ARAARA FOCUS NATIONAL NEWSLETTER ISSUE 12 | SUMMER 2015

IN THIS ISSUE:

Countdown Local Opportunities And the Winners to the for People World Games with Disabilities are... FOREWORD In many ways the Sports CONNECT framework was similar to the Universal Management Framework being developed by the UNESCO Chair and implemented in Ireland by THE INCLUSION CLUB CARA. Neither is overly prescriptive but provides a model In late 2002 the Australian Sports to address inclusion at all levels. There are precursors and Commission launched Sports core elements with guidelines for support along the journey. CONNECT, a program to support With the benefit of hindsight what were some of the national governing bodies (NGBs) challenges? Some NGBs relied heavily on individual to include more people with responsibility for driving Sports CONNECT outcomes disability into all levels of sport. within the organization. This meant that the sustainability Over the ensuing 8 years over $5 of outcomes was compromised in the long term despite the million was invested in 25 NGBs organizations policy commitments. Sport is a notoriously to assist them in developing transient business! While having a key contact was and implementing customized important for an NGB it was also important for that contact disability action plans over a 5 to understand their role as a facilitator, rather than a ‘doer’, of year period. inclusion for the organization. This distinction was critical I was national manager of Sports CONNECT from its to understand but challenging to implement, particularly as inception to its national conclusion in 2010. It was an exciting your average NGB is busy with multiple commitments, so it and ground-breaking time to be involved. Reflecting on was easy for them to abdicate responsibility to a committed this period now I can certainly look back on our successes individual. with great satisfaction. At the same time I can reflect on The goal of Sports CONNECT was always to start with a focus the lessons learned and, while there are no regrets, there on strategies contained within a separate Disability Action are certainly things I think we could have done earlier and Plan. This was necessary to focus attention and maintain better with hindsight. momentum in the early stages. As the NGB progressed So, what were the hallmarks of Sports CONNECT that through the phases of Sports CONNECT the objective was worked well? to dispense with a separate Disability Action Plan and • NGBs appreciated a simple and consistent framework, integrate strategies within the generic planning documents with structured milestones on an annual timeframe. of the organisation. This was critical to embedding Sports CONNECT had structured levels of achievement inclusive practice within an organisation’s regular planning from bronze, silver and gold standards. processes. This proved to be a challenge for some NGBs that • Sports CONNECT set up an Advisory Committee of built a reliance on a Disability Action Plan. experienced industry experts. NGBs reported to the Education was a key factor in all NGB plans. In Australia, the Advisory Committee annually, receiving advice and Disability Education Program (DEP), coordinated nationally feedback on progress. and delivered through a state or territory based networks, • NGBs were allocated Case Managers. The Case meant that inclusive sport training was available nationally Manager was an independent consultant that provided and within each state and territory for participating NGBs in advice and guidance on their journey through Sports Sports CONNECT. The resources and approach of the DEP CONNECT. was very similar to the CARA Centre’s Disability Inclusion Training. Having this resource readily available, with a Table of Contents network of trained presenters, gave tremendous credibility and momentum to NGB programs. Many NGBs embedded • Foreword ...... 2 DEP training into existing coach and official training • Catching Up with Pat Flanagan ...... 3 requirements. This continues today with many of the • Disability Inclusion Training ...... 4 inclusive training principles underpinning existing NGB programs. • CARA Attends Latvian Conference ...... 6 NGBs play a crucial role in furthering inclusive practice • CampAbilities 2015...... 7 within sport. Centres such as the CARA Adapted Physical • Xcessible Inclusive Youth Sport Initiative...... 8 Activity Centre are important for NGBs as they provide a simple yet effective approach and support that impacts on • Physical Activity Has Changed My Life ...... 9 all levels. Finally, understanding that inclusion is ‘long term’ • National Sports Organisations ...... 10 is fundamental to changing the culture of sport so that more people with disability have better choices to participate in • LSP Sports Inclusion Disability Programme . . . . .14 sport. • Other Highlights from Throughout the Country 20 Peter Downs is former manager of the Australian Sports • People Making a Difference...... 22 Commissions Disability Sport Unit. He currently manages Play by the Rules (http://playbytherules.net.au), a national • Launch of UNESCO Chair at IT, Tralee...... 24 program that promotes safe, fair and inclusive sport. He • APA at IT Tralee ...... 25 is also Founding Director of The Inclusion Club (http:// • CARA National Inclusion Awards ...... 26 theinclusionclub.com), an international resource sharing models of inclusive practice for people with disability.

FRONT COVER: Xcessible Inclusive Youth Sport Launch, Aviva Stadium, Dublin

| 2 CARA FOCUS • ISSUE 12 2015 CATCHING UP WITH PAT FLANAGAN, FOUNDER OF THE CARA CENTRE – What was your reason for creating the CARA Centre? – What effect do you think the awarding of the UNESCO Chair The need came with the development of the APA at IT Tralee will have on the Programme at IT Tralee. We were working with a lot of work of CARA? disability groups, and there was interest from different I think it’ll have a huge impact. parts of the country about how activities and sports could Obviously first of all on the be made accessible to them. In 2003 IT Tralee organised side of research, in relation the first adapted physical activity (APA) conference, and to both national and interna- from that came a lot of issues about accessibility, identi- tional research, to guide CARA fying the need for a coordinated approach for more infor- on what it does. UNESCO is mation and for an advocacy role for someone to repre- linked with twenty-seven sent the needs of people with disabilities. I thought “We countries, either in research need a Centre that would focus on all of that and provide or in programme provision, so that service”. So from about 2004/5 I was working with that’s a huge resource for CARA to tap into. We’re talking the Irish Sports Council and IT Tralee to fund a national about maybe eight to ten staff at UNESCO at IT Tralee and Centre at IT Tralee, and then it came through two years that’s a huge resource for CARA to be able to work with. later. – What impact do you think that the work of the CARA Centre – Looking back over the history of CARA, what do you think has directly had on the lives of people with disabilities in has been the Centre’s greatest achievement so far? Ireland? The training and education side has grown massively, I think CARA itself has highlighted the diversity and through Disability Inclusion Training, Xcessible Leisure range of activities that could be made available, and that Centre Training, training for the outdoors, and a new are being made available, to people with disabilities. programme for Disability Awareness Training for sport. By existing CARA has raised awareness of the need for So I think the big expansion has been the delivery of provision for people with disabilities. And if you look training around the country to sports bodies, coaches, at it on the training side, over the last four or five years schools, colleges and that continues to grow. Camp we’ve had 4,000 people go through Disability Inclusion Abilities has seen huge growth in numbers and general Training, so we’d hope that people are a little bit more provision. Our work with National Governing bodies aware and more well informed (and can see that) inclu- has also expanded. All forms of training in inclusion has sion isn’t that difficult. I’d hope that if we did anything been a big part of what’s been going on. that we’ve achieved that, that we’ve made it easier for – From your experience with the CARA Centre, what lessons people to say “Yes, we can include people with disabili- do you think you’ve learned? ties in our facility or in our programme.” Things happen slowly! Be more patient! Patience and – Where would you like to see CARA in five years’ time? perseverance is the key. I suppose the big thing would be I hope that CARA is still as vibrant and relevant an organ- to believe that what you are offering is worthwhile. The isation as it is today. I hope that we will have held onto most important thing about CARA is that our purpose all and added to the wonderful staff we have here who daily the time is to facilitate people with disabilities. That’s the advocate for improved access for people with disabilities bottom line. in everything they do. I would also hope that we can – Has CARA turned out the way you expected it to when you work with the likes of the HSE to improve the aware- set it up, or has it gone in a different direction, and are you happy with the impact that it has had? ness among people with disabilities themselves as to the important benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle, (In the beginning) It probably aimed to do too many thus improving their own health and quality of life while things and what’s interesting is that what CARA is doing reducing the effects of their disability. now is probably being more realistic in what it can If you were to give one key message to the people reading achieve. The aim in the end is that leisure centres, sports – this what would it be? bodies and sports facilities would all want to provide better programmes for people with disabilities, and basi- If you think it’s challenging or difficult to include people cally CARA’s job is to facilitate that. Things like the Inclu- with disabilities in your programmes or your physical sion Awards have grown, where we’re trying to highlight activity setting, talk to CARA. They can help you make good practice, whereas in the early days maybe we were access and inclusion happen. trying to encourage good practice.

