From first steps to world stages: The life-changing journey of Special Olympics Ireland

Whether it is the first joyful steps of a young athlete finding their footing or the proud moments of a seasoned athlete representing Ireland on the world stage as a coach, the heart-warming stories of Ellen (8) and George (43) will give you just a glimpse of the grassroots community, the support, and the transformative impact that happens in Special Olympics clubs every day. As we gear up for Special Olympics Collection Day on Friday the 2nd of May, these stories highlight the importance of community support now more than ever.

Ellen Dilworth from Marino, Dublin, has been a member of the Young Athletes programme in Donabate, the Portrane Special Olympics Club, for a year and a half. Brian recalls, “We got Ellen's diagnosis of Down Syndrome the day after she was born, which was on International Down Syndrome Day. Ellen has an older brother who passed away ten years ago, and that has formed our attitude ever since – Ellen may need additional help, but we treat Ellen like any of our other kids.”

Once Ellen got involved in sports, the need for inclusion and support made Special Olympics the right choice. “In mainstream sports, Ellen couldn’t keep up as things advanced, which was difficult for her confidence. Special Olympics came onto our radar, and we took the opportunity when a place came up on the waiting list.”

The Young Athletes programme for children aged four to twelve focuses on building confidence and movement skills in an enjoyable way: “It’s fitness with fun! The team accommodate mixed abilities, and Ellen loves the routine – she knows what’s happening. Even the warm-ups are done in a fun way. There’s a focus on different skills – last week it was catching and throwing bean bags, and the coaches taught Ellen techniques where you could see improvement straight away.”

“At the end, there’s an obstacle course Ellen loves. Initially, she wouldn’t get on the balance beam without a firm grip holding her, but now I just hold my hand out for reassurance – her balance has really improved.”

The weekly activities were impactful in helping Ellen bounce back from invasive hip surgery last year. “Ellen was in a brace for six weeks afterwards. She was delighted to get back to Special Olympics after that, and I think the exercises and training really helped her recovery.”

For Ellen’s family, Special Olympics gives her opportunities that might not otherwise be possible. “For any child with additional needs, it feels like a lot of the expected milestones are closed to Ellen; she doesn't have the same opportunities as other kids. But she could do well in Special Olympics; she could travel, have independence, and represent Ireland, which any parent would be proud of. So that's something that we have hopes for.”

One athlete who has fulfilled all these hopes and more is Kilkenny native George Fitzgerald. Before joining the Waterford Special Olympics in 2002, he suffered isolation and exclusion. “My life was very quiet – without sports or social activities. At a younger age I couldn’t play sports, so joining Special Olympics was an opportunity to play without being excluded. I made friends playing football, then got involved with basketball as my fellow athletes played that too.”

George’s confidence and ability grew, and he soon completed training courses in coaching and officiating. He became a basketball referee and represented Ireland in floorball in the 2013 and 2017 Special Olympics World Games, gaining valuable experience along the way.

George’s progress continued as he became the first athlete to become a coach for a World Games team, as Assistant Floorball Coach at the 2025 World Winter Games in Turin. “My local club and Special Olympics Ireland supported me in this journey - without proper funding things like this cannot be possible.”

George has also become heavily involved in opportunities for athlete leadership as a member of the Athlete Leadership Forum. “One of the things that’s amazing about Special Olympics is inclusion –it’s about believing in our athletes, involving them in higher roles. Collection Day helps Special Olympics Ireland develop in terms of inclusion and athlete development. The athletes’ hard work year in, year out needs to be recognised and appreciated, and this funding helps the progress of all athletes throughout Ireland”.

Special Olympics Ireland works towards a world where a child can find a supportive place to play and learn at age 8 and grow to become an experienced coach at 43. It’s a future that’s not limited by lack of access, but only by the size of an athlete’s dream – and we need your support to make those dreams a reality. On Collection Day, you can help people with intellectual disabilities in communities all over the country to embark on their own Special Olympics journey.