Solidarity between people of several nations was strengthened yesterday when members of the Termonfeckin Sanctuary Runners and Walkers group and the ‘Termonfeckin Welcomes’ community completed the Boyne Valley Camino to mark International Refugee Week.
Fulfilling the Sanctuary Runner values of Solidarity, Friendship and Respect, the large group set off from St Peter’s Church for a day of chat and laughter on the 25km loop.
Stopping off at Mellifont Abbey for lunch, the group was treated to a wonderful talk on the site’s history by Nichola of the OPW. David, Terry and Áine from the Boyne Valley Camino group marshalled the group superbly.
The next Sanctuary Runners Run and Walk takes place at 10am next Sunday (July 2) on the Grianan Loop in Termonfeckin, starting from Flynn’s Carpark followed by a cuppa and chat hosted by the residents of Triple House. Everyone in the community (and their dogs!) is welcome to join the event.
Termonfeckin Welcomes now has 35 members and was formed earlier this year by Termonfeckin locals to assist and welcome those seeking refuge in the village.
Termonfeckin is home to two centres, one accommodating men seeking International Protection from Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Togo, Georgia, Iran, Yemen, Somalia, Algeria and Nigeria and another accommodating Ukrainian refugee families.
Sanctuary Runners is a solidarity-through-sport initiative which uses running, jogging and walking to bring together asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and all Irish residents.
It has more than 10,000 Sanctuary Runners in 35 groups across Ireland and allows communities to get to know each other, fosters community integration and improves physical and mental health.