Adapted Physical Activity NATIONAL NEWSLETTER 3 | | 4 CARA FOCUS • ISSUE 12 2015 DISABILITY INCLUSION TRAINING UPDATE National Standardised Disability Inclusion Training has assess their own opinions, attitudes and perceptions toward gone from strength to strength since its development inclusion; even those of us who have had some experience in 2012. To date over 100 Disability Inclusion Training in the area. In the school context, the course has heightened courses have been delivered with over 1,700 participants my awareness of my responsibility to provide as inclusive trained to enhance the provision of sport, physical activity a programme as possible. In turn it has also helped me to and physical education for children and adults with achieve this by assisting me in considering the many ways disabilities in Ireland. activity can be adapted in order that all participants are challenged and experience success in meaningful activities. What the participants say: Ger Murphy – PE Teacher Beaufort College, Navan The Disability Inclusion Training course is one of the best courses our students have completed. We are involved The power and language of sport and play is universal. The in working with a number of groups with physical and training helped me to understand how sport and play can intellectual disabilities in a variety of sports and activities. be a very practical tool in promoting inclusion, anywhere This course has prepared our students excellently and in the world! Plans are on the way to apply the training in in turn, the quality of programmes such as the Xcessible the context of Africa and have no doubts that the children Athletics coaching has been of an extremely high quality. and facilitators targeted are going to enjoy the training as If you are a coach, this course will prepare you to adapt any much as I did, ultimately leading to a more inclusive society! sports session to be inclusive of all abilities. Thanks CARA! Kevin Smith – Sporting Chance Coordinator, Kerry Frank Velthuizen – Plan Ireland

Not only did the training benefit me but also the clients who have made great progress in their physical ability. Approximately 100 rugby development officers from the The training also helped me break down the barriers I four provincial Branches of the IRFU underwent Disability previously felt as to what is the correct approach when Inclusion Training with the CARA Centre in December interacting with someone with a disability. I would strongly 2014. The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly advise anyone who is interested in working with people of positive and the trainers from CARA were very engaging and all abilities to complete the Disability Inclusion Training as it knowledgeable resulting in a very worthwhile experience would be very beneficial for you. for our staff. The training was undertaken in conjunction with the IRFU’s pilot Disability TAG Rugby initiative in Stephanie Griffin – Sport Chance Student various areas around Ireland and our staff involved in the scheme to date have found the Disability Inclusion Training to be invaluable in their work in this area. Further work is planned to develop rugby-specific courses and training in the area of Disability TAG Rugby and we look forward to working with CARA again. Colin Moran – Training Manager IRFU

CARA welcomes course bookings from individuals, groups and organisations (sporting or non-sporting) at a local, regional or national level. For further information on courses please visit the CARA Training and Education section of our website I was anxious to participate in the Disability Inclusion www.caraapacentre.ie or contact Michael Gilroy / Kate Training when it was offered. I was not disappointed, Feeney in the Training and Education Department on the course was informative and very practical but most 066-7145647/066-7145672. importantly I think was how it challenged participants to

Adapted Physical Activity NATIONAL NEWSLETTER 5 | CARA REPRESENTED AT LATVIAN CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION & SOCIETY

It was with great pleasure the CARA Centre were invited to invited experts to this event. They participated in seminars partake in the recent international project ‘Todays Education and a conference, presenting and engaging with audiences for Development of Future Society’ held in conjunction with from rural and urban Latvia. They also engaged in a review the Latvian Disabled Children and Youth Sport Federation. process of the Latvian teaching structures in order to This project was aimed to introduce national and enhance inclusion and the quality of provision for students international education professionals to innovative trends with disabilities. of inclusive education. Kate presented ‘A view from Ireland on Training and Education Practices’, highlighting the CARA Centres approach of national provision at local level, along with recognising the need for and importance of training to support personnel at grassroots levels. Susan presented on ‘Preservice Teachers, Inclusion and Physical Education - a view from St. Patrick’s College’. She explained strategies and practices developed within the Physical Education (PE) modules in St. Pats to promote differentiation and inclusion in the planning, teaching and assessment of PE programmes. Adopting a proactive approach to inclusion, along with building a profile for inclusive teachers was a key outcome of this project. Valuing learner diversity, supporting all learners, working with others and continuing personal professional development were 4 core values identified as the basis for the work of all teachers in inclusive education This event was held in Riga, Latvia where over 600 teaching according to the European Agency for Special Needs and professionals from 16 varying countries met to share their Inclusive Education. knowledge, insights and practices over the course of the For more information on this, please do not hesitate 3day project. Kate Feeney, CARA Training and Education to contact Kate Feeney CARA Training and Education Coordinator and Susan Marron, Lecturer Physical Education Coordinator on [email protected] or 066-7145647 Department, St. Patrick’s College were amongst seventeen CARA out and about... CARA Staff, Gearoid O Doherty, Ger Daly and Rachel Sinnott attending the UNESCO Chair Launch at IT Tralee and catching up with Euan Gee Munster Rugby.

Tennis Ireland Leinster Council member Liam O’Donohue meets with CARA . CARA meets with Chris Ratcliffe (Director of Development) from the English Liam updated us on the Enjoy Tennis project and looking forward to engaging Federation of Disability Sport. Looking forward to engaging with Chris and his more with this Sport. team over the next few months.

| 6 CARA FOCUS • ISSUE 12 2015 CAMPABILITIES 2015 Our sixth annual residential sports and recreation camp for very meaningful and encouraging speech to our campers. children with vision impairments, CampAbilities, was held Parents, Campers and guests got great chance to mingle in the wonderfully scenic settings of Cappanalea Outdoor and exchange some stories and experiences. CampAbilities Education & Training Centre, just outside Killorglin in Co. 2015 was an incredible experience for everybody involved Kerry. This facility and its surroundings really provided that and everybody is already looking forward to next year! camp feel and atmosphere for the duration of the week. To view our video footage of CampAbilities 2015 and 30 Campers (16 Boys, 14 Girls) attended camp this year along for more information, please visit the CARA APA Centre with 6 LITs (Leader’s in Training). The campers came from website and click on the link for CampAbilities. http://www. far and wide to attend, hailing from 14 different counties all caraapacentre.ie/camp-abilities/ over Ireland. Many of the campers were attending the camp A special word of thanks to Rachel Sinnott and Gearoid O for the very first time. The campers got to choose from an Doherty Camp Coordinators 2015. array of different activities such as Rock Climbing, Canoeing, Horse Riding, Archery etc. They also got to showcase some of their talents and personalities at the different evening activities such as Carnival themed night, Quiz etc. as well as at the Closing ceremony. The Campers had great things to say about all of the activities, boasting of their tremendous achievements to their parents and guardians when they came to collect them at the end of camp. “I never thought I could do rock climbing, but I went all the way to the top and I can’t wait to try it again!” Camper, 2015 Leaders in Training (LITs) - The idea of this programme is to prepare these young people (16-17 years of age) to be volunteers at future camps after they turn eighteen. The programme is led by Paralympic athlete Nadine Lattimore who really empowers this group and provides them with a platform on which they thrive and become more independent, confident and ultimately enables their personalities to shine in a peer supported environment. The five young men and one young woman were put through their paces for the week undertaking a number of challenges and responsibilities such as leading activities for the younger campers, cycling, camping and also making a pitch to local businessmen in a Dragon’s Den style competition. The bond in this group was really something to behold, “Friends for life”. The camp is flourishing because of the willingness and positive fun attitudes of our amazing volunteers. They come from numerous backgrounds with many of them from the Institute of Technology Tralee and the National Learning Network in Tralee. The National Council for the Blind was represented at the camp also as Caroline Lane, NCBI Community Resource Worker, was on hand to provide guidance, information and independence skills to volunteers and campers alike. The camp always has great support from the local communities, who offer their time, facilities, equipment, donations and services. A huge thank you has to go out to all who donated numerous Co-Ordinated by: items and services to make camp a great success. Our Activity Co-ordinator, Linda Raymond, came up with a very fitting final day activity, ‘The Great Jungle Escape’ where most of the sports and activities that the campers had done throughout the week were combined in one huge, fun, team building, wild activity, filled with laughter and energy. The closing ceremony was described as ‘something really special’ this year. We had some fantastic guests and speakers, such as Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh who gave a

Adapted Physical Activity NATIONAL NEWSLETTER 7 | XCESSIBLE INCLUSIVE YOUTH SPORT INITIATIVE 2014-2016

IRFU Tag Disability Pilot Project implemented on a weekly basis within special schools and local rugby clubs with cooperation from the IRFU. This year CARA teamed up with the Irish Rugby Football Union for the ‘Xcessible Inclusive Youth Sport Initiative’. In Munster, six schools were invited by Euan Gee, Regional Development Officer for Munster Rugby, to play in a Blitz at The partnership implemented a pilot project, using Tag Thomond Park, Limerick, at the end of April, where pupils rugby, providing pupils with intellectual disabilities an were delighted to see the Munster team train “on their pitch”, introduction to rugby in a fun and safe environment. The while also receiving a tour of the museum. In spite of the initiative was officially launched by Minister Aodhán Ó weather there were smiles all round, and it’s safe to say that Ríordáin, Minister of State at the Department of Justice and these pupils are happy to continue their rugby activities Equality and Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht with special based on their experience over the last months. A student responsibility for Equality, New Communities and Culture, at St Anne’s School, Clare said: “The tag rugby was good for at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, in January. Also present at the my fitness. I loved getting to play in Thomond Park and see launch was RTE sports presenter Joanne Cantwell, CARA’s some of the Munster team training. I learned how to pass patron for Xcessible Inclusive Youth Sport. the ball and play as part of a team.”

