2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 33
SPECIAL OLYMPICS: CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND LEADERS
A Special effort for inspiring athletes WITH all eyes on London and the endeavours of our local Olympians, it shouldn’t be forgotten that another group of sporting heroes must be hailed for their determination and commitment. Special Olympics provides a year-round programme of sports training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities, and it enables athletes to achieve and win not only in sport but in life too. Dublin falls under the remit of Special Olympics Eastern Region. Special Olympics Eastern Region extends from Balbriggan in north County Dublin to south County Dublin, Bray and along the east coast to Arklow. There are 2,600 athletes participating in 87 clubs in Special Olympics Eastern Region. In addition to offering
a comprehensive sports training and competition programme for people with an intellectual disability, Special Olympics also offers an Athlete Leadership Programme (ALPs), which offers workshops and training programmes at which athletes learn life skills such as public speaking, cookery, presentation skills, communication skills and computer skills. Eighty-nine athletes currently participate in the Athlete Leadership Programme in the greater Dublin area, and these new skills enable athletes to become more independent and encourage them to become more involved in their local community. In addition, the ALPs programme enables athletes to assist Special Olympics to advocate for the programme particu-
Special Olympians Claire Adams and Lynn Conroy
larly in presentations to schools, universities and in the corporate sector. Athletes are very strong advocates of the programme and can demonstrate, better than anyone else, the changes Special Olympics make to their lives and the lives of their families. Special Olympics Eastern Region is always looking for mentors to come on board to sup-
port athletes who wish to participate in the Athlete Leadership Programme. Mentors work closely with the athlete to develop their skills and support them as they participate in various ALPs activities including the ALPs award scheme. Key responsibilities include attendance at meetings/ workshops and working directly with the athlete to assist them in improv-
ing their writing, public speaking skills and with any projects they might be involved in. If you’re interested in getting involved in the athlete leadership programme or any other aspect of the Special Olympics Eastern Region programme, contact Special Olympics Eastern Region directly on 01 891 2000 or email volunteers@specialolympics.ie.
ONLINE SUPPORT: A NEW WEBSITE FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES
Informing and supporting
DISCOVERING your child has a special need or disability for the first time can be daunting but Informing Families is a dedicated website which aims to provide support and advice to parents. Funded by the Health Service Executive and set up as part of the Informing Families Project, the website not only supports parents but offers guidelines for healthcare workers in supporting families at this time. For any parent learning their child has been diagnosed with a disability, or for parents who worried that their child might have a disability, the Informing
Katherine O’Leary, Chairperson of the Informing Families Project with her son Diarmuid
Families website offers information on learning your child has a disability, understanding what early intervention services are, finding out about the professionals you may meet, getting advice about search-
ing for health information on the Internet and learning about the entitlements and benefits that you and your family may be entitled to receive. Katherine O’Leary, a parent and chairperson
of the Informing Families Project, welcomes new visitors and parents to the website, saying: “Everyone deals with the news of their child’s diagnosis differently. The timing of the diagnosis might also be different for everyone. It could come during pregnancy or after the birth of the baby, or, in some cases, it could be months or years later. “Whenever it happens, remember that there is a lot of information out there. Sometimes this can feel like it is just too much to take in, so take your time with the information.” Katherine is a mother to four children, two of
whom have disabilities. “They are both now adults, so take it from me, you will cope and you will be happy again. It just takes some time to adjust to the new path ahead. “I often wonder why I cried so much in those first few weeks. I now have many occasions to cry with happiness and pride in their achievements. Take one day at a time and, gradually, you will start to enjoy your baby, while meeting the extra needs that your son or daughter may have,” she said. For more information, visit www.informingfamilies.ie or call 091792316.