Rights at the Finish Line

In the latest episode of our ‘Rights at the Finish line’ podcast,we spoke to Jim Donnelly, Joint Chief Executive at Active Communities Network (ACN). ACN is a member of the NI Sport & Human Rights Forum.ACN is a community and youth organisation, created 20years ago to tackle inequality, inspire change and create opportunities. They use sport in their activities to help disadvantaged young people develop skills and be part of support networks, which then extends to their families and communities.Our discussion with Jim about his work and the link between sport and human rights highlights how access to and participation in sport can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Jim also speaks about his own journey withsport and the importance of human rights for everyone, regardless of their background.To learn more about NI Sport & Human Rights Forum and the Declaration on Sport and Human Rights, visit: https://nihrc.org/our-work/other-sites/nihrc-sport-human-rights/sport-and-human-rights-forumTo learn more about Active Communities Network, please see the following link: https://www.activecommunities.org.uk/ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this programme are those of the speakers and/or their organisations and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

In this episode of the Rights at the Finish Line podcast, we hear from Orla Smyth, athlete, Team Manager and Chair at Transplant Sport Northern Ireland. Transplant Sport NI was established to provide relief and preserve and protect the health of individuals in Northern Ireland who have had or are waiting on a lifesaving organ or stem cell transplant. They are also members of the NI Sport & Human Rights Forum. Orla speaks about her own journey in elite sport as a pro footballer representing Northern Ireland, before her life-saving kidney transplant changed everything and led her to become immersed in the world of transplant sports, including winning gold and becoming the world record holder in track and field for the 400m, 800m and 1500m races at the 2013 World Transplant Games. Orla highlights the breadth of work Transplant Sport NI are doing in the human rights space, including access to and participation in sport, to help transplant recipients lead active and healthy lives as well as access to support networks. They also campaign and advocate for organ donation, to ensure more people in need of a transplant have a second chance at life. To learn more about NI Sport & Human Rights Forum and the Declaration on Sport and Human Rights, visit: https://nihrc.org/our-work/other-sites/nihrc-sport-human-rights/sport-and-human-rights-forum To learn more about Transplant Sport NI, please see the following link: https://www.transplantsportni.com/ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this programme are those of the speakers and/or their organisations and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

In this episode of the Rights at the Finish Line podcast, we hear from Paul Stephenson, Senior Consultant at NSPCC Sport.NSPCC Sport works with the sport and physical activity sector to create a caring culture where children and young people are safe and thrive in sport.Paul speaks about his own journey in sport, before highlighting the breadth of work being undertaken by NSPCC Sport. The conversation explores human rights issues including safeguarding, child protection, tacklingviolence against women and girls, disability and inclusion in sport. Paul also highlights NSPCC Sport's work with supporting sporting bodies, as well as providing a wide range of services for young people such as Childline.As a member of the NI Sport & Human Rights Forum, NSPCC Sport have signed up to the Declaration of Sport and Human Rights.To learn more about NI Sport & Human Rights Forum and the Declaration on Sport and Human Rights, visit: https://nihrc.org/our-work/other-sites/nihrc-sport-human-rightsTo learn more about NSPCC Sport please see the followinglink: https://sport.nspcc.org.uk/about-us/Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this programme are those of the speakers and/or their organisations and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

In this episode of the Rights at the Finish Line podcast, wehear from Jahswill Emmanuel, Founder at Multi-Ethnic Sports and Cultures Northern Ireland (MSCNI).MSCNI is a multicultural, community-based charity usingsport to foster integration, tackle racism, promote cultural celebration, and empower ethnic minority, refugee, and asylum-seeking communities across Northern Ireland. Jahswill speaks to us about his own journey in sport, andwhat led him to founding MSCNI. He highlights the breadth of work and initiatives MSCNI is involved in; from starting the Northern Ireland Super League for ethnic minority football clubs, leading initiatives in women and girl’s empowerment, building leadership skills for young people and supportingcultural heritage projects. Jahswill’s passion for using sport and culture as tools for integration and peacebuilding is clear in this discussion with the Rights at the Finish Line podcast. As a member of the NI Sport & Human Rights Forum, MSCNIhave signed up to the Declaration of Sport and Human Rights.To learn more about NI Sport & Human Rights Forum andthe Declaration on Sport and Human Rights, visit https://nihrc.org/our-work/other-sites/nihrc-sport-human-rights.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this programare those of the speakers and/or their organisations and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

In this episode we get to hear from Justin McMinn, Co-Founder of Street Soccer Northern Ireland. Street Soccer NI is a charity aiming to bring positive change to people’s lives using sport. It helps groups such as the homeless, people with addictions, mental health issues, ex prisoners, refugees, asylum seekers and long term unemployed. Alongside football sessions they offer support with housing, employment, education, addictions, mental health issues and more. Justin speaks to us about his own journey in sport, and what led him to co-founding Street Soccer Northern Ireland. Justin highlights the breadth of work and initiatives Street Soccer is involved in; from the Homeless World Cup and mental health workshops through to their charity shop aimed at providing goods and essentials to those in difficulty. Justin's commitment to helping as many people as possible comes through as he chats to the Rights at the Finish Line podcast. As a member of the NI Sport & Human Rights Forum, Street Soccer Northern Ireland have signed up to the ⁠⁠⁠Declaration on Sport and Human Rights⁠⁠⁠. To learn more about NI Sport & Human Rights Forum and the Declaration on Sport and Human Rights, see ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and/or their organisations and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.