Following the launch, CARA and the IRFU began the Feedback from all stakeholders who were involved in the implementation of the project through the network of Local initiative has been very positive. Joe McCarthy, Deputy Sports Partnership’s, Sports Inclusion Disability Programme School Principal at Catherine McAuley NS, Limerick and the IRFU’s Branch of Community Rugby Officers. One of highlighted: “Adapted Tag Rugby was an exciting addition the main aims of the initiative was to facilitate links between to the school curriculum and one that suits the physical national governing bodies of sport, local sports partnerships education needs of our students.” and schools in order to make it easier for children to access and participate in local community physical activity and Sam O Connell, coach at Old Christians RFC stated: “This sport opportunities. This was achieved as the project linked initiative was a fantastic opportunity for our club to get more 12 clubs with 15 schools, chosen through the Irish Special children involved in our club, it was clear over the 6 weeks Schools Sports Council, across the country. Over 500 that they really enjoyed playing adapted tag rugby and the boys and girls got to experience rugby in a non-contact improvements made were enormous. It was great to have environment through the tag version of the sport. the students visit the club and play on the pitch”. Euan Gee, Community Rugby Officer for Munster Rugby said: “The IRFU’s values promote rugby as an inclusive sport and our partnership with CARA and Limerick Sports Partnership will open the game up to more people and increase the number of kids engaging in physical activity and enjoying the fun and other benefits rugby can deliver.” CARA, in conjunction with the IRFU, will now carry out an evaluation of the project and, using feedback from all involved, provide recommendations to the IRFU to ensure a sustainable pathway can be developed within clubs for players with an intellectual disability, in the hope that more young people can get involved in the game within their local community. Each club nominated a club inclusion officer who worked Xcessible Tag Rugby Main Partners with the school teachers and professional rugby staff to create 10-weeks of ‘Tag’ rugby, culminating in games in the local clubs. The Special Schools Tag Rugby game was

| 8 CARA FOCUS • ISSUE 12 2015 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY HAS CHANGED MY LIFE They say that the longest journey starts with a single step. me to weigh myself using an industrial weighing-scales Well, as a wheelchair-user, my journey to a healthy level of previously used as part of the shop business. On that first fitness didn’t start literally with a single step, but with a VERY day I weighed exactly eighteen stone. short push on the road near my home. I had asked my GP and a dietician he referred me to what my It was July 2012. I was thirty years old, and the closest I came ideal weight should be but neither seemed able to do so. So to physical activity was watching a game of soccer on the I set myself a target of fourteen stone. Why fourteen? I have television or attending a Kerry football game. When I was no idea. It was just something to aim for. younger I had used a basketball ring at home and played So around this time I embarked on that short push that I soccer with friends, using my fists to control the ball and mentioned at the beginning. I planned to travel about 400 “shoot”. But as local children of my age began to drift away metres to a neighbour’s house and back. I didn’t make it. I as the years passed, I found myself becoming increasingly got home after about fifteen minutes with my tail between isolated in my remote community. I had no physical activity my legs. and little regular interaction with the outside world. Persistence paid off though and eventually I was pushing At the beginning of July 2012 I didn’t know how much I myself to the nearest townland and home again, a distance weighed but I suppose I knew I was only going in the wrong of about 8 or 9 kilometres, two or three days a week. direction. In some respects, growing up, I was up against it In early August 2013 I participated in my first ever 5km on two fronts. Not only did my disability seemingly prevent road race, which I completed in approximately fifty-seven me from undertaking regular physical activity, but my minutes. parents also owned a small country shop where I was able to treat myself to sweets whenever I wanted, as often as I wanted.

I reached my goal of fourteen stone in May 2013, having lost four stone in nine-and-a-half months. I then decided to aim for twelve stone because, if I reached that point, I would have lost one-third of my body weight, and I achieved this in May 2014. At the time of writing, I have now completed thirty-three races, including two five-milers, and in the middle of April Had events turned out differently, I would probably still be I completed my first 10k race. I am now content with my in a rut today. But, as the saying goes: “It’s an ill wind that weight, which is currently thirteen-and-a-half stone, and doesn’t blow some good.” have set myself a goal of completing fifty races. In the spring of 2012 my mother went to hospital in Cork to I think it is important for everyone, no matter what their have a procedure carried out relating to a medical condition ability, to try to have some level of active involvement in she has had for many years. Around this time I developed a sport and physical activity. There is a level to suit everyone, fungal infection on my toes which required a visit to my GP. and the benefits you gain even just from a social aspect make During my visit the subject of my weight came up, and my the effort totally worthwhile. It has completely changed my GP described me as “borderline diabetic”. outlook on life and I know the same can happen for others. When you hear a medical professional speaking in those (This article was written by Ger Daly, Office Administrator terms, you would have to be an idiot not to want to try to at the CARA Adapted Physical Activity Centre, and editor do something about it. So I did. In July 2012 my Dad helped of this magazine)

Adapted Physical Activity NATIONAL NEWSLETTER 9 | NATIONAL SPORTS ORGANISATIONS SPECIAL OLYMPICS IRELAND 88 Athletes to represent Ireland at supporters who will cheer the athletes on as they compete in Los Angeles. Special Olympics World Summer Games Speaking at Team Ireland’s launch, Matt English, Chief 88 athletes from 23 counties have been selected to represent Executive, Special Olympics Ireland, said: “I am so proud Ireland at the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games. of our athletes who will be representing their country and They will be supported at the event by a 40 strong management communities at the 2015 World Summer Games in Los Angeles. team. The World Games are the highest level of sporting Each athlete has shown great motivation, discipline and competition for Special Olympics tremendous skill in getting this far and athletes and take place from 23rd it is worthy of real celebration. I know July – August 2nd in the iconic city the entire country will be cheering on of Los Angeles, USA. Team Ireland in July and August. Today Team Ireland will join 7,000 is a result of hard work, commitment Special Olympics athletes from 177 and dedication and I congratulate all 88 countries for the Games which athletes.” promise to be one of the sporting A new video, titled ‘Be A Champion’ highlights of this year. Team Ireland and voiced by actor Liam Neeson, has will compete in 12 sports: aquatics, been released to celebrate the successful athletics, badminton, basketball, relationship between Special Olympics bocce, bowling, equestrian, football Ireland and the Irish Sports Council. (5 & 11-a-side), golf, gymnastics, The video, which celebrates the talents kayaking and table tennis. of Special Olympics athletes, can be Team Ireland will also be supported viewed through the Special Olympics Caption ‘Team Ireland Kayakers pictured at the recent official by 200 Irish volunteers who will Ireland You Tube channel http://youtu. Launch of Team Ireland. Back row left to right; Roisin Henry (Coach), volunteer at the event, as well as be/BT3k87s6N_Q. Ian Staunton, Michael Fahy (Head Coach). Front row left to right; Rita hundreds of family members and Quirke, Nuala Brown, Nicola Higgins, Angelina Foley (Coach)’ CEREBRAL PALSY SPORT IRELAND Boccia is an inclusive sport and recent competitions have involved junior players and league players of all ages. The first Junior Boccia Blitz in 2015 was hosted by Galway Speeders Club on April 11th. A new club from Limerick, Munster Boccia Challengers, were represented by a team of 3, while Speeders had 3 teams, and many new players since the last blitz. Galway were top team in April, Challengers took silver and 2 mixed Speeder teams were tied in bronze medal position. A big thank you to all in the club who prepared refreshments and welcomed players and their Caption ‘Patrick Kelly, Lucan and Jenny Garde, Cork who qualified to represent families. Ireland at the Boccia World Open in Poland in June Do you want to get involved in junior blitzes with a club, or set Opportunities to play boccia are increasing due to some up a junior club? Contact [email protected] or 083-1772097 new developments at Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland (CPSI). for advice. A new league format, with individual matches Requirements for the game are quite simple - floor space and a player ranking list for rampers and throwers sections, of 6m x 12.5m, court markings and a boccia set. In a new was piloted this year in the west in a joint IWA Sport-CPSI initiative from BISFed, in partnership with Handilife, initiative to increase participation and standard of play. The durable, high-quality boccia sets can be purchased for €80 Wild Atlantic Way League continues in June, and the Dublin area league is also due to begin. New players are welcome through its member national governing bodies. High spec in each round and details can be found on www.cpsi.ie/ ramps made from wood/Perspex are also now available boccia. to order through CPSI. Men from Maynooth Men’s Shed Entry level to boccia may now take place through a number designed the original ramp for Patrick Kelly, a player with of routes - local sports partnership programmes through the Motor Neurone Disease who recently represented CPSI in Sports Inclusion Disability Officer, local boccia clubs, IWA the Boccia Continental Cup in Barcelona. These ramps are Centres and Enable Ireland Centres. For support in setting based on the top-end ramp design and can be purchased up a club, contact development officer Rosemary, and for for €150 from CPSI. If you are interested in upgrading to an equipment contact Director of Sport Brenda O’Donnell: affordable, adjustable ramp, this design may suit you. [email protected] or 01-6251160.

| 10 CARA FOCUS • ISSUE 12 2015 NATIONAL SPORTS ORGANISATIONS IRISH WHEELCHAIR ASSOCIATION SPORT 2015 to be a Big Year in IWA-Sport Irish Wheelchair Association Sport is looking forward to an IPC Swimming World July 13th-19th Glasgow Champs. event-filled year across several sports. Alongside events that Archery World Champs. Aug 23rd-30th Germany have been staples in our calendar for several years, we are IPC Athletics World Oct 23rd-31st Qatar also witnessing other sports grow in popularity and even Champs. seeing new sports develop. Powerlifting Europeans Nov 24th-28th Hungary Our members’ summer camp will run from July 21st to the 23rd in IWA Clontarf, offering several sports for members aged between 5 and 17 years such as wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, table tennis, athletics, handcycling and many more exciting activities. Email [email protected] for information. Our wheelchair basketball programme will resume in September. New players over the age of 15 can get involved in any of the ten clubs teams currently playing, while younger players are welcome to attend our national blitz programme, which caters for participants up to the age of 15. Competition dates, venues and locations will be announced in August so check out our website for information.

Athletics events are among our oldest and most well- attended sporting events, and our Athletics Grand Prix takes place again this year. Athletes of all ages and abilities will compete at these events, which comprise of multiple track and field disciplines across several classes. The dates and venues of the respective competitions are listed below. To get involved with these events check out www.iwasport.com as registration will be online only.

