Special Olympics Ulster are issuing a call for their annual Collection Day in Down on Friday May 5th to help transform lives through sport.
This year’s theme is ‘Currently Seeking Superheroes’ with the goal of recruiting 100 volunteers to help on the day and inspiring the wider community to give what they can.
Special Olympics has a long history in Down. Regional Advancement events are taking place throughout Ulster, and Down is well represented across 13 sports including bowling. Siobhan Hollywood and Rita Kearney from Newry, competed in the Ulster Region Bowling Advancement Event 2017 at Lisburn Bowl last month. They train with their team, The Newry City Strikers, and coach Marcella McBride in Down.
Ulster Regional Director Shaun Cassidy explained the importance of sport in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities such as Siobhan and Rita.
He said: “Special Olympics Ireland is first and foremost a sports organisation for people with an intellectual disability, but it provides athletes with far more than the physical benefits of sport. Every day we see athletes demonstrate courage, experience joy and share long lasting friendships.”
Athletes from as young as six can train in a chosen sport and ultimately improve their quality of life. Athletes’ families build an invaluable network of friendship and support, but money raised through the annual Collection Day is critical to the future of the programme. This year’s goal is to raise £550,000 on May 5th.
“We need 100 people to help in Down alone. If that many volunteers can spare a couple of hours to rattle a bucket, we’ll be a long way to meeting our target. Collection Day is the only day in the year where a call is issued for every community to support Special Olympics Ireland at the same time. There will be lots of coffee mornings, bag packs and fun events to get involved in too.”
Special Olympics Collection Day is once again proudly supported by eir. Open eir Wholesale Managing Director Carolan Lennon says every penny counts again in 2017.
“Special Olympics really does transform lives through sport, but it’s not possible without Collection Day,” she said. “It starts with recruiting volunteers to lend a hand on May 5th and eir employees will be among the thousands who will play their part in towns, cities and villages across Ireland.”
Anyone who is unable to volunteer is asked to give what they can on the day or make a donation online at:
About Special Olympics Ulster:
* Special Olympics is a charity that provides year-round sports training to athletes with intellectual disabilities.
* Special Olympics was established in Ulster in 1978.
* Special Olympics Ulster offers training and competitive sporting events in 13 sports: Athletics, Aquatics, Badminton, Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Equestrian, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Kayaking, Pitch & Putt and Table Tennis.
* Special Olympics Ulster is a year round sports training organisation and is supported by Sport Northern Ireland.
