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{{Cleanup|date=June 2011}}
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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox officeholder
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|name = Mary Davis
|honorific-prefix =
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|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1954|8|6|df=y}}
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|name = Mary Davis
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|birth_place = [[County Mayo]], Ireland
|honorific-suffix = [[Legum Doctor|LL.D.]] [[Honorary doctorate|(hon)]]
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|nationality = [[Republic of Ireland|Irish]]
|office = [[Social Entrepreneur]]
|image =
|imagesize =
|occupation = [http://www.specialolympicsee.eu/ Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia]<br>[[Managing Director]]
|smallimage = <!--If this is specified, "image" should not be.-->
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|website = {{URL|http://www.marydavis.ie/}}
|alt =
|caption =
|order =
|office = Member of the [[Council of State (Ireland)|Council of State]]
|term_start = 11 November 2004
|term_end = October 2011
|alongside = <!--For two or more people serving in the same position from the same district. (e.g. United States Senators.)-->
|president = [[Mary McAleese]]
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|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1954|8|6|df=y}}
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|birth_place = [[County Mayo]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]
|death_date =
|death_place =
|restingplace =
|restingplacecoordinates =
|birthname = Mary Rooney<ref>[http://www.westernpeople.ie/news/eyqlkfidey/]</ref>
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|nationality = [[Republic of Ireland|Irish]]
|party =
|otherparty = <!--For additional political affiliations-->
|spouse = Julian Davis
|partner = <!--For those with a domestic partner and not married-->
|relations =
|children = 4
|residence =
|alma_mater = [[Leeds Trinity University College|Trinity College]], [[Leeds]]
|occupation = [[Managing Director]], Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia
|profession =
|cabinet =
|committees =
|portfolio =
|religion =
|signature =
|signature_alt =
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|website = {{URL|http://www.marydavis.ie/}}
|footnotes =
}}
}}
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'''Mary Davis''' (born 6 August 1954 in County Mayo) is an active Irish social entrepreneur and long-term campaigner for the rights and inclusion of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. She is currently seeking a nomination to run in the Irish Presidential election this year. She currently serves as the Managing Director of [[Special Olympics]] Europe/Eurasia (SOEE) with the responsibility of overseeing the growth and development of Special Olympics across 58 countries in Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.<ref>Mark Paul,[http://www.specialolympicsee.eu/uploadedFiles/specialolympicseurasia/Press_Room/MD_Interview_ST_28Feb2010(1).pdf], “Games Chief Goes for Gold”, Sunday Business Post, February 28th 2010</ref> Davis also serves as Chairperson of Special Olympics Ireland.


⚫
'''Mary Davis''' (born '''Mary Rooney''', 6 August 1954) is an Irish social entrepreneur and long-term campaigner for the rights and inclusion of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. She currently serves as the Managing Director of [[Special Olympics]] Europe/Eurasia (SOEE) with the responsibility of overseeing the growth and development of Special Olympics across 58 countries in Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.<ref>Mark Paul,[http://www.specialolympicsee.eu/uploadedFiles/specialolympicseurasia/Press_Room/MD_Interview_ST_28Feb2010(1).pdf], “Games Chief Goes for Gold”, Sunday Business Post, February 28th 2010</ref> Davis also serves as Chairperson of Special Olympics Ireland.
⚫
She is best well known for serving as Chief Executive Officer responsible for organising the [[2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games]] in [[Dublin]], [[Ireland]] in 2003. This was the first time the event was staged outside of North America since [[Eunice Kennedy Shriver]] founded the movement in 1968 and the largest sporting event in the world that year. Davis was awarded a [[People of the Year Awards|Person of the Year Award]] in 2003, for her work for this event as well as for her years of service with [[Special Olympics]] [[Ireland]].


⚫
She is best well known for serving as CEO of [[2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games]] held in [[Dublin]], [[Ireland]]. This was the first time the event was staged outside of North America since [[Eunice Kennedy Shriver]] founded the movement in 1968 and the largest sporting event in the world that year. Davis was awarded a [[People of the Year Awards|Person of the Year Award]] in 2003, for her work for this event as well as for her years of service with [[Special Olympics]] [[Ireland]].
In 2006 Davis was made the Chairperson of the newly created Taskforce on Active Citizenship.<ref>[http://www.activecitizenship.ie/index.asp?locID=12&docID=47 Taskforce ON citizenship]</ref> She also chairs the North South Conultative Conference for the Irish Government. In November 2004 Davis was appointed by President [[Mary McAleese]] to serve on the Irish [[Council of State (Ireland)|Council of State]]. Davis serves on a number of Boards in Irish society as well as voluntary committees. She has received many Honorary Doctorates as well as distinctions and achievements for her contribution to Irish life.