National Championships June 27th Santry Jamie Boyle Games July 25th Templemore South East Games August 29th Waterford Munster Games September 12th Cork Finally, we are introducing Wheelchair Gaelic Football to our members this year. We will be running several open training sessions for anyone who is interested at IWA Clontarf from The Irish Wheelchair Rugby League begins in Cork on 10am to 12 noon on July 5th and August 2nd. Feel free to June 20th, and then continues in Laois on August 15th, come along and try this new sport. Belfast on October 17th, and Dublin on December 12th. For more information about these and other sports there are Different levels of ability are catered for, from beginners to a number of ways in which you can contact us; experienced players. To find out more please contact us at • visit our website at www.iwasport.com [email protected] • email [email protected] Internationally, our athletes will be competing at several • phone 01 818 6400 high profile competitions in 2015. • follow us on facebook/iwasport Wheelchair Basketball July Lisbon, Portugal • twitter @iwasport Europeans IWAS World Junior Games July 2nd-8th Netherlands

Adapted Physical Activity NATIONAL NEWSLETTER 11 | PARALYMPICS IRELAND

With less than 500 days to go until the For more information check out www.uci.ch/para-cycling 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio, this and keep an eye on the Cycling Ireland Facebook page summer is going to be a very busy time as (http://www.facebook.com/cyclingireland) and Twitter athletes compete in pursuit of Paralympic @IreCyclingFed qualification. Athletics Some of the major international events to keep an eye on are: The marathon event at the IPC World Championships was held on April 26th in London as part of the London Marathon. Football The remainder of the team will travel to the IPC Athletics The CPISRA World Championships take place in St George’s World Championships in Qatar for competition from 22nd Park, UK from 16th – 29th June. Ireland’s 7-a-side (Cerebral – 31st October, where selected athletes will have a chance to Palsy) Football team have been drawn in the same group as qualify for slots for the Rio Paralympic Games 2016. reigning Paralympic champions Russia, as well as Australia For more information check out www.paralympic.org/ and Portugal. doha-2015 This is the only chance teams will have to qualify for the There are several other key events coming up this year 2016 Paralympic Games, and seven qualification spots will where athletes will be chasing qualification: be up for grabs. Brazil already having booked their spot at the Shooting – Sean Baldwin will compete for qualification in Games as host nation. Ireland is currently ranked seventh in a number of World Cups – Croatia 8th – 14th July, Australia the world after their fourth place finish at the 2014 European 13th – 19th September and USA 1st – 7th November. For Championships. more information check out www.paralympic.org/shooting For more information check out www.cp2015.com Swimming The highly anticipated IPC Swimming World Championships will be held in Glasgow from 13th – 19th July. The World Championships will see the Irish swimmers competing for their chance to qualify for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. For more information check out www.paralympic.org/ swimming Cycling Following on from a successful campaign in March at the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships, the Irish Team now looks towards a number of Road World Cups and the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships, Sailing - The IFDS World Championships take place in which take place in Switzerland from July 29th – August Melbourne, Australia from 26th November – 3rd December. 2nd. All athletes at the Road World Championships will be For more information check out www.sailing.org/ifds.php competing to contribute to the UCI Nations Ranking list and Table Tennis – The ITTF European Championships overall qualification for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. will be held in Denmark on 9th – 18th October. For more information check out www.ipttc.org Equestrian – FEI European Para Dressage Championships is happening in France on 17th – 20th September. For more information check out www.fei.org Canoeing – Patrick O’Leary will compete in the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships in Italy on 19th – 23rd August. For more information check out www.canoeicf.com We will do our very best to keep you updated with results and progress across the summer on twitter: @ParalympicsIRE, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paralympicsireland and our website www.paralympics.ie, so get following! Photographs courtesy of Paralympics Ireland

| 12 CARA FOCUS • ISSUE 12 2015 TRIATHLON IRELAND Triathlon Ireland have recently initiated the development Development Days throughout the of its Paratriathlon programme throughout the country country and have already seen a following on from the sports inclusion in the Rio Paralympic healthy uptake in these with many Games 2016. Paratriathlon is one of the fastest growing participants with varying experience Paralympic sports and is currently competed over sprint levels taking part. We are in the middle of running a pilot distance which encompasses a 750 metre swim, a 20km club development programme in Northern Ireland which cycle (hand bike/tandem) and a 5km run (racing chair). we anticipate replicating throughout other regions where Paratriathlon is unique in that it fully integrates athletes there is demand and resources to support this. Furthermore with physical and visual impairments alongside their able we have had great buy in from Local Sports Partnerships, bodied counterparts at the same event. We currently have sports organisations, disability organisations and crucially five categories in Paratriathlon which have been determined volunteers, coaches and community based clubs which will by the International Triathlon Union (ITU). These are: be key to the programmes success. • PT1 – Wheelchair users We are also placing an • PT2, PT3 & PT4 – Includes athletes with comparable emphasis on race and activity limitation and an impairment of, but not limited competition development to, limb deficiency, hypertonia, ataxia and or athetosis, and have recently advertised impaired muscle power or range of movement. PT1, for triathletes who may be 2 and 3 athletes will each have a different score interested in becoming through classification. In both bike and run segments, guides for our visually amputee athletes may use approved prosthesis or other impaired athletes. This supportive devices. together with providing • PT5 – People with total or partial visual impairments education for our race Currently we have two streams within our paratriathlon organisers’ has been programme which include both high performance and identified as a critical grass roots development. High Performance is primarily factor for us to support in focusing on talent transfer initiatives to identify athletes order to have ample racing with potential that could possibly make the start line at the opportunities for all athletes Rio Games next year. We are taking slow steps forward and with a disability. We are now have our first elite paratriathlete Aidan McGlynn, setting looking forward to seeing about making an impact on the ITU World stage over the these developments take coming months. We are supported by Paralympics Ireland effect on the ground and in this and they are ably assisting us pave the way forward foresee and hope for continued progression of paratriathlon and steer us according to best practice. in Ireland. Grassroots development is taking massive strides forward For further information on paratriathlon and how to get and a concentrated effort is being put into creating involved please contact Caradh O’Donovan, Paratriathlon awareness of our sport. We are now delivering many Manager – [email protected] VISION SPORTS IRELAND

As well as our tried-and-tested routes, this year we plan new Meet Our Succesful walks at Garryvoe Beach in East Cork and the heritage trails Cork Walking Group around Coppeen in West Cork. Vision Sport Ireland would like to highlight the The provisional list of walks for the rest of 2015 is: Cork Walking Group. This group gets together • July 11th, Coppeen Heritage Trails on the second Saturday of every month in • August 8th, Courtmacsherry to Timoleague locations in Cork city and county, with the aim of walking • September 12th, Garryvoe Beach, East Cork for one to two hours followed by some refreshments. Each • October 10th, Warrenscourt Woods, Lissarda walker with a vision impairment has their own guide and • November 14th, Hop Island to Passage West chooses the distance and pace they are comfortable with. • December 5th, Lee Fields and Christmas party These walks are extremely popular, with twenty to twenty- five walkers and guides regularly participating. At present our oldest walker is 86! We hold a Christmas get-together where the walkers can thank the guides for their support. The walking committee is: Paul Dromey (Chairman), Hilary Doonan (Secretary), Alan MacNamidhe (Walks Coordinator), Geraldine Looney (Treasurer) and Trish Nealon (Social Media Coordinator). There are also two walking groups in the Dublin area which embark on weekly and weekend excursions. For more information contact National League of the Blind on 01 8742797.

Adapted Physical Activity NATIONAL NEWSLETTER 13 | LSP SPORTS INCLUSION DISABILITY PROGRAMME The Sports Inclusion Disability Programme: Its Impact

My name is Paul Dawson and I have secondary progressive motivation in life. I currently study distance learning for a Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which has resulted in me using a degree to mentally challenge me. wheelchair. Previously I lead a very active life as a firefighter Earlier this year I was informed of Donegal Sports and keen fitness enthusiast. For some time I have been Partnership and their activities in the disability sector. I was searching for an activity to challenge me and reignite my provided with a hand bike and advised of points of contact in my locality, namely Tir Chonaill Gap cycling club. The entire experience has been a personal revelation. I initially trained on my local running track with the local school’s support. I have progressed to road work and intend on completing several 10 km for local charities with the Dublin City Marathon my ultimate goal. I cannot stress enough how this service has helped me rediscover my appetite for life. An unbelievable system like the sports partnership provides an opportunity to people with disabilities that should always be supported and encouraged by all levels of society. Well done to all of you involved. For further information please contact Therese Laverty, Paul Dawson Sports Inclusion Disability Officer, Donegal Sports Partnership, on 074-9116078 or [email protected]

The following section outlines the National Sports Inclusion Disability Programme implemented through the Local Sports Partnerships throughout the country.

week. These numbers are particularly significant given SLIGO the difficulty in motivating this particular target group to Social Soccer Initiative participate in regular physical activity or sport. Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership (SSRP) has been working with Sligo/ Leitrim Mental Health Services (Health Service Executive West) and Mental Health Ireland (MHI) to provide a community football programme to make sport more accessible for people with mental health conditions in the North West. Physical activity is an important element in the treatment of some mental health conditions and its benefits in promoting positive mental and physical well-being are well documented. People engaging with mental health services are significantly less likely to participate in sport and regular physical activity and the social soccer project was established to tackle this issue. Through inter-agency working, SSRP, the HSE West, MHI, By working together, the various partners involved have and the FAI developed a Social Soccer programme for identified, recruited and supported local adults from people in Sligo which has been running successfully since communities around the county to initiate and maintain the start of the year. Initially aimed at individuals form their involvement in the programme. The Social Soccer Sligo/Leitrim Mental Health services, the programme has project has the power to improve mental well-being through been opened to the wider community in recent weeks and sport and social inclusion, delivering real benefits to people there are currently eighteen adult participants registered with mental health conditions, and can continue to go from on the programme, with 12 – 14 attending regularly each strength to strength through the continued support and commitment of the agencies involved.

| 14 CARA FOCUS • ISSUE 12 2015 DUBLIN CITY SPORTS NETWORK Boccia League Table Cricket Table Cricket is a new sport in Ireland that is currently being rolled out by Leinster Cricket in partnership with Dublin City Sports Network. Table Cricket is an all-inclusive sport that involves teams using a table tennis table to play a modified version of indoor cricket.

