Special Olympics holds second virtual AGM
The Special Olympics Ireland virtual AGM took place on Saturday, June 19th and we're delighted to present some highlights below.
Huge thanks was given to both Proinsias Kitt (out-going Treasurer) and Mary Lally (Chair of the Governance Sub Committee) who both retired from the Board, having served the maximum of six years and both provided excellent service to the organisation. We congratulate Brendan Whelan and Jim Pow who were re-elected as Directors for a further two years and Donal Courtney who was appointed as a Director of the Company.
CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, Matt English, gave an address on the Company’s activities for the year. There were lots of positive achievements to report, despite the significant adverse impact of the pandemic. During this address, a brief explaination was given on the Board’s decision to not host an Ireland Games in 2022 in their traditional format. A communication was issued to all our clubs after the AGM and we will continue to communicate with all stakeholders.
Proinsias Kitt presented positive financial results for the year ending 31st December 2020. Mazars were reappointed as the statutory auditors for the year ahead and the Board was authorised to fix their remuneration.
Director of Operations, Jo McDaid presented the 2025 strategy with our new values. You will find a softcopy of the document here and a short video here. Thank you all sincerely for your contribution to developing the strategy which should serve us well over the next five years.
Company Secretary, Helena Walsh, presented the resolutions of the AGM. All resolutions were passed, including the important resolution related to an athlete serving as a Director of the company. Our constitution is now amended to remove the requirement for an athlete to serve on the board (due predominantly to the complexities and legal and other responsibilities of the role of a Director on the Board). This proposed change, recommended by the Board, followed detailed work by the Board, extensive legal advice and real thought to the implications and the experience for the individual athlete. We continue to develop alternative arrangements for athlete input and engagement.
The highlight of the AGM was the interview between Denis O’Gorman who has now completed 150 marathons since Covid began and his friend and our valued volunteer, Deborah McArdle.
In closing the AGM, we were delighted to share a short video (being one of the many “Paudcasts)“ published by young Special Olympics athlete, Padraig Callaghan under a series called “Monday Motivation”.
Special Olympics Ireland would like to thank all of you for your support and continued dedication. We very much look forward to the return of physical activities at all our clubs in the relatively near future.
