President Michael D. Higgins address at the launch of the UNESCO Chair IT Tralee

UNESCO Chair “Transforming the Lives of People with Disabilities, their Families and Communities through Physical Education, Sport, Recreation and Fitness”

President Michael D. Higgins

Some extracts from President Michael D. Higgins address:-

“There can be absolutely no doubt that it is one of the critical responsibilities of a democracy’s commitment to participation to ensure that every citizen is afforded that most fundamental right; a voice in their society and community. Therefore, as a country, we can take great pride in the fact that the Institute of Technology in Tralee has been awarded this prestigious Chair, which is an acknowledgement of the significant role the Institute has played in contributing to the advancement of the protection of rights for citizens living with disabilities“

IT Tralee “has a distinguished and far reaching reputation for leadership in inclusion and adapted physical activity.”

 “If we are to craft a shared future with shared hopes and a common purpose, we must listen to the individual voices that make up our society. We must be committed to gaining an understanding of the differing experiences and viewpoints which constitute the shared narrative of experience as we seek to create an inclusive citizenship.”

 “We strive to create a truly inclusive society in a world where those living with disabilities are given the opportunity to develop their personal and social selves in conditions of freedom, communal solidarity, justice and equality.”

“Those living with disabilities would no longer be invisible members of society, but active and very visible participants.”

 

President Michael D. Higgins full address at the launch of the UNESCO Chair in IT Tralee