Dublin City Sports Network in partnership with St Michael’s House and Headway Ireland rolled out a pilot Boccia League in January 2015. Dublin City Council Sport and Recreation Officer introduced the sport of Boccia to 11 service users of Headway Blackhall Place and 16 service users of Work Options (St Michaels House branch). Over the duration of 8 weeks, both groups learned the skills, rules and tactics of Boccia. On the 27th February, a friendly competition took place between the two groups in Ballybough Community In April 2015, a 6 week programme facilitated by Centre. With over 30 participants for the competition, the DCSN commenced in Ballybough Community Centre. atmosphere was fun filled with an emphasis on play and Simultaneously another programme got underway in St enjoyment. Headway Ireland who won on the day, although Michaels House Leisure Centre in Coolock. On the 19th St Michaels proved tough competition. Following on from May, a Table Cricket competition involving two teams of 12, the pilot league, Dublin City Sports Network hopes to the first of its kind in Ireland, took place between the two expand the target audience for boccia participation. Boccia groups. will be offered to more groups with a larger competition to be held in the autumn of this year. If you require more To find out more about this exciting competition, or for more information, please contact LJ Higgins on 087 9176720 or information, please contact LJ Higgins on 087 9176720 or via email [email protected] via email [email protected] MEATH Football 4 All Programme The aim of the Football 4 All programme is to provide regular Ticket 2 Try Summer weekly training sessions for children with disabilities. This programme is open to all children with a disability aged programme between 6 to 14 years old. The Football for All programme The Ticket 2 Try programme is breaking down barriers by allowing the club to become continues to grow from more inclusive, guaranteeing that all children regardless of strength to strength with new ability will in the future have the same opportunity to play programmes being introduced football in their local club. each year. This programme is This programme is run by Ratoath Celtic FC every Saturday at open to children of pan disability 9.30am in Ratoath College. Registration for this programme aged 6-18years old. 2015 will is essential. see the introduction of karate, gymnastics and GAA Camps for Powerchair Football Players Wanted! children with disabilities. Meath Are you a powerchair user and interested in playing soccer LSP is currently in the planning phase with a number of other on a regular basis? Meath Powerchair Football is looking National Governing Bodies of Sport to continue to grow the for new players. This action‐packed team sport combines summer programme. All projects are developed by Meath the skill of the wheelchair user with the speed and power of LSP in partnership with National Governing Bodies of Sport the chair itself, to participate in an extremely challenging and/or disability organisations to ensure the sustainability game of soccer. Powerchair Football is the first competitive of each one. The 2015 Ticket to Try programme will include team sport designed and developed specifically for power variety of projects which include the ever popular Learn wheelchair users. 2 Cycle programme, Learn 2 Swim programme, Horse- If you require further information about any of these Riding programme, Rugby 4 All programme, Learn 2 Fish activities please don’t hesitate to contact Aine Coogan, programme to name a few in addition to the new projects Sports Inclusion Disability Officer, on (046) 9067337 which are currently being developed.

Adapted Physical Activity NATIONAL NEWSLETTER 15 | LIMERICK Limerick Sports Partnership (LSP) and Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) hosted a 'Come-and-Try Disability Sports Day' on Tuesday 14th April. This event was supported by the FAI, Munster Rugby, and Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland amongst others. The event, held at the LIT campus in Moylish, featured a range of children's and adult's activities. This was the first ‘Come-and-Try Day’, which was organised by the LSP and first year students from LIT's BA in Business Studies with Sports Management course.

The aim of the event was to increase the number of kids and The Annual Limerick Sports Partnership Boccia Tournament adults engaging in physical activity and enjoying the fun for people with disabilities, in conjunction with the Limerick and other benefits that sport can deliver. Games on the day Institute of Technology BA in Business Studies with Sports included soccer with the FAI, hurling with Treaty Warriors, Management, was held in LIT on Tuesday April 21st. The adapted tag rugby with the Munster Rugby Development tournament was a huge success, with 15 teams registered Officer, Frisbee with Smaug Networks Ireland, Boccia with for the event. Rehabcare won the tournament and took Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland, and Hip Hop with the Limerick home the Perpetual Trophy as winners for 2015. Hip Hop Intervention Project. TIPPERARY Boccia Fighting Fit The North Tipperary Boccia League has Three years ago the Moorehaven been up and running for six years. Twelve Centre and South Tipperary Sports teams from disability services across Partnership ran a pilot six-week North Tipperary compete once a month, boxing programme. Members of the Moorehaven Centre attended from September to March, for both the the Boxing Club in Tipperary Division One and the Division Two town to try their hands at a new titles. Although friendly competition is discipline. Today the initiative is still running and growing encouraged, the league has an emphasis from strength to strength. The Moorehaven Centre now on participation and caters for groups of all ability levels. runs two boxing sessions a week, one in the Centre and The Boccia League is now firmly fixed on the calendar, and one in the local Boxing Club. The area has become a hub the groups spend the winter months practicing their skills. for other disability services, who also attend regularly to try Teams from this league have represented North Tipperary out boxing. in the Tipperary County Championship and the Munster Social Boccia League. It’s safe to say that they are probably the best Boccia players in all of Munster, and maybe Ireland! The programme relies on teamwork and could not run if all the disability services didn’t come together and put so much work into organising the league every year. For more information on Boccia in Tipperary please contact Vincent Foley, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer, North Tipperary Sports Partnership at [email protected] or Recently the South Tipperary Sports Partnership linked back in with this group to assist them in acquiring new 067-43604. boxing equipment to improve their skills. The programme is non-contact and focuses on boxing-specific training, including working on punch bags, pad work, conditioning and stretching. The new equipment now has pride of place in the Moorehaven Centre gym alongside the signed portrait of Katie Taylor. For more information on Fighting Fit please contact Vincent Foley Sports Inclusion Disability Officer, South Tipperary Sports Partnership at [email protected] or phone 052-6187080.

| 16 CARA FOCUS • ISSUE 12 2015 CAVAN Multi-Sport Taster Day! The sports inclusion programme for Monaghan and Cavan interest to run similar events on a regular basis in this region. organised a multi-sport taster day for young people with a In total we had 14 children attend, including siblings, with physical disability aged 8-18 years in March. The taster day activities on the day including athletics, archery, wheelchair was the first of its kind in the area specifically for young basketball and sitting volleyball. people with a physical disability and was co-ordinated after All the activities were delivered by fully qualified instructors consultation with a number of relevant organisations. The and coaches, some from NGBs such as Volleyball Ireland aim of the event was to allow the participants to try some and IWA Sport. Local clubs East Cavan Eagles and Cavan different activities and to indicate if there is sufficient Instinctive Archery also supported the event, which is important in terms of achieving sustainable inclusive sports at a local level. Due to the level of response and parents feedback we are looking at running further events specifically for children with a physical disability in the near future. For information on this or any other Sports Inclusion programmes contact Dean Mc Elroy, Sports Inclusion Development Officer, Cavan Sports Partnership on 087-2623956 or email [email protected]

KILKENNY KRSP will also run a week of activities from the 27th to Action Packed the 31st of July. Activities will be open to all children and include surfing, forest skills and den building, pitch and putt Summer Activities! and a cycling trip. These activities can be booked on an Kilkenny Recreation and Sports individual basis, and the timetable will soon be up on the Partnership (KRSP) are looking website: www.krsp.ie forward to our Inclusive Summer On the week of the 13th of July, KRSP will host some activity Camp from the 20th to the 24th of July. days for adults with a disability. These will include tennis, This is a popular annual action packed pitch and putt, surfing, orienteering and forest skills and a week for children of all abilities, with cycle trip. Again, all the details will be up on our website, camp activities running from 10am to www.krsp.ie, beforehand.

2pm daily. Activities include kayaking

and river games, fun pool sessions, Kayaking & River parachute games, treasure hunts, hand cycling and bike Games spins, and lots more! Book early to avoid disappointment! Fun Pool Sessions

The camp costs €50 per participant for the week.

Parachute Games

Treasure Hunts

Dod TH TH 20 – 24 JULY Hand Cycling and Balance Bikes

INCLUSIVE Kurling / Boccia and lots more!

