Vision-impaired thrill-seekers sought for Delving into the Dark experience
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Delving Into the Dark application form
A unique opportunity is in store for thrill-seekers living with a visual impairment, as Ireland’s national governing body for caving prepares to hold a ‘try-caving’ event in one of the country’s most spectacular underground-exploration regions, the Burren, Co. Clare.
The
Speleological Union of Ireland (SUI), in association with Vision
Sport Ireland (VSI), CARA, Clare Local Sport Partnership and the
National Council for the Blind Ireland (NCBI) are hosting this
inaugural and unique event, Delving into the Dark, in September 2019.
Organisers are seeking 10 visually impaired participants who
are eager to experience this subterranean adventure, to join them for
a two-day event, which takes place on 27th – 29th September 2019. Cost
per
person for the weekend is just €50 and covers food, accommodation,
transport to and from caves, membership of the SUI, experienced cave
guides, guest talks and a t-shirt. While a basic level of fitness is an
advantage, no prior caving experience is required.
Day
one of
this residential weekend kicks off early on Saturday 28th September, as
participants embark on a trip to a beautiful, beginner-friendly cave
in the heart of the Burren. All necessary equipment will be provided
by the SUI except footwear and all participants are advised to bring
their own wellington boots for the activity. Participants can be
accompanied by a friend if they so wish, but will be safely guided
through this beginner-friendly cave by experienced, SUI-approved
cavers. These volunteer guides will undergo Cara Inclusive Adventure
Activities Training in advance of the event (CARA provides inclusive
training
and education workshops across the sport, adventure, and education
sectors).
While cave exploration takes place during the day, the
evening will feature interactive lectures on various cave-related
topics including: the history of caving in Ireland, cave geology,
safe caving, and an introduction to the caving equipment/gear
required. Day two, Sunday 29th September, will take participants on their second caving trip, bringing an
end to this inaugural Delving into the Dark event.
An initial training weekend has already taken place to prepare a group of volunteer cave guides, and a second training weekend will take place on 22nd June in Carran, Co. Clare. Any cavers interested in volunteering please email suichairperson@gmail.com.
Commenting on Delving into the Dark, event organiser and chairperson of the SUI Aoife McGuirk says: “I’m passionate about caving; it’s challenging, sociable and a hugely satisfying way to spend a weekend. With Delving into the Dark, we want to show that caving as a sport is accessible and that cavers are a welcoming and inclusive community.”
If you are interested in participating in this event, please download the application form from our website www.caving.ie.
For more information, please contact Aoife McGuirk at suichairperson@gmail.com or visit www.caving.ie