In November 2004 Davis was appointed by President [[Mary McAleese]] to serve on the Irish [[Council of State (Ireland)|Council of State]]. In 2006 Davis was made Chairperson of the newly created Taskforce on Active Citizenship.<ref>[http://www.activecitizenship.ie/index.asp?locID=12&docID=47 Taskforce ON citizenship]</ref> She also co-chairs the North South Consultative Conference for the Irish Government.
⚫
On 26 May 2011 Davis announced at a press conference that she is seeking a nomination to run as an independent candidate in [[Irish presidential election, 2011 |Ireland's 2011 Presidential election]].<ref>Terry Prone,[http://www.herald.ie/opinion/terry-prone-with-mary-on-for-the-aras-the-contest-really-hots-up-2658423.html?service=Print], “With Mary on for the Aras the contest really hots up”, Irish Examiner, 26 May 2011</ref>


⚫
Davis is a candidate in the [[Irish presidential election, 2011|2011 Irish presidential election]]; having received nominations from six [[Local government in the Republic of Ireland|county councils]], she is guaranteed to appear on the ballot.<ref>Terry Prone,[http://www.herald.ie/opinion/terry-prone-with-mary-on-for-the-aras-the-contest-really-hots-up-2658423.html?service=Print], “With Mary on for the Aras the contest really hots up”, Irish Examiner, 26 May 2011</ref>
Davis has stated that she has never been a member of any political party.


==Life==
==Early life==
===Early life===
⚫
Davis is a native of Kinaffe, [[County Mayo]] and attended school at St Louis' Convent, Kiltimagh. She credits that the seeds of her success were sown in her upbringing in East Mayo saying "there was always a prevailing attitude of looking after your neighbour, of taking care of each other".<ref>Olof Gill, [http://www.mayonews.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=134%3Aleading-lady&Itemid=51], “Leading Lady”, Mayo News, Wednesday, April 27th 2006</ref> After finishing secondary school, Davis graduated as a Physical Education teacher from [[Trinity and All Saints College]] in [[Leeds]]. From there she won a scholarship to the [[University of Alberta]] in [[Canada]] where she completed her academic studies. After returning to Ireland, she became PE Co-ordinator with St Michael's House in [[Ballymun]] Dublin, an organisation that caters for people with intellectual disabilities. It was then that she first volunteered for Special Olympics Ireland.


⚫
Mary Davis (née Rooney) is a native of Kinaffe, [[Swinford]], [[County Mayo]] and attended St Louis Convent School, [[Kiltimagh]]. She credits that the seeds of her success were sown in her upbringing in East Mayo saying "there was always a prevailing attitude of looking after your neighbour, of taking care of each other".<ref>Olof Gill, [http://www.mayonews.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=134%3Aleading-lady&Itemid=51], “Leading Lady”, Mayo News, Wednesday, April 27th 2006</ref> After finishing secondary school, Davis trained as a Physical Education teacher from [[Leeds Trinity University College|Trinity College]], [[Leeds]], [[United Kingdom]], a women's teacher training college affiliated to the [[University of Leeds]]. From there she won a scholarship to the [[University of Alberta]]where she completed her academic studies. After returning to Ireland, she became PE co-ordinator with St Michael's House in [[Ballymun]], Dublin, an organisation catering for people with intellectual disabilities. It was then that she first volunteered for [[Special Olympics]] Ireland.
===Family===
⚫
She is married to Julian Davis and they have four children - two daughters and two sons.


