Ulster News

Experience the highlights of the Special Olympics Ulster Athlete Leadership Forum, held on Saturday 15 November at Dromantine Retreat and Conference Centre, Newry. This year’s theme, Technology & Leadership, brought together 41 athletes and 26 mentors from clubs across Ulster for a day of learning, connection and fun. Wayne Denner shared valuable tips on staying safe online and using technology positively, while Nicole O’Connor introduced athletes to the creative and responsible use of AI. With warm hospitality, a memorable sing-song during a surprise fire alarm, and AI-made Christmas cards for C L A R E CIC, it was an inspiring and uplifting event

Special Olympics Ulster is delighted to announce the Head of Delegation for Team Ulster at the 2026 Ireland Summer Games - Suzanne Robinson!

This year’s Ulster Region Athlete Leadership Forum took the theme "Technology and Leadership", making for a fantastic and memorable day.

A massive sponsored climb up Donegal’s highest peak Mt. Errigal last month helped to raise €6,461.65 for the North West Special Olympics Club.

What a day at the Ulster Regional Golf Qualifying Event at Portmarnock Golf Course!

Lisburn 2gether SO footballers struck gold at the Special Olympics Ireland 2025 Regional Advancement Games in Antrim — a day of triumph, teamwork, and true spirit!

Armagh Special Olympics Swimming Club shined at the North West Regional Championship in Liverpool over the weekend of May 11th — bringing home 17 medals and making us all proud!

Co Antrim athletes Caolan McConville and Lucy Best made their home towns and the whole Ulster Region proud with their amazing performances in Turin.

Antrim All-Stars have done great work in setting up Star Player of the Week awards, with medals and a social media shout-out for each athlete. This is great recognition of the importance of every athlete and the local clubs that make it all happen!

Ripples SOSC has recently started a new Young Athletes initiative, and there is huge interest in the club from the local community.

Volunteers pay a vital role in supporting young athletes to learn basic motor skills, so that they can access sports and play in teams when they get older! Ripples SOSC knows how valuable, and supportive its volunteers are. Posting on social media the club wrote "Last night we were able to present our first 4 volunteers with their 50hours Epic awards certificates. Our club is so grateful to each and everyone of our volunteers who take the time to volunteer with our fabulous athletes. We are super proud of each of them.If anyone would like to volunteer then please get in touch. We couldn’t do what we do without their help and support".

If you are interested in volunteering with Ripples SOSC please contact: Ripples@sosportsclub.ie

On Saturday 14 December, 19 athletes from five Ulster clubs gathered at the Four Seasons Hotel, Monaghan for an Athlete Leadership mini-forum and awards ceremony.