First inclusion 5k parkrun to take off in Tymon Park
By Mary Dennehy
IRELAND’s first inclusion parkrun will take off in Tymon Park this Saturday morning, with the 5K event providing an opportunity for the whole community to socialise together.
For the past five years, Sinead Tighe and her son Daniel have been attending the free parkrun in Tymon Park, which this Saturday, September 15, will be relaunched as Ireland’s very first Inclusion parkrun.
Sinead lives in Riverview with her husband Keith, daughter Shauna and son Daniel, who is one of around 40 children in Ireland born with a rare genetic disorder called Sotos Syndrome.
As a result of Sotos Syndrome, Daniel has low mobility, severe epilepsy and is non-verbal.
However, this hasn’t put the brakes on the Tighe family, who attend parkruns regularly and are often seen out and about in communities running with Daniel in his jogger buggy.
The family, alongside the volunteers behind the weekly parkrun in Tymon, are together promoting the country’s first official inclusion parkrun.
According to Sinead, who is the current Tallaght Person of the Year: “The inclusion parkrun will allow all with disabilities to be a part of their community, it will given them an identity that they so deserve.
“It’s about getting everyone involved together, and creating a space where all walks of life can come together and socialise together.
“It also gives carers a new lease of life, they can get out and be part of their community too and meet people on the parkrun for a chat.”
Fully accessible route
The parkrun, which leaves from the Lilmkiln-end of Tymon Park, travels along a fully accessible route, with disabled toilets on site.
There is also an ample and accessible car park on the grounds of the South Dublin County Council park.
Two jogger buggies or pushchairs will also be on loan, one of the buggies was donated by Daniel’s Voyage and the second by the South Dublin County Sports Partnership.
One of the buggies is for children aged between five and 10 years and the second for 10 years plus.
“People can come down and do one lap or 5K,” Sinead said.
“All we’re saying is come down, do 800m if you want and see where it goes from there.”
People are encouraged to meet at the Limekiln-end of Tymon Park from 9am this Saturday, September 15, with the free parkrun taking off at 9.30am.
People are invited to simply turn-up on the day or for further details message Sinead through the Daniel’s Voyage Facebook page.