==Special Olympics==
==Special Olympics==
In 1985 Davis worked as Events Director when the 1985 Special Olympics European Games were hosted in [[Dublin]], [[Ireland]]. By 1989, she was appointed National Director of Special Olympics Ireland. She served as member of the SO International Sports Rules Committee (1986–1989), Chairperson, SO European Development Committee (1982–1986) and Chairperson, SO International Advisory Council (1993–1997). She was one of the main driving forces behind Ireland's bid to host the [[2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games]] and her track record on national and international bodies was a major factor in bringing the Games to [[Ireland]].
In 1985 Davis worked as Events Director when the 1985 Special Olympics European Games were hosted in [[Dublin]], [[Ireland]]. By 1989, she was appointed National Director of Special Olympics Ireland. She served as member of the SO International Sports Rules Committee (1986–1989), Chairperson, SO European Development Committee (1982–1986) and Chairperson, SO International Advisory Council (1993–1997). She was one of the main driving forces behind Ireland's bid to host the [[2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games]] and her track record on national and international bodies was a major factor in bringing the Games to [[Ireland]].


===2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games===
===2003 World Summer Games===
Davis served as CEO of the [[2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games]] Organising Committee. This was the first time in 44 years that the Games were ever held outside of North America. This spectacular and memorable event involved participation by 165 countries, 32,000 volunteers and 10,000 athletes and coaches. No one in Ireland or indeed elsewhere had ever previously undertaken such a task or mobilised a volunteer movement to such an extent - nor has done so since. The Games were supported by the [[Irish Government]], by the [[British Government]], by the devolved Northern Ireland Administration and by the [[Commission of the European Communities]]. The GOC raised Euro 36 million and a further Euro 24 million in kind in products and services.
Davis served as CEO of the [[2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games]] Organising Committee. This was the first time in 44 years that the Games were ever held outside of North America. The event involved participation by 165 countries, 32,000 volunteers and 10,000 athletes and coaches.
The opening ceremony was held in [[Croke Park]] Dublin, and featured an array of stars. The band [[U2]] were a major feature, and [[Nelson Mandela]] officially opened the games. Other performances included the largest [[Riverdance]] troupe ever assembled on one stage. 75,000 athletes and spectators were in attendance at the opening ceremonies. Irish and international celebrities such as [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] and [[Jon Bon Jovi]] walked with the athletes, with [[Muhammad Ali]] as a special guest and former [[Manchester United]] and Republic of Ireland football player [[Roy Keane]] taking the athletes oath with one of the Special Olympics athletes.
Most significantly the 2003 Games dramatically changed the perceptions and attitudes of society regarding the abilities and limitations of people with intellectual disabilities. The Opening Ceremony of the 2003 Games has been described by President of Ireland Mary McAleese as "a time when Ireland was at its superb best".<ref>Fiona Brady, [http://www.activecitizenship.ie/index.asp?locID=12&docID=47 Taskforce ON citizenship], “Her bridges built, McAleese reflects on a decade in office”, Irish Independent, Saturday, November 3rd 2007</ref>


===European Head===
===European Head===
As managing director of Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia(SOEE), Davis is responsible for overseeing the growth and development of Special Olympics across 58 countries. The primary purpose for SOEE is to empower and enable these national programmes to make sports training & competitions opportunities available for people with intellectual disabilities as well as change attitudes, foster community building, provide healthcare and influence policy. One of Davis' most significant achievements in this position to date has been the securing of unprecedented funding of Euro six million from the EU Parliament in 2009.<ref>http://www.specialolympics.org/european_parliament_votes_to_provide_special_olympics_europe-eurasia_with_six_million_euro.aspx</ref> A further Euro 447,000 was secured for SOEE's Youth Unified Sports programme.
As managing director of Special Olympics [[Europe]]/[[Eurasia]] (SOEE), Davis is responsible for overseeing the growth and development of Special Olympics across 58 countries. The primary purpose for SOEE is to empower and enable these national programmes to make sports training & competitions opportunities available for people with intellectual disabilities as well as change attitudes, foster community building, provide healthcare and influence policy. In 2009, Davis secured €6 million in funding from the [[European Parliament]].<ref>http://www.specialolympics.org/european_parliament_votes_to_provide_special_olympics_europe-eurasia_with_six_million_euro.aspx</ref> A further Euro 447,000 was secured for SOEE's Youth Unified Sports programme.


