Special Olympics Ireland has launched its first-ever Young Athletes Impact Report, highlighting the transformative effects of its play-based sports programme for children with intellectual disabilities.
Established in 2017 with eir as its founding partner, the Young Athletes Programme supports children aged 4 to 12 by building fundamental movement skills such as running, catching, throwing, and balance through inclusive physical activity. The programme aims to lay the groundwork for lifelong participation in sport.
According to the report, 52% of children had not mastered any fundamental movement skills when they joined the programme. However, following an eight-week intervention, particularly when involving parents, participants demonstrated significant improvements in locomotor and object manipulation skills.
“The value of the Young Athletes Programme cannot be underestimated,” said Report author Dr Hayley Kavanagh, a previous Sport for Business PwC 30 under 30 ‘graduate’.
“Parents also reported a 40% increase in knowledge and a 21% boost in confidence to support their child’s physical development—an extremely positive outcome for families.”
Since its inception, the programme has engaged over 1,000 children.
Among the key outcomes identified in the report:
21% of participants progressed to structured sports training
67% continued their involvement with Special Olympics Ireland through club activities
100% of coaches surveyed reported a positive coaching experience
The research has informed the creation of new training resources and a Coach Education Course, now accredited by Sport Ireland.
Launching the report, Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State with Responsibility for Sport, praised the programme’s impact:
“Everyone should have the right to enjoy sport. The Young Athletes Programme helps children with intellectual disabilities develop fundamental skills, build confidence, and form life-long friendships through sport.”
Matt English, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, acknowledged the role of partners and volunteers.
“We are incredibly proud of the Young Athletes, their families, and our volunteers. Our longstanding partnership with eir has been crucial in expanding this programme.”
eir, which has partnered with Special Olympics Ireland since 1985, a partnership that is the longest between a corporate and a charity in the country, has raised more than €620,000 through its employee-led eir Challenge fundraising initiative.
In 2024 alone, eir employees raised €70,000. The company also provides annual donations, volunteer support, and all communications services to Special Olympics Ireland via its subsidiary, eir evo.
“We are proud of the difference the Young Athletes Programme is making across Ireland,” said eir CEO Oliver Loomes.
“Our employees are deeply committed to supporting this vital work.”
Highlights from 2024 include:
210 Young Athletes graduated from the programme
368 children took part in 23 community clubs and 10 schools
39 coaches trained or upskilled, alongside 37 parents
Five new community clubs launched in Limerick, Wexford, Craigavon, Donegal, and Belfast.
Sisters and Young Athletes, Aoibh (9) and Laoise (13) Beddis are pictured above at the launch of Special Olympics Ireland’s first-ever Young Athletes™ Impact Report.
FURTHER READING FOR SPORT FOR BUSINESS MEMBERS
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
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The full Young Athletes Impact Report is available to view [here].
