Olympians send virtual strength

A virtual exercise class between Olympians, asylum seekers and refugees is taking place every week.

Former Olympian, and a member of the Sanctuary Runners’ Movement, Claire Lambe, is leading the project with hundreds logging in every Saturday morning for the #SanctuaryStrength exercise classes. The Sanctuary Runners’ Movement uses running and exercise to bring together those in Direct Provision with the rest of Irish society, Not only that but Claire has also roped in a number of her fellow Olympians to film videos in their homes and back gardens which the Sanctuary Runners can access during the week.

“The Sanctuary Runners now has over 2,000 members across Ireland with about a quarter coming from Direct Provision centres,” said Claire.

“Normally we’d meet up to run every week but because of the Covid-19 crisis that’s not possible. So I thought why not use technology to connect people and ensure they stay fit and healthy during this, even if they are living in the confined space of a Direct Provision centre.”

Each Saturday morning at 11am, Sanctuary Runners (both Irish and in Direct Provision) log into Zoom for a half hour of energetic exercise hosted by Claire.

“Its incredible, we feel connected even though we are all apart,” explained Sanctuary Runner Deborah Oniah.

Living in Direct Provision in Cork, she added: “Its very difficult for many in Direct Provision to exercise during this crisis and energy levels can drop but the #SanctuaryStrength class really lifts us, makes us stronger and lets us know there are people thinking of us and loving us. You don’t need lots of space to do the workout and it’s recorded and sent to us so we can do it over and over again during the week.”

Other Irish Olympians have joined the #SanctuaryStrength initiative as Claire explains: “Olympic silver medallist Annalise Murphy sent us a workout last week from her back garden which we were able to share with everyone. Thomas Barr, Sanita Puspure and Natalya Coyle have also filmed exercises and we’re so grateful to them. And Ciarán O’Lionáird is sending some exercises all the way from the States. We hope to add some more well-known names in the weeks ahead.”

Graham Clifford, founder of the Sanctuary Runners, said the #SanctuaryStrength initiative enables people to show solidarity, friendship and respect to those in Direct Provision during the Covid 19 crisis.

“For people living in Direct Provision, the ability to exercise now will be greatly diminished. And people in centres are stressed because the chance of catching the virus is greater than for the rest of us. Many are living in confined spaces, sharing bedrooms, bathrooms, eating areas and so on. This enables people to exercise, to feel that virtual hand of friendship over their shoulder. We also have all of our Irish Sanctuary Runners – people exercising together as families from their kitchens, hallways, bedrooms, back gardens and even farms. Claire, and all the other Olympians, are making a massive impact to the lives of so many people through this. This is the epitome of the Olympic spirit.”

If you would like to join and take part in the #SanctuaryStrength sessions email info@sanctuaryrunners.ie.