3rd August 2023
Vision Sports Ireland Members Push Their Limits at #ZeroLimits 2023
On Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th July, Vision Sports Ireland helped dreams come true at Mondello Park. Supported by Motorsport Ireland, Sport Ireland and corporate event sponsor Windsor Motors, the Zero Limits Track Day returned for its third year, increasing participation to 120 people across both days.
Both mornings began with participants getting the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a vehicle and drive hybrid and electric dual controlled cars. The common theme from the morning sessions was all about a sense of freedom and giving people the chance to experience something they never believed possible. The morning was filled with overwhelming emotions of joy, happiness and a general sense of achievement. Participant Claire Langan commented how the experience was “a dream come true” with another participant, Ciaran Butler explaining it was “the experience of a lifetime. I was buzzing after the rally driver experience, highly recommend the event and a huge thanks to all the staff, drivers, volunteers, sponsors and everyone involved, I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Aaron Mullaniff, CEO of Vision Sports Ireland added “”Now in its third year, Zero Limits has surpassed our expectations in how the unique event has challenged perceptions around blindness and vision impairment, whilst changing the narrative around what’s truly possible when it comes to inclusion and opportunity in sport. Our role at Vision Sports Ireland is to remove barriers to participation and support our members to lead a healthy and physically active life, and the event aptly named ‘Zero Limits’ aligns with the Vision Sports ambition for our members”.
Ambassador of NCBI and Ireland Rugby International, Robbie Henshaw, was in attendance to officially launch the event on Tuesday 25th July. Robbie was given the opportunity to partake in the experience through driving while wearing a blindfold. Reflecting on the event and his experience Robbie said “As an ambassador for NCBI, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend Vision Sports Irelands Zero Limits Track Day at Mondello Park recently. The event created unique experiences for all participants; the excitement and delight on display from all involved throughout the day was infectious. The event showcased the possibilities that are available to blind and visually impaired people with the right supports. It was an unforgettable experience to be part of Zero Limits, a day that made dreams come true.”
After an unforgettable morning, it was down to the pit lane for passenger laps beside some of Ireland’s finest rally drivers. A high-octane afternoon was in store for the participants where they rallied around the track experiencing what it is like to be a co-rally driver for the afternoon. One of the volunteer rally drivers on the day, Mark Gillespie, shared his experience stating “It was a such privilege to be part of the Zero Limits Track Day. Such a humbling event and so many amazing people I had out on track with me from a 14-year-old to a 77-year-old man and then trusting us to bring them for passenger spins and them not knowing us or what we do. That was our second year doing the Vision Sports Ireland two-day event. Hopefully we get back for a go in 2024.”
The event would not be possible without the support from the volunteers and rally car drivers as well as the collaboration from Motorsport Ireland. Sporting Manager for Motorsport Ireland, Art McCarrick attended the event and stated “To see this event grow year on year is testament to the hard work of everyone involved, especially the team at Vision Sports Ireland. The third iteration of the #ZeroLimits Track Day was the most successful yet and we are already looking forward to 2024. To be able to assist in affording visually impaired people from all around Ireland, of all ages, the opportunity of a lifetime is something we were delighted to do.”
Brian Quinn, Head of Marketing at Windsor Motor Group, the corporate sponsors of the event added “We were thrilled to once again collaborate with Vision Sports Ireland for the third edition of their track-day at Mondello Park. The work Vision Sports Ireland do is truly remarkable, and seeing the participants’ enthusiasm made us eager to support and be a part of it once more.”
