Special Olympics Ireland

The mission of Special Olympics Ireland is "to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with an intellectual disability, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.” It is estimated there are just over 39,000 people with an intellectual disability (ID) residing across the thirty two counties of Ireland. People with an ID have increased risk of developing mental health issues, experiencing stigma, isolation, extreme loneliness and developing obesity. Sport provides significant physical, mental, emotional and social benefits for people with an ID. Special Olympics Ireland is the only provider of multi-sport, leadership, and health activities, tailored to people with an ID. We currently reach 22% of the ID population but there are many without access to sport in their community. We want to change this and are keenly seeking new donors, supporters, volunteers and partners who believe in our ambition. 

Donations will contribute to supporting our Clubs Programme which costs approximately $1,115,213m per year to operate. This programme encompasses club governance, support & development, athlete leadership and young athlete™ programmes. Clubs are the heart of what we do and we are committed to developing, implementing and communicating processes, policies and procedures to instil a strong culture of good governance. By driving a strong governance culture we will ensure that participation and opportunities are a quality experience for both athletes and volunteers. This programme also includes safeguarding in Special Olympics clubs and club recognition.

The impact of Covid-19 on the sports programme has seen our clubs temporarily closed. We are actively working to get them back up and running. As an organisation we know only too well the challenges of isolation that athletes face and due to Covid-19 we launched the Together At Home Online Programme. This programme focuses on 4 keypillars: Sport & Fitness, Health Promotion, Strong Minds and Young Athletes. It delivers our sports and health programme to athletes and their families at home.It provides them with support and enables athletes to manage their physical and mental health during one of the most stressful and challenging times they may have encountered yet. One of the main aims of the Programme is to add routine and structure back into athletes’ daily lives. We want to focus on retention as many athletes will not have had the opportunity to meet with their club members physically for over six months.We need to streamline many of our systems, including moving many elements of our service offerings online, enhance and develop new funding streams to sustain the Programme offered and explore new ways to offer competition. After a very successful start for the Young Athletes™ Programme we aim to grow this significantly as part of our 2021 - 2025 Strategy. This programme for athletes aged 4 - 12 years develops the fundamentals of sport and builds physical literacy for a lifelong involvement in sport. 

Through the GlobalGiving Platform we are hoping to achieve a target of $10,000 for donations which will go towards the development of the Clubs Programme. We are delighted with all donations whether they are $10, $50 or $100. Donations of all sizes are welcome and will be thoroughly appreciated. 

Warm regards, Special Olympics Ireland. 

https://www.globalgiving.org/donate/28138/special-olympics-ireland/

Links:

• Special Olympics Ireland Website