Special Olympics Ulster puts Friendship back on the Podium
This was the first sporting competition in many months and while there were medals on the line and the chance to qualify to represent Team Ireland at the upcoming World Summer Games in Berlin - friendship and family came first on the day.
Nine friends from Lisburn 2gether Special Olympics Badminton Club traveled to the competition venue in Co. Meath to represent their club and the Ulster Region against clubs from across the Republic of Ireland. Sarah Louise Rea, a former World Games Gold Medallist, also from Lisburn, took home a gold medal on the day.
“I am so happy to be here today competing, I was very nervous as I haven’t played too much over the past two years but I just tried to relax and do my best. It helped that I was in the final against Dara (Kiernan) who I made friends with at the 2018 Ireland Games. As Dara is from Dublin I haven’t seen her in four years but it was great catching up and we had a great match,”
said an elated Sarah
With the lifting of restrictions for this vulnerable group of adults and children, Special Olympics Ireland wants to ensure that all athletes get back to the training and competing, empowering them to achieve their full potential and meet their friends again.
With over 50 sporting events planned and underway across the island, today Special Olympics are also launching the return of their annual Collection Day, which will take place on Friday, April 29th. The annual Collection Day raises critical funds to run the programme for 1,660 children and adults with an intellectual disability, across the Ulster Region.
Speaking at the launch event, Regional Director for Ulster, Shaun Cassidy said:
“Many of our athletes have defied the odds to do things that they were told were impossible. They’ve proved that they Can’t Stop Now and it’s up to us as an organisation to support their dreams. Sport is about so much more than what happens on the pitch, pool or court. For our athletes and their families it is about friendship, building confidence, new skills and experiencing joy. But we can’t do it without the support of the public. We are calling on communities across Northern Ireland to support our Collection Day by volunteering to collect on the day or taking part in our ‘5k for Collection Day’ fundraiser.”
In addition to a packed sports schedule, Special Olympics are focused on providing critical early intervention for children from as young as four years old, through their Young Athletes clubs. Their Health and Leadership Programmes also help athletes to learn new skills on becoming more independent and on how to take a more active role in their own health.
“Special Olympics is very special. Sarah Louise comes alive when she goes to her club. She has really missed it during the pandemic but she’s back now and she is so happy to see her friends again. I’m just so proud of her,”
says an emotional James Rea, dad to Sarah Louise.
This year the public are being asked to get involved in Collection Day on Friday April 29th by volunteering or taking part in their virtual 5k for Collection Day challenge. Full information and sign up details are available here
