Special Olympics Ireland

Themissionof 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 Support and Development Programmes, which costs approximately $1,623,258 per year to operate. This programme encompasses club governance, support & development, Athlete Leadership and Young Athlete™ programmes, as well as the virtual sports offering which came about as a result of Covid-19, known as the Can’t Stop Now programme. 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 programmealso includes safeguarding in Special Olympics clubs and club recognition. 

Now that the summer months are upon us, the brighter weather, along with the easing in Government restrictions, has meant that Special Olympics Ireland clubs are being granted the opportunity to return to training. To assist and support athletes on their return to the training environment, Special Olympics Ireland has created easy read Covid-19 documents so that Athletes are empowered with the knowledge they need to stay safe whilst taking part in the sports they love. We are also providing Specific club guidance on all the latest Government and Health advice across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, along with guides, documents and webinars to assist clubs in their preparation for a ‘Return to Activities’.

Under the “Can’t Stop Now” programme we launched our second wave of virtual competitions which welcomed over 800 athletes, almost double the number of athletes that participated in wave one earlier in the year. Athletes entered and competed in 5 sports; Athletics, Basketball, Golf, Bocce/bowling and Motor Activities. To celebrate the amazing achievements of the athletes who competed in Wave 2 of the Virtual Competitions Special Olympics Ireland hosted a ‘Virtual Awards’ night via Zoom on July 19^th and 22^nd. Medals were posted directly to athletes homes where they could celebrate safely with their families and friends.

In line with the aims of the “Can’t Stop Now” programme Special Olympics Ireland also rolled out a 12 week “Lets Run” virtual training programme. This fun-filled 12-week running programme provided athletes with one-to-one support helping them to achieve their running goals. The Let's Run programme came to a successful close this summer with hundreds of athletes smashing their goals of either running for 30 minutes or completing a 5K distance. Our athletes achievements were celebrated on the 14th of July through a virtual awards ceremony that treated members of the Special Olympics community, athletes and families to a night of fun and recognition.

Special Olympics Ireland also opened nominations for the first-ever Special Olympics Volunteer Recognition Awards. The awards create a chance for people across the island of Ireland to recognise the outstanding work done in their clubs and local community by Special Olympics volunteers. There are three nomination categories recognising the great work of virtual volunteers, club volunteers and volunteers that inspire others thereby creating an environment where sports and volunteering can thrive.

As always, a special thank you for your supported. Your commitment to Special Olympics Ireland is so very much appreciated. Without your support we simply could not deliver on our promises.

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 

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