Inclusive Boxing In The IABA

IABA Diversity & Inclusion Policy 2023

Sports Disability Inclusion Charter

IABA became a signatory to the Sports Disability Inclusion Charter on International Day for Persons with a Disability on December 3rd, 2021.

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.

To date, over 20 boxing clubs are signatories, as individuals, to the charter, including:

Drumsna Boxing Club

St Abban’s Boxing Club

St Pappins Boxing Club

Curragh Athletic Boxing Club

St Nicholas Boxing Club

St Paul’s Boxing Club

Southside boxing academy

Ballina Boxing Club

Glasnevin Boxing Club

Dunboyne Amateur Boxing Club

Ballagh Boxing Club

Enniscorthy Boxing Academy

Sunnyside Boxing Club

Clann Naofa Boxing Academy

Spartacus Boxing Club

East Meath Boxing Club

Tralee Boxing Club

Persons with Disabilities in Boxing in Ireland

Persons with Disabilities in Boxing in Ireland

180 boxing clubs, 48.3% of all clubs, provide boxing training to 1,033 people with disabilities.

110 people with a physical disability are learning to box across Ireland, while over 600 people with a sensory disability are engaged in boxing training.

People with intellectual disabilities comprise over 12% of the boxers with disabilities in training in IABA boxing clubs.

Boxers who are blind or visually impaired (18) and boxers who are Deaf or hearing impaired (31) are also in training in IABA clubs.

Almost 100 boxers in clubs across Ireland have self-declared a disability but have chosen not to state that disability.

42% of all clubs want to become more inclusive of people with disabilities.

High Five Boxing Academy

Four Dublin boxing clubs: Drimnagh, Crumlin, Palmerstown and St. Catherine’s, together run a specialist boxing programme for children with additional needs.

High Five began training in October of 2021, and, in its first term, delivered over 254 units of training in one hour sessions to children with disabilities.

Coaches delivering High Five training have undergone Cara Centre Disability Inclusion Training, and ensure a high coach to boxer ratio in training. High Five prioritises fun and participation along with fitness and skill building, according to the boxers needs and goals.

High Five Programme Welcome Pack

High Five Programme Passport