==Irish Council of State==
==Irish politics==
===Council of State===
Davis was [[List of presidential appointees to the Irish Council of State|appointed]] to the Irish [[Council of State (Ireland)|Council of State]] by President [[Mary McAleese]] for her second term as [[President of Ireland]], starting in 2004. Davis was one of seven personal appointees to the body established by the [[Constitution of Ireland]] to advise the [[President of Ireland]] in the exercise of many of her discretionary, reserve powers.
Davis moved into the mainstream of Irish politics when she was [[List of presidential appointees to the Irish Council of State|appointed]] to the Irish [[Council of State (Ireland)|Council of State]] by President [[Mary McAleese]] for her second term as [[President of Ireland]], starting in 2004. Davis was one of seven personal appointees to the body established by the [[Constitution of Ireland]] to advise the [[President of Ireland]] in the exercise of her discretionary, reserve powers.


==Task Force on Active Citizenship==
===Task Force on Active Citizenship===
In April 2006 Davis was appointed Chair of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship because of her track record in "generating such a tremendous response from ordinary citizens to an extraordinary experience that was Special Olympics 2003. This is one example of the type of voluntary effort and community participation which sustains a healthy and vibrant society".<ref>[http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/special-olympics-chief-to-head-volunteer-task-force-254640.html], “Special Olympics Chief to head volunteer task force”, RTE Breaking News, April 18th 2006</ref> More recently she was appointed Chair of the Steering Group on Active Citizenship to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the Taskforce.
In April 2006 Davis was appointed Chair of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship, due to her track record in "generating such a tremendous response from ordinary citizens to an extraordinary experience that was Special Olympics 2003. This is one example of the type of voluntary effort and community participation which sustains a healthy and vibrant society".<ref>[http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/special-olympics-chief-to-head-volunteer-task-force-254640.html], “Special Olympics Chief to head volunteer task force”, RTE Breaking News, April 18th 2006</ref> More recently she was appointed Chair of the Steering Group on Active Citizenship to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the Taskforce.


==North South Consultative Conference==
===North South Consultative Conference===
Davis is chairing the North South Consultative Conference on behalf of the Irish Government. The conference seeks to explore social, cultural and economic issues that have a North/South and cross-border dimension. The focus is on identifying potential for improved co-operation for mutual benefit.<ref>http://www.jointbusinesscouncil.com/partnership_networkdevelopment/documents/ReportofNorthSouthConsultativeConferenceon15Oct09.pdf</ref>
Davis is also a Co-Chair of the North South Consultative Conference on behalf of the Irish Government. The conference seeks to explore social, cultural and economic issues that have a North/South and cross-border dimension. The focus is on identifying potential for improved co-operation for mutual benefit.<ref>http://www.jointbusinesscouncil.com/partnership_networkdevelopment/documents/ReportofNorthSouthConsultativeConferenceon15Oct09.pdf</ref>


==Boards==
===Boards===
Davis is one of the founder of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland. Previously Davis served on a number of boards including the [[Irish Sports Council]], Broadcast Commission of Ireland, [[Dublin Airport Authority]], [[UCD|UCD Foundation]], The One Foundation, Boardmatch and chaired the [[St. Patrick's Festival]] for a four year period. She was a member of the Advisory Group for the Ireland Funds. She also served on the coordinating committee of the 2003 European Year of People with Disabilities and is an Ambassador for the 2011 European Year of Volunteering.
Davis is one of the founder of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland. Previously Davis served on a number of boards including the [[Irish Sports Council]], Broadcast Commission of Ireland, [[Dublin Airport Authority]], [[UCD|UCD Foundation]], The One Foundation, Boardmatch and chaired the [[St. Patrick's Festival]] for a four year period. She was a member of the Advisory Group for the Ireland Funds. She also served on the coordinating committee of the 2003 European Year of People with Disabilities and is an Ambassador for the 2011 European Year of Volunteering.
Davis serves on many voluntary committees and is a member of the [[Irish Times Trust]], the National Institute for Intellectual Disability, National Sports Campus Development Authority, and City of Science 2012 and acted as a judge for the O2 Ability Awards and the 'Your Country, Your Call' competition.
Davis serves on many voluntary committees and is a member of the [[Irish Times Trust]], the National Institute for Intellectual Disability, National Sports Campus Development Authority, and City of Science 2012 and acted as a judge for the O2 Ability Awards and the 'Your Country, Your Call' competition.


