International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity highlights Special Olympics athletes and programmes

Special Olympics were delighted to contribute and collaborate at the recent International Symposium in Adapted Physical Activity (ISAPA). We presented our ground-breaking research and featured our highly involved athletes and Health messengers in prominent roles, showing our commitment to leadership in the coaching and training of people with intellectual disability.

On Tuesday 17th, Youth Pathways and Impact Lead Dr. Hayley Kavanagh presented 'Building Physical Literacy: The PLAYshop Approach for parents of children”. This presentation focused on insights and practices developed through the pioneering Young Athletes programme.

The next day, Sargent Shriver Global Messenger and Special Olympics Ireland athlete Margaret Turley had a major role. She presented as part of a practical workshop titled 'Engaging Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities in Inclusive Research: Practical Strategies’. Margaret followed this by making a speech and signing a Memorandum of Understanding between IFAPA (International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity) and Special Olympics International.

On Thursday, the Strong Minds Happier Lives programme was presented as a coproduction project developed in collaboration with Mental Health Ireland, guided by our team of Health Messengers. Health and Wellbeing Coordinator Dr. Kathy Fulcher, Sargent Shriver Global Messenger Margaret Turley and Claire Flynn from Mental Health Ireland presented to a diverse audience of mental health practitioners on the inspiration and work behind the programme.

Meanwhile, Dr. Hayley Kavanagh presented 'Move to Improve: An 8-week, coach-led fundamental movement skill intervention'. This coach-led intervention is one element of the ground-breaking work that has impacted over 1000 Young athletes to date - read more about this initiative here.

On Friday 20th, RDO Sport Shaun Hennessy, Senior Manager for Motor Activities with Special Olympics International Dr. Niamh Mourton, and a group of coaches including international experts Martin Block and Jeff Black, joined athletes involved in the Athlete Leadership, Fitness Captains and Health Messenger programmes in a new Motor Activity Training Programme (MATP) showcasing the Erasmus+ project for Motor Activities. 

MATP emphasizes inclusive, non-competitive skill-building through adapted motor training and active participation with progression through stages as athletes improve their skills. As part of Athlete Leadership, 5 athletes from the Kerry Stars club completed the training which was followed up by a Come and Try event attended by athletes from local schools and services . Our athletes' team shone with their ability to motivate and modify the activities to suit the different abilities of participants in the session.