The important role volunteers play in the success of Special Olympics Ireland has been highlighted by Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue.
Speaking at the launch of the Special Olympics Ireland Young Athletes Impact Report 2025, the Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy said: “Volunteerism is the backbone of the Special Olympics movement in Ireland, and I want to thank those whose generosity of time and spirit helps create an inclusive, uplifting environment that allows individuals to thrive and flourish.
“Without these people selflessly volunteering, often at significant cost to themselves, there would not be a sports sector, sports system or indeed a sporting community to speak of in this country. Thanks to volunteerism, we have a broad-based sports system serving communities in every part of Ireland.”
“Special Olympics Ireland does extraordinary work in ensuring persons living with an intellectual disability can avail of the opportunity to participate in sport. Currently nearly 8,000 people from across the island of Ireland participate in fifteen different sports through Special Olympics Ireland. Last year, Nemo SO Sports Club in Donegal was one of five new community clubs that were established,” he added.
“As Minister for Sport, I recognise the importance of sport and physical activity for the health and wellbeing of our society, the Government for its part will always work to ensure that Irish sport is inclusive and that we have the facilities to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate.
“All people should have the right to enjoy sport which brings so much to our lives. It keeps us healthy, and it is the backbone of our communities. The Special Olympics Ireland Young Athletes programme enables children living with an intellectual disability in Ireland to learn fundamental movement skills, foster social connection and provides a pathway to lifelong participation in sport,” he commented.
Established in 2017 with eir as its founding partner, the programme is designed for children aged between 4 and 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.
The report’s key findings showed that 210 young athletes graduated from the programme, with 368 children participating across 23 community clubs and ten schools delivering the programme. A total of 39 coaches were trained or upskilled, with an additional 37 parents receiving training in physical literacy.
“Through sports, health and leadership programmes participants learn to be physically, mentally and emotionally fit. They acquire new skills, increase confidence and most importantly, they get to experience the joy of sport and make life-long friendships.
“None of this would be possible without the tremendous passion, energy and support of all volunteers, clubs and partners. Across all sports, the volunteer is the key building block. Every day, up and down this island, people step up and generously give their time and effort to sport and many other community causes,” Minister McConalogue added.
Pictured above: Donegal Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue, pictured at the launch of Special Olympics Ireland’s first-ever Young Athletes’ Impact Report with sisters and young athletes, Aoibh (9) and Laoise (13) Beddis, Dr Hayley Kavanagh, author of the report, and CEO of eir, Oliver Loomes.
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