Special Olympics Ireland's Women in Sport initiatives given funding boost from Sport Ireland

Special Olympics Ireland is delighted to announce that our commitment to Women in Sport has been given a major boost through funding from Sport Ireland.

The €50,000 funding allocation will support out efforts to enhance the mission of our Women in Sport Action Plan 2024-2027, to “Provide identical sport training and competition opportunities for females with an intellectual disability” and “to provide and develop leadership roles for our female athletes and volunteers”. 

In particular, the funding will allow us to advance programmes and efforts across 4 main areas: Coaching and Officiating, Active Participation, Leadership and Governance, and Visibility.

Read our Women in Sport Action Plan 2024-2027 here

Sport Ireland’s WIS Programme funds projects and initiatives across a wide range of sports. These projects support the Government’s vision for women in sport as one where women have an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential, while enjoying a lifelong involvement in sport.

2025’s funding allocation of €4m matches the record amount invested last year, more than double the amount allocated in 2022.

This year marks twenty years of ringfenced funding for women’s sport in Ireland following the establishment of the WIS Programme. To date, over €30 million has been invested in women’s sports through the fund.

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan T.D., said: "This investment in women’s sport will enable more women and girls to be involved in sport across all levels from grassroots to high performance. The Government remains steadfast in its commitment to eliminate the gender participation gap by 2027. The funding announced today will support sporting organisations in putting programmes in place to increase women’s participation in their sports and assist in achieving this ambitious goal."

Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue T.D., said: "The funding allocated by government to support the participation of women and girls in sport is delivering real and meaningful change. The Women in Sport Programme has been a key enabler in the decline of the gender participation gap in recent years. It is vital that women’s involvement in sport is not confined to participation and the funding announced today will support initiatives in areas including coaching, officiating and leadership."

Sport Ireland CEO, Dr Úna May, said: "The evolution of the Women in Sport Policy and sustained funding is a testament to the progress made over the past two decades and reflects our shared commitment to gender equality in sport. By empowering women and girls to participate, lead, and excel at every level, we are building a more inclusive and dynamic sporting culture across Ireland."

Sport Ireland Director and Women in Sport Lead, Nora Stapleton, said: "We’ve seen first-hand how targeted investment can open doors, shift mindsets, and inspire confidence. With this continued support, we’re excited to build on that momentum and ensure that every woman and girl in Ireland feels welcome and valued in sport. While a lot has been achieved in the last number of years, the Women in Sport Policy clearly highlights where gaps and opportunities still exist. Funding such as this is vital to support organisations in closing these gaps and capitalising on the opportunities."

Chairperson of the Women in Sport Committee, Michelle Tanner, said: "The Women in Sport Policy has been instrumental in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities—not just on the field of play, but in boardrooms, coaching roles, and officiating."