Latest News

Special Olympics Ireland CEO, Matt English, has been awarded the Outstanding Achievement for Contribution to Irish Sport at the 2025 Irish Sport Industry Awards. As he prepares to retire after 17 years at the helm, this honour celebrates Matt’s exceptional leadership, tireless dedication, and unwavering commitment to inclusion. Read more about Matt’s incredible journey and well-deserved recognition

Five-time Hurling All-Ireland winner Declan Hannon, together with Special Olympics gold medallists Emma Costello and Anita Forde are calling on companies across Ireland to “reach new heights in support of Special Olympics”, by signing-up to the Croke Park Abseil. Proudly sponsored by eir, the Special Olympics Croke Park Abseil will see participants raise vital, life-changing funds for athletes with an intellectual disability, while pushing themselves to abseil down 150ft from the roof of one of Ireland’s most iconic sporting landmarks. Eir and Special Olympics Ireland are celebrating 40-years of continuous charity partnership in 2025, making it one of the longest running charity partnerships in Europe.

Special Olympics Ireland works towards a world where a child can find a supportive place to play, learn and grow.

After a year of dedicated training, Special Olympics Team Ireland has officially set off for the 2025 World Winter Games in Turin, Italy!

The biggest Badminton event ever hosted by Special Olympics Ireland took place at Gormanston Park on Sunday 2nd March.

Catch up on all the news about our programmes, competitions, volunteer and club activity here!

Congratulations, Deborah!

We are thrilled to celebrate your win!

Run the Dublin City Marathon with Special Olympics Ireland!

The lottery for the 2024 Dublin City Marathon is now closed—but you still have a chance to be part of the action! Special Olympics Ireland has 3 exclusive places available. Join us, support athletes with intellectual disabilities, and experience the thrill of race day. Don’t miss this last opportunity—secure your spot today!

Special Olympics Ireland has exclusive charity places available for runners committed to raising vital funds for our athletes. Register your interest for one of our spots today and begin your journey to the finish line!

We are thrilled to announce that our very own Karen Coventry, Director of Sport, has been honoured as one of the Sport for Business AIG's 50 Most Influential Women in Irish Sport 2024!

Rugby Players Ireland and Mental Health Ireland teamed up on Saturday to support the Special Olympics Team Ireland Athletes to prepare for the excitement, pressure, and emotional highs and lows of the the up coming World Winter Games in Turin.

The All-Ireland Athlete Leadership Forum brings Special Olympics athletes together to learn about leadership, improve skills, make new friends and reconnect with old ones! It's all happening on Saturday 21st September from 10:30 am to 5pm. We are delighted to have 120 athletes registered to attend the Forum. We have capacity for some additional athlete places: if you wish to register for the forum, please email athlete.leadership@specialolympics.ie

Special Olympics Ireland is proud to announce a ground-breaking partnership with Golf Ireland, which offers support by means of funding and a renewed commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in the sport of golf.