===2011 presidential election===
==Recognitions==
Davis announced on 26 May 2011 that she would be seeking nomination for the [[]].<ref name="davis">{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0526/president.html|title=Mary Davis announces bid for presidency|date=26 May 2011|publisher=[[RTÉ News]]|accessdate=26 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.herald.ie/opinion/terry-prone-with-mary-on-for-the-aras-the-contest-really-hots-up-2658423.html |title=With Mary on for the Aras the contest really hots up |work=[[Evening Herald]] |author=Terry Prone |date=26 May 2011}}</ref> She had originally stated in August 2010 that she would consider standing for the presidency if approached by a political party.<ref name=sheahan910/><ref>{{Cite news|title=Special Olympics guru ‘would consider’ Áras run |author=Niamh Connoly |newspaper=[[Sunday Business Post]] |date=15 August 2010 |url=http://www.sbpost.ie/news/ireland/special-olympics-guru-would-consider-aras-run-51114.html |accessdate=10 September 2010}}</ref> She subsequently decided to run as an independent, seeking nominations from four local authorities.<ref name="davistimes">{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0526/breaking4.html|title=Special Olympics chief set for Áras bid|date=26 May 2011|work=[[The Irish Times]]|accessdate=26 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/national-news/special-olympics-chief-to-decide-on-aras-run-in-days-2654245.html|title=Special Olympics chief to decide on Aras run in days|last=Reilly|first=Jerome|date=22 May 2011|work=[[Sunday Independent]]|accessdate=22 May 2011}}</ref> She began the process by addressing [[Galway County Council]], [[Louth County Council]] and [[Clare County Council]] in June 2011.<ref name="Tierney">{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0618/1224299153871.html|title=Davis confident of securing support for presidential run|last=Tierney|first=Ciarán|date=18 June 2011|work=[[The Irish Times]]|accessdate=21 June 2011}}</ref><ref name="davisclare">{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0620/president.html|title=Mary Davis addresses council in Áras bid|date=20 June 2011|publisher=[[RTÉ News]]|accessdate=20 June 2011}}</ref>
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===Honorary Doctorates===

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Davis has been awarded honorary Doctorates in Laws by the [[University of Limerick]],<ref>University of Limerick Honours Mary Davis [http://www.ul.ie/vpacad/HonDocs/Cit-Mary%20Davis.htm Hon Doc UL]</ref> [[Dublin City University]] and [[National University of Ireland]].<ref>[http://www.nui.ie/news/pdf/2004/citations/2004citations/davis.pdf Hon Doc NUIG]</ref> Davis also received an Honorary Fellowship of the faculty of Nursing & Midwifery at the [[Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland]].On receiving the honorary degree from DCU, Davis said "I feel the award is an acknowledgement of what people did to make the Games so successful. It was a great honour to be CEO, but around me were all these people who were working with me to make it happen."<ref>Tom Lyons,[http://www.dcu.ie/alumni/spring04/p28.html], “Special Olympics – A Place for Everyone”, University View, Spring 2003</ref>
On 21 July 2011, she had received the support of six local authorities (Counties Kerry, Limerick, Louth, Mayo Monaghan and Tipperary North<ref>[http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0719/1224300947707.html]</ref>) and is thus guaranteed a place on the ballot.

==Honours==
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===Honorary doctorates===
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Davis has been awarded honorary [[Doctorates in Law]] by the [[University of Limerick]],<ref>University of Limerick Honours Mary Davis [http://www.ul.ie/vpacad/HonDocs/Cit-Mary%20Davis.htm Hon Doc UL]</ref> [[Dublin City University]] and the [[National University of Ireland]].<ref>[http://www.nui.ie/news/pdf/2004/citations/2004citations/davis.pdf Hon Doc NUIG]</ref> Davis also received an Honorary Fellowship of the faculty of Nursing & Midwifery at the [[Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland]]. On receiving the honorary degree from DCU, Davis said "I feel the award is an acknowledgement of what people did to make the Games so successful. It was a great honour to be CEO, but around me were all these people who were working with me to make it happen."<ref>Tom Lyons,[http://www.dcu.ie/alumni/spring04/p28.html], “Special Olympics – A Place for Everyone”, University View, Spring 2003</ref>


