IABA Celebrates International Day for Persons with Disabilities

49% of Ireland’s boxing clubs are providing training to people with disabilities.

The IABA is proud today to have become a signatory to the Cara Centre Social Inclusion Disability Charter.

This charter commits the IABA to:
• Being open and understanding of all people with disabilities.
• Access and create training for all clubs to facilitate the inclusion of people with disabilities.
• Develop and deliver inclusive boxing activities.
• Review facilities, venues and equipment to make IABA more accessible
• Promote the inclusive nature of Irish Boxing.

IABA’s commitment to the Social Inclusion Disability Charter, signed by National Development Manager, James Geraghty, and Communications and Inclusion Officer, Ciara Plunkett, following the firm endorsement of Chair of the Board of Directors, Ciarán Kirwan, and CEO, Fergal Carruth.

James says “We are delighted to sign up to the CARA charter for Sports Inclusion. The IABA has been a home to people in all parts of society in Ireland and signing the CARA charter shows our intention of making boxing accessible for all. Our members are the lifeblood of our organisation and we will work with them to ensure that the inclusion of people of all abilities is a cornerstone of what we do each and every day. We want to challenge existing beliefs and alter perceptions of what is considered achievable and really make boxing a community that anyone would be happy to call home. Boxing is for all.“


Ciara says “Those of us who are coaches will often say – there’s more than one way to box. Signing of the charter by the IABA shows, for the Association, for clubs, coaches, boxers and our wider boxing community, that there is more than one way to live that saying. People all over the country are already training, and learning to box, for the sheer love of our sport. The charter means that IABA will create pathways for clubs, and provide support to clubs, to include even more people in our sport. This charter makes the Irish boxing family bigger, more diverse and more inclusive.

Almost 1,100 people with disabilities are already training at 180 of our 364 clubs, and 153 clubs would like more support in becoming accessible. IABA is developing those supports and will engage with clubs in introducing training for coaches.