Celebrating 20 years since the Ireland World Games with Parkrun!

Join the Special Olympics Ireland family to celebrate our 2003 20-year anniversary on 24 June at all parkruns across the island of Ireland!  

The Special Olympics Ireland family celebrates 20 years since the 2003 World Summer Games this June 2023.

To mark the occasion, Special Olympics athletes, volunteers and their clubs are invited to join forces with the parkrun community for a day of celebration and inclusivity on Saturday 24 June 2023. 

Since hosting the World Summer Games in 2003, Special Olympics Ireland’s community club network has now grown to over 254 clubs, with 10,073 volunteers across the island of Ireland, offering the transformative power of sport to 8,435 athletes across 15 different sports. 

Special Olympics Ireland is extending an invitation to all our athletes, families, club volunteers, event volunteers, sponsors and friends to join them to mark the 20th anniversary at your local parkruns across the island of Ireland!

Weekly parkruns, like Special Olympics clubs, bring together people of all ages and abilities and we are delighted that parkrun have offered their Saturday events on 24 June to let us come together to run, jog, or walk 5km and celebrate!

This collaboration between Special Olympics Ireland and parkrun presents a unique opportunity to promote inclusion, celebrate the achievements of athletes with a learning/intellectual disability and have fun together - celebrating a shared passion for physical activity.

Clubs can take the opportunity to use the parkrun platform to promote their activities in their local community and celebrate their hard work and their athletes' achievements. 

Whether you're a seasoned park runner, club athlete or a Special Olympics volunteer, the events on 24 June promise to create memorable experiences!

Each of the Special Olympics Ireland regions will be hosting a flagship event at a key location or you can join your local parkrun family to mark the anniversary. Join us on 24 June and let's make this anniversary celebration an unforgettable experience for everyone!

For more information please keep an eye on our social media and website or contact your regional office.