Energetic year for Tipperary athletes in Special Olympics Ireland programme

At Scoil Aonghusa in Cashel, sport and physical activity are truly at the heart of school life. With over 150 pupils participating in a wide variety of sports and activities tailored to their abilities and interests, the school is a vibrant, lively place to be.

Over 80 athletes are registered with Ireland Special Olympics, participating in activities and competitions throughout the year.
What a fantastic, fun-filled, and energetic year it has been for the athletes. Physical education empowers every pupil regardless of ability to experience success, build confidence, foster friendships, and feel the joy of achievement.

READ MORE: A year of sporting opportunity at special Tipperary school

The school offers a diverse range of activities and sports to all pupils on a daily basis. Throughout the day, pupils enjoy a small track and playground to play with their friends and to get some much-needed exercise. At the rear of the school, pupils can also avail of a longer walking area plus two small playing pitches providing additional space for activity and movement.

The Special Olympics programme focuses on six main sports: swimming, athletics, equestrian, kayaking, table tennis, and the Motor Activities Training Programme (MATP). These sports, along with many other school-based activities, help each pupil develop confidence, independence, and perseverance, while fostering discipline and strong friendships.

The impact of sport at Scoil Aonghusa goes far beyond physical exercise. It nurtures personal growth, independence and joy, allowing every child to shine and achieve at their own pace.

Kayaking
Kayaking is one of the newer additions to the sports programme. This initiative was developed as a creative solution to the ongoing challenge of limited indoor facilities, allowing pupils to engage in an outdoor water-based activity. Supported by the South Tipperary Sports Partnership (STSP), this programme has become an exciting and enriching experience for our pupils.

The programme allows each pupil to learn and develop their skills at their own pace. Having their own kayak, gives them a unique sense of control and responsibility.

Twelve of our kayakers took part in a national kayaking competition at Lough Rynn, county Leitrim, in June of this year. There was great excitement heading off from school on Friday, with two buses packed to the gills. A weekend away like this gives our pupils the opportunity to stay away from home, fostering independence, peer bonding, and a sense of adventure.

Our kayakers competed in 200m and 500m races. Eight also competed in doubles, while four participated in a unified event where an athlete and a coach make up a pair for doubles.

READ NEXT: Tipperry Town pensioner who died after assault was a lovely neighbour

Best of all was the fun had over the weekend: barbecuing, sharing rooms with best friends, eating out, playing games. The memories will sustain all involved for quite some time.
Our thanks to STSP for the use of their life jackets and helmets.