[{"command":"openDialog","selector":"#drupal-modal","settings":null,"data":"\u003Cp\u003EEoin and Lorcan Tully began their sporting journey at 5 and 6 years old in local mainstream sports clubs and summer camps.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cLorcan had limited speech up to 6 years old, with poor coordination and concentration due to epilepsy, and Eoin was non-verbal. They needed more one-on-one support than the local clubs were able for. As I saw how difficult it was for them, I started to worry for their future as they got older. I wondered how we were going to keep them occupied,\u0026nbsp;and give them a hobby or sport they both could do well in and enjoy.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELorcan and Eoin\u2019s family researched their options and got the boys into Vikings Special Olympics Club. With three years of swimming lessons prior to this. Eoin was still using arm bands and Lorcan was at beginner level \u2013 but within a year of Special Olympics, both boys were swimming! They soon joined a wide range of other sports like basketball, golf, bocce, bowling, athletics and tag rugby.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur whole world changed. They absolutely loved doing different sports and learning new skills. They made lots of friends and enjoyed all the competitions. We couldn\u0027t believe the change in them - how confident they had become. As the years went by they focused more on swimming \u2013 including in the open water. I still remember their first competition, 750 metres in the sea \u2013 I have to say I was terrified watching them, but it was so safe and felt like another miracle for Eoin and Lorcan.\u201d As their confidence and technique grew, they began competing in mainstream swimming \u2013 winning medals, training hard, and doing exceptionally well in Leinster Open Sea competitions and Masters championships.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe confidence, range of experiences and skills that Eoin and Lorcan have gained from Special Olympics has helped them in other areas of life as well. Lorcan has taken strides to work as a swimming coach, engaging in work experience and recently passing his Level 1 Assistant Coaching qualification. Eoin has gained confidence and independence, travelling on his own to school by bus, and winning trophies and prized in open water and river swimming. Jacqueline says: \u201cSpecial Olympics has made life so enjoyable for my sons and family!\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","dialogOptions":{"dialogClass":"popup-dialog-class","width":"60%","modal":true,"title":"Eoin and Lorcan Swim to Success","classes":{"ui-dialog":"popup-dialog-class"}}}]