SUMMER CAMP

Inclusive Camp for Children with Disabilities and

Siblings KILKENNY RECREATION A week of fun filled games adapted to suit all. & SPORTS PARTNERSHIP €50 for 5 days, 10am -2pm. Book your place: Johns Green House, www.iregister.ie/krsp or contact Caitriona on 087 9750501. Johns Green, Kilkenny

056 7794990

www.krsp.ie

Adapted Physical Activity NATIONAL NEWSLETTER 17 | CORK Successful Cork SportsAbility Day

Following the launch it was back into action with the Rebel Wheelers Wheelchair Basketball team and FAI Amputee Football taking to the courts to demonstrate their skills. The SportsAbility Forum Ambassador Orla Barry was in attendance with her Paralympic medals, visitors were keen to get a photo with the Paralympic athlete and ask her about her achievement. It was fantastic to have other celebrity sports personalities also in attendance. International women’s Rugby captain Cork Sports Partnership and Cork SportsAbility Forum Niamh Briggs and Heather O’Brien joined the Munster were busy organising SportsAbility Day 2015. The Cork Wheelchair Rugby club in an exhibition game, Cork Community came out in force to show their support with Camogie star Orla Cotter took time out of her busy schedule over 300 visitors attending the event. to bring along the O’Duffy Cup for participants to see and From early morning groups were arriving at the Mardyke get a photo with. The Kingdom Rebels Powerchair Football Arena to set up information stands and prepare for the day’s team had a fantastic session with many visitors getting activities. Come and Try sessions in Table Tennis, Yoga involved. and Wheelchair Karate kicked off the day. As lunch time As the final activities got under way, Cork City FC players approached, visitors continued to flow into the venue. With Alan Bennett and John Dunleavy were put through their over 30 information stands on display there was a sports paces as they joined in the FAI Blind Football session. We club to suit everyone’s interest and ability. were honoured to have two Cork players who are members The opening ceremony took place at 1pm, the audience of the Irish Blind Football international squad playing on the were addressed by the SIDO Padraig Healy. Other speakers day Donnacha McCarthy and Matthew Kearney. included Minister Kathleen Lynch TD, CEO of the Irish The activities concluded at 3pm, the organising committee Sports Council John Treacy and Ted Owens, Chairman of would like to thank the UCC Mardyke Arena for kindly Cork Sports Partnership and CEO of Cork ETB. All speakers supporting this event and all the volunteers. were complementary of the large attendance, the wide For more information on the Cork SportsAbility Forum range of activities and clubs available on the day. contact Padraig Healy at Cork Sports Partnership on 021 2061762 or [email protected].

| 18 CARA FOCUS • ISSUE 12 2015 MONAGHAN St. Oliver Plunkett NS staff trained up in New Games 4 All resource! As part of the Sports Inclusion Development programme, Monaghan and Cavan Sports Partnerships developed an inclusive ‘Games4All’ resource to support those working in Monaghan and Cavan who deliver physical activity to people with disabilities. The ‘Games 4 All’ programme provides training, resource cards and equipment to schools, services and clubs on their suitability for adults and children with a disability. who want to promote inclusive sports. The project was developed following substantial research, Fifteen staff from St Oliver Plunkett NS, Loughmourne have including liaising with relevant disability organisations and completed the training, making them the first school in conducting on-site pilots of games to ensure the resource Monaghan to take part in the programme. To see so many pack was fully inclusive for a wide range of disabilities. staff from one school take an interest in providing inclusive Anyone attending the training will receive a sports bag of physical activity within the school is very encouraging, so equipment and a set of activity cards outlining all the games well done everyone. and activities delivered during the teacher training module, ‘Games 4 All’ was initiated using funding from the Dormant which is a two-and-half-hour workshop. Accounts Fund, which was accessed through Pobal. The If you are interested in completing the ‘Games 4 All’ resource is for parents/volunteers/service providers, leaders training, or would like more information about the ‘Games and teachers with little or no sporting background, as well 4 All’ resource pack or the Sports Inclusion Development as those with formal physical education and coaching programme, please contact Dean Mc Elroy, Sports Inclusion qualifications. The accompanying resource pack is designed Development Officer on 087-2623956 or email dmcelroy@ to be inclusive, with all activities and games chosen based monaghancoco.ie

DUN LAOGHAIRE-RATHDOWN Ireland Boccia European Home Time: Continental Cup 2015. An insight It was very tiring. It was a long week but a great experience, very proud to be Irish. from athlete Padhraic Dormer Not everyone can say they represented their country...... The Irish team (throwers): BUT I CAN. Padhraic Dormer, Niamh Dunphy, Padraic Moran and Dylan Oh yeah, I forgot to say 23 countries took part. Nelson. Written by Padhraic Dormer. The Irish team (rampers): Connor Coroon, Patrick Kelly and Michal O’Dowd. Rampers – use a ramp to aid athletes The Venue: The large arena consisting of twelve full size Boccia courts was situated in a city called Sant Cugat in Spain. The whole competition was run very officially, each game had an official referee & lines person. Some games were streamed on the internet check out Padhraic Dormer on YouTube. Team Matches: We played three team matches: • Ireland versus Norway • Ireland versus Portugal • Ireland versus Spain Individual Matches: I played a Russian & a Spaniard (not at the same time). It was my first international competition (hopefully not my last) & I gained a lot of experience. Padhraic Dormer pictured with Gwen O’Looney, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership, who presented Padhraic with a cheque to help fund Padhraic’s trip to compete in Barcelona.

Adapted Physical Activity NATIONAL NEWSLETTER 19 | OTHER HIGHLIGHTS FROM THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY

Xcessible Special School Sports A Sporting Chance Hall Athletics Programme GAA Skills for All Coaching Sessions Following the success of the Xcessible Special School Sports Hall Athletics Programme in 2014, Sporting Chance The Sporting Chance students recently completed a 6 week continued the programme in 2015 for two schools, Nano Gaelic football coaching programme for children with Nagle in Listowel and St. Ita’s and St. Joseph’s in Tralee. The dyspraxia and autism. The programme involves coaching programme ran for 6 weeks with 12 students from Sporting the basic skills of the game in a fun and enjoyable manner. Chance coaching a variety of athletics activities including In addition, the students also work on developmental skills relays, overhead throws, javelin and standing long jump. The such as agility, balance and coordination. The programme highlight of the programme was a jamboree between both was attended by 14 children aged 8 to 13 years. Six coaches schools on the 17th April where 8 different events took place from the Sporting Chance course were responsible for including an obstacle relay, speed bounce challenge and a planning and devising each session. One of the key target throw challenge. 36 children participated in the event components is the large number of coaches, which allows and there was a fantastic atmosphere as each participant one to one coaching where required. The sessions were run strove to gain an advantage. It was clear that there had in conjunction with Kerry GAA’s Inclusion and Integration been significant improvements in the basic movements Committee and this year, the group were invited to and fitness levels of all children and the feedback from participate in an inclusive training session during the Kerry each school was that the participants thoroughly enjoyed V Monaghan National League game. This half time session being active in such a fun environment. It is hoped that the incorporated boys and girls of all abilities. It was a great thrill athletes will continue their progress throughout the year for all involved to step out onto the field at half time in front with local clubs. of a 5,000 strong attendance. The session was very well received and the students and children received a rapturous The Sporting Chance course is open to applicants’ right applause from the crowd. The sessions will recommence in throughout the year. The course caters for those who may September. be out of work because of disability, mental health difficulty, injury, illness or learning difficulty or those who may have not completed school. Qualifications include a FETAC Level 5 major award in Sport, Recreation and Exercise, Swim teaching qualifications, Pool Lifeguard Qualification (optional) and coaching awards for a variety of sport. If you are interested in applying or would like further information, please contact Kevin Smith at 066 7122533, 086 0404270 or email [email protected]

New players needed! Powerchair Football Club Who we are: Kingdom Rebels is a powerchair football club, established In March, Kerry GAA in association with the Sporting in 2009. Our players are both from Chance programme ran a first ever Rounders blitz for Kerry and Cork, hence the name. We children with special needs. This was a most enjoyable are a player-run club and we sustain event with participants receiving one to one coaching ourselves through fundraising and and instruction from the Sporting Chance students. The sponsorship. We give people with students’ also organised fun games and warm up activities disabilities a chance to play sports and which helped to give all children the chance to strike the ball to have a social activity. before the games began. Rounders is a very easy game to play, similar to baseball, and it is a game which can be played What we want: We are a small club which has had successful with mixed teams of all ages, genders and abilities. Eleven periods, winning six cups since the beginning, but now what children participated in the event and parents even got we want is to grow our numbers and become a massive club. involved! The GAA intend to launch and promote Rounders We are going to organise a ‘Come and Try it Day’ throughout as their inclusive leisure game over the next month Kerry the summer period with the aim to have a club structure for GAA’s Inclusion and Integration committee would like to people who want to win and those who just want fun. see all clubs hold their own blitzes for members which will For more information contact: Daniel Stack be adapted to suit all abilities. at [email protected]

