By Gemma Nolan | Corporate Account Manager
Transforming Lives Through Sport
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.”
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 willensure 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 our taking place in new ways under Covid restrictions. We are actively working to get them back up and running through the “Can’t Stop Now” programme, a digital suite to assist Clubs and Coaches to keep connected with their athletes. This programme focuses on 6 key areas, Virtual Competition, Together as Clubs, Health promotion, Coach and Officials development, Young athletes and Strong minds. Through these 6 key areas our clubs gain access to resources such as Virtual Club Packs, training programmes, webinars and more to ensure they have all the tools needed to engage with their athletes, minimise the risk of isolation and increase fitness.
In line with the aims of the “Can’t Stop Now” programme Special Olympics Ireland held its first all-Ireland virtual Athlete Leadership forum as one of many actions taken to connect our athletes. A packed conference room was replaced by rows and rows of smiling faces on Zoom as athlete leaders, programme coordinators and volunteers all logged in for their morning and afternoon sessions. Athlete Leadership encourages athletes to develop skills that will empower them to be advocates for all athletes and act as a leader for Special Olympics. The training helps athletes to build on their confidence and self-esteem and encourages them to contribute to the organisation in a wider context
We would like to say a special thank you for your support this year. Your commitment to Special Olympics Ireland is so very much appreciated. Without your support we simply could not deliver on our promises. We wish you all a special festive season ahead as we look forward to 2021 together.
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/
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