News

Meet Mei Lin Yap — a trailblazer for inclusion and perseverance. Awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws by Trinity College Dublin, she becomes the first person in Ireland with an intellectual disability to receive this distinction. A champion swimmer, global competitor, and long-time volunteer with Special Olympics Ireland, Mei Lin continues inspiring others through advocacy, storytelling and unwavering optimism. Her journey shows that when inclusion, opportunity and belief come together, incredible things can happen. Read more about her story and how she’s shaping a more inclusive Ireland.

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

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.

A new resource that can help clubs get to know their athletes better – their likes, dislikes, needs and helpful accommodations – is now available for download from our website.

The Motor Activities Training Program is getting a boost with new resources available to assist volunteers and coaches in how to train and help athletes in multiple specific skill areas.

2025 was a landmark year for the Special Olympics Ireland Young Athletes Programme, as Young Athletes Festivals were held for the first time.

On November 15th, athletes completing the Athlete Leadership Programme from Laochra Laoise Special Olympics Club showcased their hard work through a series of brilliant presentations.

The Eastern Region golfers had an early start on Saturday November 1st as they took to the course at Grange Castle Golf Club for the final day of the Eastern Region Golf League. In a highly anticipated day for golfers and volunteers alike, over 25 athletes competed in the final from eight different clubs. An average of 27 players attended each day of the competition.

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

Special Olympics held the Athletes Design Co_Lab in the America First Field Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA on July 16th 2025. Athletes from around the world got together to help come up with design ideas to use with Special Olympics Merchandise for people around the world to buy on the Special Olympics website.

Special Olympics Ireland was ably represented at Leinster House on Wednesday 19th November, as CEO Karen Coventry, SOI Board member and founder of Sport for Business Rob Hartnett and Athlete Leader Ashwin Maliyakal met with Charlie McConalogue, Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, with special responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy.

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