| 20 CARA FOCUS • ISSUE 12 2015 year on year after the week of camp. It is hard to pin point one Surf2Heal Kerry Ireland determining factor why S2HK has such a positive impact on the children that attend camp. It could be the fun and open First Surf Camp for environment that allows each child to express themselves in whatever way they feel, it could be the therapeutic benefits Kids with Autism of being emerged in nature with the calming and rhythmic The first week of August each year you can come down melody of the ocean, it could be the four to one ratio of to Banna Beach, Co. Kerry, and find roughly 50 volunteers volunteers per child, delivering an individualised lesson in the water with 40 children, spread over four sessions plan, which promotes social integration and inclusion, or it throughout each day. This army of volunteers are made could be because it is a summer surfing camp for kids and up of local secondary school students, third level students everyone has a fantastic fun time. from coursing varying from Health & Leisure to Social Care, S2HK has been fortunate to have a team of dedicated school teachers, lecturing staff, surfing enthusiasts, and volunteer committee members since it began in 2009. The anyone in between. All these volunteers give up a week of committee comes together to discuss the running of camp, their summer holidays to dedicate themselves to providing plan fund raising events and organise training and education a positive and fun experience to children with autism with volunteers. Last summer John Moriarty completed spectrum disorders (ASD). his work placement, having volunteered the previous year. John was a wonderful addition to the S2HK family. Luke Stafford Lacey has been a volunteer since 2010 and will be joining the committee this year with his artist eye for photography to provide us with more creative videos and photos of camp. Each year we have a number of returning and new volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to function so effectively without our returning volunteers as they always provide new people with a positive and happy experience and show them how we operate. Over the past six summers If you like the sound of our camp Surf2Heal Kerry (S2HK) has made and would like to volunteer or sign a massive impact to the lives of children with ASD and their your child up, please email [email protected] families, not only during the week of camp but also in their or find us on the CARA National APA Centre website www. lives after camp finishes. One mother has spoken highly of caraapacentre.ie/surf2heal or Facebook www.facebook. how her son’s social and communication skills improves com/surf2healkerry to fill in the online application. Showcasing inclusion through the Active School Flag Our Lady of Mercy Primary School, filled the hall. We decided to develop the idea by setting up Sligo, worked towards achieving a Yard Buddies committee. We bought resources based on an ‘Active School Flag’. This Shane's recommendations. On Tuesdays and Thursdays at initiative highlights the importance lunchtime the Yard Buddies set up games and played the of physical activity and sport in games together on their respective yards. The responses of schools and communities. The the children have been wholly positive and we are looking programme encourages all participating schools to evaluate forward to further training in the coming months. their current provision of Physical Education, extracurricular Other initiatives that were organised and coordinated by the activities, inclusive physical education and playtime children included Rainy Break Playtimes and The Friendship practices, resources, links with the community and parents Squad. On rainy days children from sixth class coordinated and to examine whether these can be improved upon. We and organised games to play with junior infants to second worked hard to ensure that the children at our school benefit class in classrooms. The children are tasked with playing from all the best opportunities and experiences of physical action games, dancing and doing small action rhymes. The activity possible before, during and after school. Friendship Squad organise stations on the junior and senior Ensuring that all children would benefit from improved infant yards with different activities. The activities include access to physical activity experiences implied that we Giant Connect 4, ball games, giant Lego, scooters, relays, needed to prioritise training for teachers and children. throwing and catching activities. Claire Mc Nally, a teacher Shane Hayes, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer from Sligo at the school co-ordinates the team of children to keep Sports and Recreation Partnership, facilitated training things running smoothly. The scooters are a firm favourite. for teachers around inclusive Physical Education lessons. Developing our inclusive practices continues to be our Second, Shane facilitated training for 30 children from focus. As the weeks roll in we have to strive to continue to second class to sixth and 11 children with Autism, their support the school community to involve everyone in our Special Needs Assistants and teachers. The session with games in the hope that no-child is left behind and that the the children was totally inspiring. Joy, fun and laughter laughter endures.

Adapted Physical Activity NATIONAL NEWSLETTER 21 | PEOPLE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

ADAM HARRIS, FOUNDER OF think Autism and they maybe begin to think of disability in general, without understanding the specific challenges AUTISM CHARITY ASIAM people with Autism face. People hear “disability” and read it as DISability while they should be reading it as disABILITY, approaching every challenge by finding solutions in an individual’s strength. As a child, I played many sports – everything from soccer and karate to rugby and basketball. As a person with Asperger’s, with poor concentration and coordination, my parents wanted me there so that I could meet other children my own age, enjoy activities that other young people enjoy and play a full part in my community. However, I feel people with Autism can, at times, fall between a “rock and a hard place” when it comes to being included in the local clubs. If a person has a physical disability, perhaps they will join a specific club which can facilitate their participation and adapt the game, perhaps if a person has an intellectual disability (which some people with Autism may also have) they will opt to join a Special Olympics Club, which will have awareness and inclusivity at its heart. However for those of us with Autism, inclusion can be a challenge. Many people “Sport is a wonderful equaliser and a very with Autism will want to join their local club and maybe will efficient tool to ensure inclusion. It can certainly not be eligible for any other sort of club, and yet might find place everyone on a level playing field.” the sport itself difficult and so begin to feel like the “weakest link” or the “bench warmer”, or might excel at the sport but These are the words of Wilfried Lemke of the UN Office find the social aspect of the club extremely difficult. of Sport for Development and Peace, and they capture the belief of the organisation I founded, AsIAm.ie, which is This is not necessarily anybody’s fault. Most of our sporting committed to developing a society where every person with clubs in Ireland are manned by the most incredible Autism can live and succeed, to their full potential “as they volunteers and, like so many teachers, business people and are”. students we come into contact with on a daily basis, want to be inclusive but simply don’t know where to start! We don’t believe sport is a small part of this, we believe it is a key element. Sport is the backbone of so many communities AsIAm.ie passionately believes that in order to have full in Ireland and, as a result, if you are not welcomed and inclusion we must involve a lot more than teachers or TDs – supported in a sporting community, you are not enjoying full we must look to the very heart of our communities. participation in your community. However, the flip side of To that end we recently launched a series of handbooks, this is, when inclusion takes place in sporting communities, which aim to help various sectors of society understand the it has a much wider impact – sending a powerful message challenges and strengths of those with Autism and to realise of inclusion to the wider community, de-mystifying and that small changes can indeed make a big difference. mainstreaming the condition within society. Our key message is to always see a person with Autism as I believe Ireland is naturally an inclusive place. When I a person first, to highlight strengths, not weaknesses, and tell people I have Asperger’s Syndrome or that I work with to learn from parents and the young person what THEY people with Autism – I often see people’s faces light up and personally find most difficult and what can be done to help. they are really interested to learn more. I believe people are However there are some small suggestions which, when put so keen to learn more about Autism, or maybe think they into action, we believe can make a big difference for those know a lot already, but no one has ever explained to them with Autism. To find out more visit AsIAm.ie and download what the condition is and, crucially, what it isn’t. People your free handbook for Sports Clubs today!

| 22 CARA FOCUS • ISSUE 12 2015 PEOPLE MAKING A DIFFERENCE MEET THE SIDO TEAM – First of all, can – What areas are you responsible for within Cork Sports you tell us a little bit Partnership? about yourself? As SIDO I look after all programmes and events with I am 27 years old and the aim of promoting inclusion and sport for people from Dungarvan, with disabilities. I work closely with the CARA Centre to Co. Waterford. I am deliver programmes at a local level here in Cork. As part currently living in Cork. of this role I am chairperson of the Cork SportsAbility I am a keen athlete Forum which is an initiative that brings organisations and love participating together with the aim of promoting sport for people with in both athletics and disabilities in Cork. triathlon. – What do you feel is the most enjoyable and rewarding part – What motivated of your job? you to follow this career Any time Cork Sports Partnership SIDO programme path? Was it always an supports someone to get involved in sport. This can be Padraig Healy, Sports Inclusion Disability area that you could see achieved through lots of different ways through events Officer in Cork yourself being involved such as the SportsAbility Day, coordinating programmes in professionally? or resolving specific queries. For example, a parent While in college in Cork IT I completed placement in enquired a number of weeks ago about getting her son Carriglea Cairde Services. It is a care centre for people who has autism involved in athletics. I got in contact with intellectual disabilities. I carried out my placement with a local club which he has since joined and he has in the PE department, assisting the instructors to deliver taken part in his first 400 meter race in CIT and the club exercise and swimming classes. I really enjoyed my time training sessions are the highlight of his week. in Carriglea and I experienced first-hand the positive – Is there one particular initiative/event that you have been impact that sport has on the lives of people with disa- involved in with Cork Sports Partnership that you look on bilities. From then I knew this was the area I wanted to with great pride and satisfaction? work in. To gain further experience while studying I We organised a SportsAbility Day at the UCC Mardyke completed two weeks voluntary work in the Adapted Arena in April. This was a great success with a number Physical Activity & Sports department in Cope Founda- of the Sportsability clubs signing up new members tion, Cork. which made the day worthwhile. CEO of the Irish Sports – What areas have you studied as part of your career Council John Treacy was in attendance and paid tribute development? (i.e. what did you study in college and what to the large attendance and the wide range of activities further training/upskilling have you undertaken since?) on offer. It was hugely rewarding for all involved. I began by studying Sport, Recreation & Leisure Manage- – How would you like to see yourself progressing within the ment in Cork IT for four years. I then completed a one job over the next five years? Have you any ideas/initiatives year night course in Disability Studies in UCC. From that you would like to see developed over that time? 2011 to 2014 I studied part time in Waterford IT where I This year was my first year in the position as SIDO with recently graduated with my degree in Social Studies. Cork Sport Partnership so I still have a lot to learn. I hope – Did you have any other professional experience in this to continue to build relationships with partners such as area before taking up your current position as SIDO in the CARA centre and NGBs to promote inclusion through Cork? sport at every opportunity in Cork. I want to continue to I worked as PE teacher covering maternity leave in create awareness of disability sport through supporting Carriglea Cairde Services on completing my studies in the great work of existing clubs, by trying to break down CIT. I then took up employment as a social care worker the barriers that exist for people with disabilities and with the Brothers of Charity Southern Services in Cork finally to continue to establish programmes that are where I worked for 4 years. During that time I set up a sustainable all with the aim of getting people active and PE programme for people with disabilities which was the leading a healthier lifestyle. highlight of my time there.