===Distinctions===
===Distinctions===
Line 60: Line 94:
[http://www.wibfireland.com/content/events/davis.shtml], “Mary Davis delivers key note address to Women in Finance & Banking in Ireland (WIBF) conference”, April 12, 2005</ref> and is a regular contributor to Irish media outlets on a range of topics.<ref>Mary Davis,[http://www.herald.ie/opinion/mary-davis-how-health-checks-on-our-special-athletes-are-saving-lives-2612833.html], “How Health Checks on our Special Athletes are saving lives”, Evening Herald, Thursday, April 7th 2011</ref><ref>Mary Davis, [http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/mary-davis-still-a-long-road-ahead-to-equality-for-women-2569517.html], “Still a long road ahead to equality for women”, Irish Independent, Tuesday, March 8th 2011</ref>
[http://www.wibfireland.com/content/events/davis.shtml], “Mary Davis delivers key note address to Women in Finance & Banking in Ireland (WIBF) conference”, April 12, 2005</ref> and is a regular contributor to Irish media outlets on a range of topics.<ref>Mary Davis,[http://www.herald.ie/opinion/mary-davis-how-health-checks-on-our-special-athletes-are-saving-lives-2612833.html], “How Health Checks on our Special Athletes are saving lives”, Evening Herald, Thursday, April 7th 2011</ref><ref>Mary Davis, [http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/mary-davis-still-a-long-road-ahead-to-equality-for-women-2569517.html], “Still a long road ahead to equality for women”, Irish Independent, Tuesday, March 8th 2011</ref>


==Achievements==
==Personal life===
⚫
She is married to Julian Davis and they have four children - two daughters and two sons.
⚫
Davis ran the [[New York Marathon|New York marathon]] in November 2005 and raised Euro 80,000 for in the process. Before that she achieved the ambition of a lifetime when she climbed [[Mount Kilimanjaro]], [[Tanzania]], with her husband Julian. She was invited to represent the Irish Government on a climb of [[Mount Blanc]] on 1 July 2008 to celebrate the start of the [[EU Presidency]] in [[France]].<ref>http://www.arts-sporttourism.gov.ie/publications/release.ie.asp?ID=100115</ref>

⚫
Davis ran the [[New York Marathon]] in November 2005, raising €80,000 for Special Olympics in the process. Before that, she achieved the ambition of a lifetime when she climbed [[Mount Kilimanjaro]], with her husband Julian. She was invited to represent the Irish Government on a climb of [[Mont Blanc]] on 1 July 2008 to celebrate the start of the [[EU Presidency]] in [[France]].<ref>http://www.arts-sporttourism.gov.ie/publications/release.ie.asp?ID=100115</ref>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 14:50, 21 July 2011

Mary Davis
LL.D. (hon)
Member of the Council of State
In office
11 November 2004 – October 2011
PresidentMary McAleese
Personal details
Born
Mary Rooney[1]

(1954-08-06) 6 August 1954 (age 69)
County Mayo, Ireland
SpouseJulian Davis
Children4
Alma materTrinity College, Leeds
OccupationManaging Director, Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia
Websitewww.marydavis.ie

Mary Davis (born Mary Rooney, 6 August 1954) is an Irish social entrepreneur and long-term campaigner for the rights and inclusion of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. She currently serves as the Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia (SOEE) with the responsibility of overseeing the growth and development of Special Olympics across 58 countries in Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.[2] Davis also serves as Chairperson of Special Olympics Ireland.

She is best well known for serving as CEO of 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games held in Dublin, Ireland. This was the first time the event was staged outside of North America since Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the movement in 1968 and the largest sporting event in the world that year. Davis was awarded a Person of the Year Award in 2003, for her work for this event as well as for her years of service with Special Olympics Ireland.

In November 2004 Davis was appointed by President Mary McAleese to serve on the Irish Council of State. In 2006 Davis was made Chairperson of the newly created Taskforce on Active Citizenship.[3] She also co-chairs the North South Consultative Conference for the Irish Government.

