Journey

Jim’s achievement is particularly special because of the journey that brought him here. So, lets start at the beginning. Jim first started running in 2015 while participating in the Rehabilitative Training programme, also, he has continued to grow in confidence, ability and passion for running. We are so proud of you Jim! So, over the years, he has shown incredible dedication and commitment to staying active. His determination and enthusiasm have inspired those around him. This highlights the positive impact that sport and physical activity can have on people’s lives. Winning the Active Champion (Male) Award is a wonderful recognition of Jim’s hard work.

Celebrating Active Lives Across Ireland

The Active Disability Services Awards celebrate the amazing work taking place across disability services throughout Ireland. This year’s awards received the highest number of submissions to date. Showcasing the many creative and impactful ways services are supporting people with disabilities to lead healthier, more active and connected lives. Also, the awards recognise that being active is about much more than exercise. It is about building friendships, gaining confidence, discovering new abilities and having opportunities to participate fully within our communities.

The event was opened by Emer Higgins TD, Minister of State at the Department of Children, Disability and Equality with special responsibility for Disability, and also welcomed representatives from Sport Ireland and the HSE. Their continued partnership helps make programmes like Active Healthy Me possible. Guests also heard from Sport Ireland’s Mary Van Lieshout and the HSE’s Niamh Dunne. Guest heard about the growing number of people with disabilities taking part in physical activity across Ireland and the important role sport plays in creating belonging, connection and new opportunities.

The awards were hosted by Dr Michael McKillop PLY, one of Ireland’s most successful Paralympians, whose own incredible journey brought inspiration and lived experience to the celebration.

The Impact of Active Healthy Me

The Active Healthy Me programme is currently delivered across 592 disability day services throughout Ireland. This provides staff with practical tools and resources to support people with disabilities to:

Become more physically active
Make healthier lifestyle choices
Improve confidence and independence
Build meaningful connections within their communities

At Reach Ability, we are proud to be part of a movement that recognises the importance of supporting people to live active, healthy and fulfilling lives.

Congratulations Jim!

Everyone at Reach Ability is incredibly proud of Jim and this fantastic achievement. His journey is a reminder of what can be achieved through determination, support and the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to participate, achieve and thrive.

Congratulations Jim💙

 

Follow Our Facebook Page Follow Our Instagram Page Sign up to our Newsletter