News

The biggest Badminton event ever hosted by Special Olympics Ireland took place at Gormanston Park on Sunday 2nd March.

Meet Edward Coughlan, a vibrant 30-year-old from Ballyfin, Co Laois, who is living life to the fullest despite the challenges of cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

On Saturday 1st March Monaghan Special Olympics Club hosted Navan Arch Club and Drogheda Special Olympics Club for a very successful interclub table tennis event at the First Monaghan Hall. 

The much-loved and recently deceased Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club member Vincent Lacke was remembered at a hugely successful soccer tournament held in Killarney on Sunday 9th February.

The event saw men’s and women’s teams from Kerry, Cork and Tipperary take part in a series of soccer matches filled with enthusiasm and determined performances which provided a fitting tribute to the late Vincent, who had a passion for the beautiful game.

Vincent’s sister, Mary Lyne, was on hand to provide the winners’ trophies and medals to the athletes who put on several engaging spectacles at Killarney Sports & Leisure Centre.

Congratulations to Special Olympics Eastern Region legend Louise Grant who was a shortlisted finalist for the Energia Community Award at the HerSport Awards held at UCD Astra Hall on 25th January.

Volunteering in Special Olympics is fulfilling, fascinating, and fun - promising new experiences, with plenty of support available. Take a moment to read about the experience of a first-time volunteer at an Eastern Region artistic gymnastic event to see what we mean!

Bocce athletes from across Leinster competed in the Leinster Regional Bocce Tournament at Our Ladies College Terenure on 8th February.

Ripples SOSC has recently started a new Young Athletes initiative, and there is huge interest in the club from the local community.

Volunteers pay a vital role in supporting young athletes to learn basic motor skills, so that they can access sports and play in teams when they get older! Ripples SOSC knows how valuable, and supportive its volunteers are. Posting on social media the club wrote "Last night we were able to present our first 4 volunteers with their 50hours Epic awards certificates. Our club is so grateful to each and everyone of our volunteers who take the time to volunteer with our fabulous athletes. We are super proud of each of them.If anyone would like to volunteer then please get in touch. We couldn’t do what we do without their help and support".

If you are interested in volunteering with Ripples SOSC please contact: Ripples@sosportsclub.ie

Antrim All-Stars have done great work in setting up Star Player of the Week awards, with medals and a social media shout-out for each athlete. This is great recognition of the importance of every athlete and the local clubs that make it all happen!

As Team Ireland gear up for competition at the World Winter Games in Turin, let’s find out about the women of the team – athletes and coaches – and their experience.