Sinead Kane, a visually impaired athlete and world record holder to lead an NCBI team at 2019 VHI Women’s Mini Marathon

Various Vision Ireland team members in light blue running tops gather around Dr Sinead Kane on a sunny park bench and hold light-hearted stretch poses for the camera.

on the streets of Dublin on Sunday 2nd June.

Sinead is a Guinness World Record holder for being the first blind person to complete a Marathon on each of the seven continents, a feat which she completed in less than seven days in January 2017.  She is also the first Irish female to do the world marathon challenge.

Various NCBI team members in light blue running tops gather around Dr Sinead Kane on a sunny park bench and hold light-hearted stretch poses for the camera.
Various NCBI team members in light blue running tops gather around Dr Sinead Kane on a sunny park bench and hold light-hearted stretch poses for the camera. Photographer Paul Sherwood

However, she says, that her leadership of the NCBI team is much more about participation and fun.  At a recent press launch for the event, the qualified lawyer said “the Women’s Mini Marathon has become a global phenomenon for women, setting a physical challenge and encouraging thousands to sign up and participate who would not otherwise have thought of themselves as athletes.  It falls at a great time of the year when everyone is thinking about making the most of their opportunities and stretching themselves.”

Sinead Kane is a visually impaired athlete based in Youghal will lead a large NCBI team of runners and walkers in the 2019 Women’s Mini World
Sinead Kane is a visually impaired athlete based in Youghal will lead a large NCBI team of runners and walkers in the 2019 Women’s Mini World

This concept of participation by all runs is central to the NCBI mission, an organisation that provides services across the country for the 55,000 people affected by sight loss.

“All ages and abilities are encouraged to join our team,” indicated Roisin Walsh, team coordinator.  “Sinead is an example and shows that with the right drive, people can overcome obstacles to achieve extraordinary things.   We are looking for people of all ages and abilities to register with us and to compete on the day.  This is a special opportunity.”

NCBI has a beginner’s training programmes and a package of supports in place for team members.   Doheny & Nesbit on Lower Baggot Street have kindly offered us a base for the day which is very close to the starting point at Fitzwilliam Street.

‘Women with Impact’ is the theme of the 2019 VHI Women’s Mini Marathon,  “We believe that our women who run for team NCBI under Sinead’s leadership are making a real impact on their own health and wellbeing while generating support for services throughout Ireland. We believe just because someone can’t see, it doesn’t mean they can’t have a vision for their future.”

 

Join is by registering at www.ncbi.ie/wmm

For more information contact: Kevin Kelly (Head of Policy & Advocacy) on 0867811744.