Davis is a candidate in the 2011 Irish presidential election; having received nominations from six county councils, she is guaranteed to appear on the ballot.[4]

Early life

Mary Davis (née Rooney) is a native of Kinaffe, Swinford, County Mayo and attended St Louis Convent School, Kiltimagh. She credits that the seeds of her success were sown in her upbringing in East Mayo saying "there was always a prevailing attitude of looking after your neighbour, of taking care of each other".[5] After finishing secondary school, Davis trained as a Physical Education teacher from Trinity College, Leeds, United Kingdom, a women's teacher training college affiliated to the University of Leeds. From there she won a scholarship to the University of Albertawhere she completed her academic studies. After returning to Ireland, she became PE co-ordinator with St Michael's House in Ballymun, Dublin, an organisation catering for people with intellectual disabilities. It was then that she first volunteered for Special Olympics Ireland.

Special Olympics

In 1985 Davis worked as Events Director when the 1985 Special Olympics European Games were hosted in Dublin, Ireland. By 1989, she was appointed National Director of Special Olympics Ireland. She served as member of the SO International Sports Rules Committee (1986–1989), Chairperson, SO European Development Committee (1982–1986) and Chairperson, SO International Advisory Council (1993–1997). She was one of the main driving forces behind Ireland's bid to host the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games and her track record on national and international bodies was a major factor in bringing the Games to Ireland.

2003 World Summer Games

Davis served as CEO of the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games Organising Committee. This was the first time in 44 years that the Games were ever held outside of North America. The event involved participation by 165 countries, 32,000 volunteers and 10,000 athletes and coaches.

European Head

As managing director of Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia (SOEE), Davis is responsible for overseeing the growth and development of Special Olympics across 58 countries. The primary purpose for SOEE is to empower and enable these national programmes to make sports training & competitions opportunities available for people with intellectual disabilities as well as change attitudes, foster community building, provide healthcare and influence policy. In 2009, Davis secured €6 million in funding from the European Parliament.[6] A further Euro 447,000 was secured for SOEE's Youth Unified Sports programme.

Irish politics

Council of State

Davis moved into the mainstream of Irish politics when she was appointed to the Irish Council of State by President Mary McAleese for her second term as President of Ireland, starting in 2004. Davis was one of seven personal appointees to the body established by the Constitution of Ireland to advise the President of Ireland in the exercise of her discretionary, reserve powers.

Task Force on Active Citizenship

In April 2006 Davis was appointed Chair of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship, due to her track record in "generating such a tremendous response from ordinary citizens to an extraordinary experience that was Special Olympics 2003. This is one example of the type of voluntary effort and community participation which sustains a healthy and vibrant society".[7] More recently she was appointed Chair of the Steering Group on Active Citizenship to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the Taskforce.

North South Consultative Conference

Davis is also a Co-Chair of the North South Consultative Conference on behalf of the Irish Government. The conference seeks to explore social, cultural and economic issues that have a North/South and cross-border dimension. The focus is on identifying potential for improved co-operation for mutual benefit.[8]

Boards

Davis is one of the founder of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland. Previously Davis served on a number of boards including the Irish Sports Council, Broadcast Commission of Ireland, Dublin Airport Authority, UCD Foundation, The One Foundation, Boardmatch and chaired the St. Patrick's Festival for a four year period. She was a member of the Advisory Group for the Ireland Funds. She also served on the coordinating committee of the 2003 European Year of People with Disabilities and is an Ambassador for the 2011 European Year of Volunteering. Davis serves on many voluntary committees and is a member of the Irish Times Trust, the National Institute for Intellectual Disability, National Sports Campus Development Authority, and City of Science 2012 and acted as a judge for the O2 Ability Awards and the 'Your Country, Your Call' competition.

2011 presidential election

Davis announced on 26 May 2011 that she would be seeking nomination for the [[]].[9][10] She had originally stated in August 2010 that she would consider standing for the presidency if approached by a political party.[11][12] She subsequently decided to run as an independent, seeking nominations from four local authorities.[13][14] She began the process by addressing Galway County Council, Louth County Council and Clare County Council in June 2011.[15][16]

On 21 July 2011, she had received the support of six local authorities (Counties Kerry, Limerick, Louth, Mayo Monaghan and Tipperary North[17]) and is thus guaranteed a place on the ballot.

