News

On May 11th, athletes from across the Leinster and Eastern regions gathered at the Clayton Hotel for a day of inspiration, learning, and celebration. The Athlete Leadership Forum kicked off with registration and a warm welcome, followed by a series of exciting and engaging workshops designed to empower and equip participants.

Special Olympics Ireland works towards a world where a child can find a supportive place to play, learn and grow.

The Killester Men’s A basketball team travelled over to Wales during the weekend of 8th-9th March to take part in a highly competitive tournament in Cardiff.

A Regional Basketball Qualifying Event took place on 22nd March in Knocknarea Arena, ATU, Sligo.

The Youth Festival at DCU and the National Basketball Arena was headed up by our Eastern Region, with the help of volunteers from Donabate Portrane Special Olympics Club!

2024 was a year of achievement, new beginnings, and positive developments for Connaught Special Olympics.

Thanks to Mairead Daly, South Lakers Special Olympics Club, for organising a fun-filled juvenile basketball day on Saturday 30th November. 14 athletes took part and had a fantastic time.

Limerick City Special Olympics Sports Club represented Ireland at the Princess Charlene European Swim Meet in Monaco during the recent October Bank Holiday weekend. A team of 4 athletes, Tara Loftus, Emma Griffin, Andy Coyne, and Brian Lowe competed in the two-day competition against athletes from 28 countries.

Hosted by Special Olympics Athlete Leader Anita Forde, the event brought together key voices, including Matt English (CEO), Karen Coventry (Director of Sport), Dr. Sarah Meegan (DCU), Declan O’Leary (Sport Ireland), and Dr. Hayley Kavanagh herself. Their insights highlighted the immense strides the programme has made.
Including the launch of the Young Athletes Activity Guide and some deeply moving stories from past participants like Anna Kilmartin and Elliot Higgins Porter, who exemplified the transformative power of the Young Athletes Programme.

Special Olympics is all about our athletes and volunteers, so it’s important to hear directly from the athletes themselves!

The 2024 Special Olympics Ireland Volunteer Awards was a celebration of the beating heart of Special Olympics. Without the contributions of volunteers in clubs and at events year-round, our mission to transform lives through sport wouldn’t be possible.