News

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.

The Munster Region played host to this year’s Healthfest in MTU Cork on 28 September, offering a super programme of health-focussed workshops delivered in collaboration with our partner organisations to support athlete wellbeing.

This month, meet 2 of our amazing Connaught athletes!

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.

At the end of August 2025, Eastern Region Basketball Athlete, Ashwin Maliyakal, from Killester Basketball Club completed an Introductory Basketball referee course. This two-day course was run by Dublin Officials Association in ALSAA.

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

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.

June was a busy month for Healthy Athlete screenings, with Fun Fitness in action at regional basketball and football events incorporating screenings facilitated by two teams of physiotherapy students from RCSI.

Read all about how athletes across Ireland are benefiting from ongoing physiotherapy screenings and education through Special Olympics Ireland’s partnership with RCSI — supporting fitness, injury prevention, and inclusive healthcare.

Meet volunteer Audrey Barry, who began volunteering with Special Olympics through her workplace after growing up beside a Special Olympics athlete. She's gone on to have unforgettable experiences while making a real difference.

Meet Leinster athlete Deirdre Nevin, a multi-sport marvel with a positive attitude and big dreams!