By Jennifer Marshall | Regional Community Fundraiser
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’ Support and Development Programmes, which costs approximately $922,101 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.
Now that the summer months are upon us, the brighter weather, along with the easing in government restrictions, has meant that more and more clubs which have provided such a valuable service to their communities are reopening, reuniting athletes and volunteers alike. We are thrilled to see our community of clubs, volunteers, and athletes active again at advancement events, interclub competitions and other related activities.
Special Olympics advancement events have been a welcome return to competition this summer, and it is encouraging to see so many clubs entering their members in a range of sports. It’s always a joy to see athletes doing what they do best but it is also a striking reminder of the dedication of our volunteer community. In recognition of the importance of our club volunteers Special Olympics Ireland launched the Special Olympics Volunteer Awards for the second year running. The awards create a chance for people across the island of Ireland to highlight the outstanding work done in their clubs and local community by Special Olympics volunteers. There are four nomination categories showcasing the great work of Volunteer Leaders, Youth Volunteers, Club Volunteers and Volunteers that encompass the spirt of Special Olympics Ireland, thereby creating an environment where sports and volunteering can thrive.
This June we witnessed a momentous occasion in which Young Athletes aged 8-12 years engaged in a pilot health promotion workshop for the very first time. Health education is so important from a young age to establish healthy behaviours for lifelong wellbeing.Young Athletes learnt about having a healthy diet, hydration and about the benefits of physical activity through an interactive games based approach. We look forward to expanding the Health and Wellbeing services that we can offer Young Athletes, their parents and coaches. By combining health education and play, we can ensure Young Athletes are fit for the future and have the knowledge and skills to take control of their own health literacy.
In the month of June we also saw a delegation of 19 athletes including coaches travel to Berlin to compete in the German National Games. This delegation was the first Special Olympics Ireland team to travel since the pandemic put a stop to sport and several Special Olympics Games and events. Teams competing in Badminton, Equestrian and Open-Water Swimming all gathered for a weekend of training and Strong Minds sessions as they bonded before the competition. Thanks to a hugely successful training campaign and our dedicated athletes Team Ireland returned home from the games with 14 medals and six placement ribbons after a very successful trip to Germany for all.
As always, a special thank you for your support. Your commitment to Special Olympics Ireland is so very much appreciated. Without you 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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