Irish Volunteer of the Year 2008
Marie Carroll
Bayside Gymnastics, Dublin
“Extraordinary dedication”, “life-changing” and “touched the lives of thousands”… that’s how Marie Carroll was described by her colleagues, parents of the children who attend Bayside Gymnastics and the children themselves.
Marie’s dedication to developing programmes of integration for children with and without disabilities over the past 30 years was rewarded by Volunteering Ireland at the Ireland Involved Awards 2008 when she was awarded with the top accolade of the evening.
Marie’s story is quite remarkable and an admirable example of volunteering at its best. Founder and director of Unlockyourpotential.ie, Marie set up Bayside Gymnastics in 1976 and 20 years ago, opened her doors to encourage movement for people with disabilities – GymAbility™.
Marie’s pioneering approach to working with children with disabilities was to develop an integrated programme where those with a disability participate alongside their non-disabled partner, encouraging “respect among equals”.
The real value in Bayside Gymnastics is making a difference to the lives of the children and their families. There’s a ready made social circle, volunteers who instil confidence and enthusiasm, and the club motto – ‘Attitude is Everything’ – which translates into the children’s everyday lives.
As the first Irish Volunteer of the Year, Volunteering Ireland couldn’t have asked for a more fitting ambassador for volunteering in Ireland.
This year, Volunteering Ireland and Specsavers are hoping to uncover more inspiring people in Ireland who really make a difference to the lives of others.