Honours

Honorary doctorates

Davis has been awarded honorary Doctorates in Law by the University of Limerick,[18] Dublin City University and the National University of Ireland.[19] Davis also received an Honorary Fellowship of the faculty of Nursing & Midwifery at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. On receiving the honorary degree from DCU, Davis said "I feel the award is an acknowledgement of what people did to make the Games so successful. It was a great honour to be CEO, but around me were all these people who were working with me to make it happen."[20]

Distinctions

Over the years Davis has received many distinctions and achievements including Person of the Year (2003),[21] Woman of the Year (2003), Marketer of the Year (2003), Mayo Person of the Year (2004), Woman of our Time Award - Social and Personal magazine (2003), Best of the Irish Award (2003), Business & Finance Person of the Month (July 2003), Irish Independent Person of the Month (June 2003), Public Relations Institute of Ireland Honour Award (2007),[22] Public Relations Consultants Association 'Public Affairs Award for Ireland's Bid to host World Games' (1998), Lord Mayor of Dublin Millennium Award (1998), Irish Tatler - 100 Most Influential Women in Ireland (1998), and Irish Security Award for 'Caring' (1986).

Davis frequently serves as a guest speaker at conferences and special events around Ireland[23] and is a regular contributor to Irish media outlets on a range of topics.[24][25]

Personal life=

She is married to Julian Davis and they have four children - two daughters and two sons.

Davis ran the New York Marathon in November 2005, raising €80,000 for Special Olympics in the process. Before that, she achieved the ambition of a lifetime when she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, with her husband Julian. She was invited to represent the Irish Government on a climb of Mont Blanc on 1 July 2008 to celebrate the start of the EU Presidency in France.[26]

References

  1. ^ [1]
  2. ^ Mark Paul,[2], “Games Chief Goes for Gold”, Sunday Business Post, February 28th 2010
  3. ^ Taskforce ON citizenship
  4. ^ Terry Prone,[3], “With Mary on for the Aras the contest really hots up”, Irish Examiner, 26 May 2011
  5. ^ Olof Gill, [4], “Leading Lady”, Mayo News, Wednesday, April 27th 2006
  6. ^ http://www.specialolympics.org/european_parliament_votes_to_provide_special_olympics_europe-eurasia_with_six_million_euro.aspx
  7. ^ [5], “Special Olympics Chief to head volunteer task force”, RTE Breaking News, April 18th 2006
  8. ^ http://www.jointbusinesscouncil.com/partnership_networkdevelopment/documents/ReportofNorthSouthConsultativeConferenceon15Oct09.pdf
  9. ^ "Mary Davis announces bid for presidency". RTÉ News. 26 May 2011. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
  10. ^ Terry Prone (26 May 2011). "With Mary on for the Aras the contest really hots up". Evening Herald.
  11. ^ Cite error: The named reference sheahan910 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  12. ^ Niamh Connoly (15 August 2010). "Special Olympics guru 'would consider' Áras run". Sunday Business Post. Retrieved 10 September 2010.
  13. ^ "Special Olympics chief set for Áras bid". The Irish Times. 26 May 2011. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
  14. ^ Reilly, Jerome (22 May 2011). "Special Olympics chief to decide on Aras run in days". Sunday Independent. Retrieved 22 May 2011.
  15. ^ Tierney, Ciarán (18 June 2011). "Davis confident of securing support for presidential run". The Irish Times. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
  16. ^ "Mary Davis addresses council in Áras bid". RTÉ News. 20 June 2011. Retrieved 20 June 2011.
  17. ^ [6]
  18. ^ University of Limerick Honours Mary Davis Hon Doc UL
  19. ^ Hon Doc NUIG
  20. ^ Tom Lyons,[7], “Special Olympics – A Place for Everyone”, University View, Spring 2003
  21. ^ http://www.able.ie/press/article.aspx?id=30
  22. ^ https://www.prii.ie/show_article.aspx?id=59
  23. ^ [8], “Mary Davis delivers key note address to Women in Finance & Banking in Ireland (WIBF) conference”, April 12, 2005
  24. ^ Mary Davis,[9], “How Health Checks on our Special Athletes are saving lives”, Evening Herald, Thursday, April 7th 2011
  25. ^ Mary Davis, [10], “Still a long road ahead to equality for women”, Irish Independent, Tuesday, March 8th 2011
  26. ^ http://www.arts-sporttourism.gov.ie/publications/release.ie.asp?ID=100115

External links

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