Irish Olympians, asylum seekers and refugees are coming together virtually, every week, to exercise after a new project led by Irish Olympic rower Claire Lambe.
Ms Lambe is a member of the Sanctuary Runners - a group which uses running and exercises to help people in Direct Provision integrate with the wider community.
She has now set up 'Sanctuary Strength'. The project is an online exercise class each Saturday morning to help people living in Direct Provision stay in shape and keep in touch with their friends while social distancing.
Ms Lambe said: "The Sanctuary Runners now has over 2,000 members across Ireland, with about a quarter coming from Direct Provision centres.
"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 time, even if they are living in the confined space of a Direct Provision centre."
Ms Lambe has also enlisted fellow Olympians, including Annalise Murphy and Thomas Barr, to film videos in their homes for Sanctuary Runners to access during the week.
Founder of the Sanctuary Runners, Graham Clifford, said: "It’s so important for our members in Direct provision. For people living in Direct Provision, space is an issue, and now because of social distancing, there is very little space in which to exercise.
"So the Sanctuary Strength class gives them the opportunity to workout every week and it also helps our Irish runners to stay fit and stay connected to their friends in Direct Provision."
