Latest News

We were proud to be invited to the Sports for Business - Sporting Year Ahead event yesterday, hosted by the wonderful Rob Hartnett, who generously gave our CEO, Karen Coventry and three of our incredible athletes — Dara Kiernan (Badminton), Chris Byrne (Football), and Jacob McKenna (Swimming) — centre stage at the closing of the event to speak about the upcoming Ireland Summer Games.

The Special Olympics Ireland Games, Ireland’s largest inclusive sporting event takes place on 18–21st June 2026. Over 1,200 athletes will compete across 12 sports over four action-packed days, alongside MATP, Young Athletes and Healthy Athletes events - all powered by thousands of volunteers and supporters.

European Basketball Week brings together athletes, volunteers and coaches to celebrate the joy of sport, skill development and community. This document highlights the events, training opportunities and youth programmes taking place across the region, showcasing the impact basketball continues to have in creating inclusive and supportive sporting environments for all.

Special Olympics Ireland CEO Karen Coventry and the Chairperson of the Board Dr Brendan O’Brien were privileged to attend the Inauguration of the President of Ireland Catherine Connolly in Dublin Castle on Tuesday.

Special Olympics Ireland is proud to announce a new four-year partnership with Stena Line, extending from 2025 through 2028.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Oisín Jordan as our new Director of Sport.

The 2025 Special Olympics Ireland Volunteer Awards was a celebration of the commitment, spirit, and incredible work that our volunteers do in clubs and at events week-in, week-out.

European Week of Sport is back for 2025 from 23rd–30th September, and we’ve got an amazing line-up of events planned.

The 72 Hour Charity Challenge in aid of Special Olympics Ireland returns from 7th to 10th August 2025.

We are thrilled to share the Impact Report from the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin 2025.

Save the date! 📅 In July, we're celebrating Global Week of Inclusion, highlighting the importance and power of our mission to create a more inclusive world. This September, we’re celebrating Club Week alongside the European Week of Sport — a week packed with both in-person and online activities you won’t want to miss.

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.