Health Promotion Programme nominated for adult education award
The long-running programme has been shortlisted in the Health & Wellbeing category
Special Olympics Ireland's Health Promotion Programme has been shortlisted for an award in the Health and Wellbeing category, at the 17th AONTAS STAR Awards, an event recognising adult education initiatives held by the National Adult Learning Organisation.
The programme is shortlisted in the ‘large organisations’ category for Adult Learning Initiatives that Support Health and Wellbeing. Also in the running are Start360 Engage Women's Service Recovery Group in Antrim, and Arts for Health in Cork.
The Health Promotion Programme is one of the longest-standing health education programmes for people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland, intended to empower Special Olympics athletes to reach their full health potential and to take control of their own health literacy.
From its inception in 2008, athletes have been involved in the programme’s decision-making and design process, and over 100 athletes participate on a yearly basis. Results have shown an increase in health knowledge and behaviour which has been life-changing for so many participants.
A team of athletes, volunteers and Special Olympics staff will meet the judges on Thursday 9 February to present the initiative. The winners of the STAR Awards will be announced at the awards ceremony on Friday 10 March in Croke Park, Dublin. The event will conclude the 2023 AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival, a nationwide celebration of adult learning.
"It is an honour to be shortlisted for such a well-recognised award. We are very proud of our Health Promotion Programme and the number of athletes that have benefited from it over the years. We are looking forward to meeting the judges and sharing our initiative with them."
– Hayley Kavanagh, Health and Wellbeing Co-ordinator
