Dec7

Written by:
07/12/2011 17:26 

 

Sharon McKeon from Bandon was honoured at the 2011 Ireland Involved Awards Ceremony, which took place in Dublin Castle on Monday 5th December. Sharon received her award for her volunteer work with Cork Special Olympics Club.

The Ireland Involved Awards is an awards scheme that celebrates the outstanding volunteers, whose time and energy make a positive difference to people, communities and organisations around the country. Thirty outstanding individuals were shortlisted across ten categories and Sharon received her award for her volunteer work in the area of Sport and Recreation.

Sharon has been a swimming coach with Cork Special Olympics Club since its inception back in 1993. She is head instructor to 36 athletes with a range of disabilities. She was nominated for the award by a group of 20 parents whose children are members of Cork Special Olympics Swimming Club. They nominated her for her tireless dedication and enthusiasm towards the club but most importantly for the life changing difference she has made to the lives of so many people with an intellectual disability.

Thirty volunteers from all over Ireland were shortlisted for the awards ceremony, which was attended by President Michael D. Higgins and Sharon was presented with her award by the Rose of Tralee, Tara Talbot.

Speaking about Sharon’s award, Matt English CEO Special Olympics Ireland said “We are absolutely delighted for Sharon and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate her. Like so many of our volunteers Sharon is a wonderful ambassador for Special Olympics and a champion for people with intellectual disabilities. It is wonderful to see her honoured in this way”.