News

Athletes battled across the basketball courts of Gormanston on Day 2 of the Games with determination, teamwork and passion.

The levels of focus on display were remarkable, and athletes were prepared for a strong contest.

Following an energising and inspiring Opening Ceremony on Thursday evening, where President Catherine Connolly shared a heartfelt message of good luck with the athletes, Day 1 of the Ireland Games delivered moments of excitement, pride, and celebration - offering a brilliant glimpse of what is yet to come.

Day 2 of competition was just as successful, especially for Lakers Social and Recreation Club, based in Bray.

Following an energising and inspiring Opening Ceremony on Thursday evening, where President Catherine Connolly shared a heartfelt message of good luck with the athletes, Day 1 of the competitions delivered moments of excitement, pride, and celebration - offering a brilliant glimpse of what is yet to come.

One athlete who didn’t let the weather dampen his determination was Ruari O’Toole from Spiddal, who placed third in kayaking for Team Connaught.

The first full day of competition in the 2026 Special Olympics Ireland Games was a triumph of skill, determination, team spirit, and infectious energy.

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.

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.

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.

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.