The February E-zine is out now!

It is great to see the longer, brighter days starting to creep in and I know many of us are happy to say goodbye to January. In addition, I am delighted that, whilst we remain vigilant and cautious, COVID-19 restrictions continue to reduce and our lives continue to improve.

As clubs are opening and getting back to training in one form or another, I would like to remind you that our team is here to support you. We have revised our Return to Activities guidelines and you can also confirm the return of your club here.

I’m excited to see that our competition advancement events planning is well underway and I very much look forward to getting out and about over the coming weeks and months to meet some of you and, of course, to cheer our athletes on. Full information on these events including volunteering opportunities is available here.

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Special Olympics' athlete Una Coates, who has been taking part in RTÉ’s Operation Transformation challenge. We have had so many messages from athletes and clubs relaying how Una has inspired them to embark on a healthier 2022. This Saturday, I will be amongst nearly 70 Special Olympics supporters meeting up with Una to encourage her on her final 5km challenge in Dublin’s Phoenix Park. I look forward to bringing you photos from the day and hope that Una has motivated you to continue on your healthier journey. If you would like more information on how to get your club involved in our Health and Wellbeing programme you can fill in the form here and we will get in touch with you.

Finally, I would like to inform our sports clubs that the Club COVID-19 Grant Scheme information will be issued on Monday, February 21st, and applications will open on that date. I encourage clubs to link with their respective regional offices regarding the grant support that is being made available. The closing date for submission of applications will be Monday, March 7th. Applications will be processed and grants issued by end of March 2022. A second round of the Grant Scheme will open for Services for Intellectual Disability and Special Schools by the end of March. I hope that the scheme will play a part in smoothing your return to normal activities.



Warm regards and stay safe, 

Matt

Matt English,

CEO, Special Olympics Ireland

#CantStopNow #LetsGetBack