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 has today launched its first ever Young Athletes™ Impact Report. Established in 2017 with eir as its founding partner, the programme is designed for children aged 4 to 12 with intellectual disabilities, focusing on play-based physical activities that build fundamental movement skills such as running, catching, throwing, and balance. It provides a vital early foundation for lifelong participation in sport.

European Football Week, the annual week where we join with organisations across the continent to promote inclusion and activity in football, kicks off on 24th May, and we have great thing planned!

Five-time Hurling All-Ireland winner Declan Hannon, together with Special Olympics gold medallists Emma Costello and Anita Forde are calling on companies across Ireland to “reach new heights in support of Special Olympics”, by signing-up to the Croke Park Abseil. Proudly sponsored by eir, the Special Olympics Croke Park Abseil will see participants raise vital, life-changing funds for athletes with an intellectual disability, while pushing themselves to abseil down 150ft from the roof of one of Ireland’s most iconic sporting landmarks. Eir and Special Olympics Ireland are celebrating 40-years of continuous charity partnership in 2025, making it one of the longest running charity partnerships in Europe.

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

The Team Ireland Floorball team did us all proud with their bronze medal win, showing plenty of heart, skill, sportsmanship and team spirit along the way! The Munster Region was especially well represented, with Joe Buckley, James Hunter and Gavin Bourke from Mallow, and Joseph Sheehan from Doneraile all active members of Mallow Special Olympics Club.

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

Irish Football Legend Niall Quinn surprised athletes at the Leinster Regional Bowling Qualifying event on 26th March!

The annual Beryl Kelly Memorial Gala on 25th February was a great success, continuing to honour the legacy of Beryl Kelly as a driving force in Special Olympics and the wider Gorey community.

On Thursday March 13th, D6 Special Olympics Club hosted a Golf Skills interclub day which took place in Milltown Golf Club, making for a fantastic day for all involved.