January 2024 Connaught Ezine : Welcome Message
Welcome to the first edition of the Special Olympics Ireland Ezine for 2024. Read on for news and updates on our programmes across clubs, health, volunteers, Ireland Winter Games, fundraising and more.
After enjoying the festive period, we’re right back in the swing of things with our programmes of grassroots club activities, continuing the build-up to the Ireland Winter Games in March, and laying the groundwork for a busy and exciting year ahead.
Team Connaught competing in the Ireland Winter Games is active in Galway-based floorball training sessions in preparation for the Games, and the team is having its official launch event on 29th February. Volunteers are being recruited for the Games that will run from 22nd to 24th March. I encourage you to consider getting involved in what promises to be a hotly contested Games despite the winter chill!
I’m pleased to say that Special Olympics Ireland has invested in a new membership system called JustGo. 140 clubs completed training during the end of 2023 and further training is underway for the remaining clubs. Our old system was no longer fit for purpose, and we now have a modern membership system where athletes, family members, volunteers and clubs will maintain their own records in real time, avoiding a long-winded and inefficient manual registration process. I would urge all our hardworking 'Club Champions' to ensure their athlete data is entered and verified, emails collected from family members and input to the system to share the registration link with them as soon as possible. This will help us all in so many ways, and our regional staff members will be delighted to help you through this important transition.
The popular fundraising campaign Friendship February is active during the entire month, as schools and creches sign up to encourage their students to take part in two daily acts of friendship across one week, while raising vital funds and learning about our programmes and mission along the way. This is an excellent way to help our programmes and plans become reality, increasing public awareness of the value of our movement to creating a more inclusive society.
On Sunday 7 January, the first of our Nutrition for Competition workshops was delivered with the Leinster Winter Games Floorball team. This workshop will be delivered to all regions as they prepare for the Ireland Winter Games in March. The athletes engaged well and became quite competitive in the quiz at the end! To complement this, team members will all receive a logbook with information on training, healthy eating, hydration and mental preparation for competition.
We want our athletes to be well-prepared so that they can have a positive Games experience. Providing them with tools, tips and self-care skills along the way will help them at the Games and beyond, with long-term wellbeing benefits.
I hope you enjoy reading our Ezine. I would also encourage you to engage with our various social media channels where you can get very current updates on Special Olympics activities and events. I and all our staff look forward to continuing to engage with you in the weeks and months ahead.
