Table tennis exchange programme was a huge success for a special Tipperary School

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.

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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.

Table tennis is a popular sport in the school, although a bit difficult to offer to a large number of pupils due to lack of indoor facilities. This year Scoil Aonghusa had a very successful exchange programme with St. John the Baptist Boys School, using table tennis as a medium for social interaction and inclusion. Pupils from Scoil Aonghusa visited St John the Baptist Boys School for a friendly league competition, and in turn, the boys from St John the Baptist visited Scoil Aonghusa.

Over several weeks, this exchange programme fostered friendships and mutual understanding between pupils from both schools. The exchange culminated in a final match held at Scoil Aonghusa, where Ben, one of our pupils, won against a St John the Baptist pupil, demonstrating not just skill but confidence and sportsmanship.

As part of the junior cert cycle, our senior students also organised a table tennis competition between the staff in school. Quite a number of staff participated, with the pupils organising the games, acting as umpires, and implementing the rules. It was a major learning experience for the group involved in running the event, as well as being great fun for all. This was a first initiative for Scoil Aonghusa, but one that will surely be repeated in years to come.

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Eleven pupils competed in the Munster table tennis competition held in Middleton, achieving remarkable success with five gold medals, five silver medals, and one bronze medal.

Table tennis is a sport which can be played throughout an athlete’s life developing resilience, skills and sportsmanship in a social setting. It is a sport to be encouraged and supported.