Adapted Physical Activity NATIONAL NEWSLETTER 23 | LAUNCH OF UNESCO CHAIR AT IT, TRALEE

The UNESCO Chair was officially launched on the 24th of Current Projects February by President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins. This The UNESCO team is in the final stages of a European recognition is testimony to the Institute’s commitment to project led by The Association for International Sport for All the process of inclusivising practice which works towards (TAFISA). The Project, “Recall – Games of the Past – Sport the Chair’s vision of mainstreaming diversity through for Today”, aims to use Traditional Sports and Games (TSG) Physical Education, Sport, Fitness and Recreation. as a vehicle to encourage universal participation in the daily lives of young people. UNESCO staff have been working towards mainstreaming diversity by inclusiving each of the TSG. This was done using the TREE model which was developed by the Australian Sports Commission for adapting physical activities. The launch of the website, the app, the interactive PDF and resource cards will take place at the RECALL Conference at the European Parliament in Brussels on June 30th 2015 and will be hosted by Sean Kelly, MEP and former President of the GAA. The UNESCO Chair and CARA Centre at IT, Tralee have been working on Universal Fitness Inclusion Training (UFIT) in a European Sector Skills Alliance and Knowledge Alliance to refine and transfer resources for Vocational and Educational Training. Universal Fitness Inclusion Training (UFIT) will equip fitness professionals and managers with a toolkit for Universal Management and Practice that aims to provide The UNESCO Chair’s primary national partner is the them with sufficient knowledge, competence and skill to CARA Centre, and the combination of the national remit work with people with disabilities in fitness environments. of the CARA Centre and the international remit of the The project will equip fitness professionals and managers UNESCO chair locates the Institute of Technology, Tralee with a Toolkit for Universal Management and Practice in the position of leading a global partnership and being a that aims to provide them with sufficient knowledge, forerunner of developments in Mainstreaming Diversity in competence and skill to work with people with disabilities the domains of the Chair. in fitness environments. UFIT exemplifies the Universal Management Framework which is a validated framework that has been developed at IT Tralee over 21 years. The use of this framework serves to embed inclusivity across all dimensions of application, welcoming people with diverse levels of ability into fitness sector operations. The framework is a comprehensive and balanced development guide and its use in the UFIT project embeds inclusivity across all dimensions of fitness sector management and operations. In Ireland the CARA Centre will be the primary training provider of this programme. The launch of the toolkit will take place at the IHRSA European Conference in Marseille, France, 19th October 2015. Further details of the Universal Fitness Inclusion Training are available at www.justdoufit.com and details of the Universal Management Framework are available at http:// The brand logo UniversAbility has been designed by the unescoittralee.com/unesco-it-tralee-documentation/ UNESCO team which indicates the ability to be Universally Accessible, recognising this ability as a dynamic and continuous process. UniversAbility is applicable across a range of contexts including organisations, freelance professionals, programmes, products, facilities and venues. A Blueprint for Action outlines the scope of the Chair’s work as it available at http://unescoittralee.com/unesco-it-tralee- documentation/

| 24 CARA FOCUS • ISSUE 12 2015 APA IT TRALEE

Part-time Taught Masters Programme in Adapted Physical Activity Leadership

The MSc in Adapted Physical Activity Leadership (APAL) commenced full time delivery at the Institute of Technology Tralee in 2014. We are offering the programme on a part time basis for applicants to the programme in this coming academic year, 2015/2016.

The programme has been developed in response to an increase in demand for highly skilled professionals who can take a leadership role in developing this emerging discipline of practice in Europe. This taught level 9 programme builds on the focus of adapted physical activity within the Health and Leisure undergraduate ordinary and honours degree programmes at the Institute and is in line with the European Standards in Adapted Physical Year 1 Modules Semester Credits Activity (2010). Disability Studies 15 The overall aim of this Masters degree programme is to provide the opportunity for Interprofessional Leadership 1 10 professionals and graduates in the areas of health, education, care and leisure, to develop Policy Analysis and their capacity as transformative leaders to ensure universal access to physical activity. This Development 15 aim echoes the long held vision of the APA movement and is in line with the aim of the Communication and United Nations (UN) convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (2006) - ensuring Relationship Management 2 10 the equal rights of persons with disabilities. Unfortunately in 2015 there are still great Wellbeing Health inequities in participation and the realisation of the vision of universal access to physical and Disability 25 activity is dependent on the growth, development and support of APA across all UN states. Research Methodology There is therefore an imminent need for trained professionals to show leadership in and Project Design 25 overcoming remaining barriers and developing capacity to bring the shared aspirations of so many to fruition. Year 2 Modules Semester Credits

Universal Programming entry Requirements and Facilitation 3 10 Applicants to the Masters in Adapted Physical Activity Leadership and its embedded awards must meet the following minimum entry requirements: Co-ordination of Inclusive programme*: 4 10 • Inclusive Fitness • Danceability • Bachelor (honours degree) 2.2 or higher in physical education, health and leisure, • Adventure Therapy & Adapted sports science, physiotherapy or related fields Outdoor Education OR • Inclusive Aquatics • The applicants undergraduate program must include attainment in the discipline areas Dissertation Across 3 and 4 30 of anatomy, physiology and adapted physical activity.

*One of the elective choices will be available. • Sufficient conversational and written English language skills - an IELTS requirement Students will be asked to register their preference of 6.5. on application.

• There are additional prerequisite knowledge requirements for some of the elective choices.

Please see www.ittralee.ie/postgraduate for more information on entry requirements. APPLICATION CLOSING DATE delivery 25th June 2015 The Masters programme will be delivered over 2 academic years with an intake in September 2015. As a part time programme students will attend IT, Tralee one day each week during the Late applicants are not academic semesters from September to December and January to May each year. guaranteed a place on the course.

cost Duration: 2 years The total programme cost of the MSc including student contribution charge is €3,365 per Credits: 90 year (Fees can be paid in instalments if requested). Please visit www. revenue.ie for details of tax relief opportunities. www.ittralee.ie “For further information on the programme contact: Aileen Kennedy, Head of Department of Health and Leisure Studies, Tel: 066 7144168, Email: [email protected]

Adapted Physical Activity NATIONAL NEWSLETTER 25 | CARA NATIONAL INCLUSION AWARDS 2015

The CARA Adapted Physical and Secondary Schools, Adventure Providers, Leisure/ Activity Centre National Fitness Centres, Camps and Research. Inclusion Awards are in their The National Judging Committee is made up of Pat third year of roll out. The aim Flanagan, CARA Adapted Physical Activity Centre; Una of the Awards is to recognise Moynihan, Institute of Technology, Tralee; Catherine and commend organisations Carty, UNESCO Chair at the Institute of Technology, Tralee; and people who contribute to Frances Murphy, St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra; Michael the inclusion of people with Crowley, Cork Local Sports Partnership; John Pierce, disabilities in sport, physical Institute of Technology, Tralee; Brenda O’Donnell, Cerebral activity, fitness, outdoorPalsy Sport Ireland; Grace Russell, Ireland Active; Ona adventure and physical McGrath, Cork Institute of Technology; Ciaran Murphy, Irish education throughout Ireland. Sailing Association; Terence McSweeney, COPE Foundation; The calibre of entrants was Niamh Walsh, Irish Special Schools Sports Council; Michael extremely high this year and the Gilroy, CARA Adapted Physical Activity Centre. judging committee had a tough job selecting the winners.

The awards process is implemented using the ‘Universal Management Framework’, which encourages organisations to look at an overall process towards inclusion within their sport, school, leisure centre etc. Through focusing on and developing specific items within the Framework, The 2015 National Inclusion Winners ceremony takes place participation opportunities for people with disabilities are in Clontarf Castle Co Dublin on June 18th. developed and enhanced. For more information, please contact Niamh Daffy, on This year’s awards categories include the following: 066 7145646 or email [email protected]. National Governing Bodies of Sport, Sports Clubs, Primary “It is hugely encouraging to see the amount of developments aimed at increasing access of people with disabilities to sport and physical activity throughout the country by both small and large organisations”, Linda Raymond (National Inclusion Awards Coordinator)

| 26 CARA FOCUS • ISSUE 12 2015 The 2015 National Inclusion Awards Winners are as follows: Leisure/Fitness Centre Award: Leisure World, Bishopstown, Cork

Adventure Provider Award: Cappanalea Outdoor Education Centre, Kerry

National Governing Body Award: Irish Sailing Association

Sports Club Award: Park Rangers AFC

Primary School PE/Sports Award: Ballinamere National School

Organised by: Funded by:

Adapted Physical Activity NATIONAL NEWSLETTER 27 | CARA Adapted Physical Activity Centre IT Tralee South Campus Tralee, Co. Kerry Tel: +353 66 714 5646 Fax: +353 66 714 5651 Email: [email protected] www.CaraApaCentre.ie

Find us on:

Useful Contacts CARA Adapted Physical Activity Centre IWA Sport A national organisation which coordinates, facilitates and IWA Sport develops and promotes sport and recreational advocates for the inclusion of people with disabilities in Sport, opportunities for people with a physical disability to Physical Activity and Physical Education. participate in sport at a level of their choice. www.caraapacentre.ie www.iwasport.com Tel: +353 66 714 5646 Email: [email protected] Cerebral Palsy Sports Ireland (CPSI) Tel: +353 1 818 6400 CPSI provides sports and recreation opportunities to people Paralympics Ireland with cerebral palsy and other physical impairments. Paralympics Ireland mission is to lead elite athletes with a www.cpsi.ie Email: [email protected] or Tel: +353 1 625 1160 disability to Paralympic Games success. Coaching Ireland www.paralympics.ie Coaching Ireland has the lead role in the development of Email: [email protected] coaching in Ireland on an all island basis. Tel: +353 1 625 1175 www.coachingireland.com Email: [email protected] Special Olympics Ireland Tel: +353 61 202895 Special Olympics Ireland provides year-round sports training Deaf Sports Ireland (DSI) and competition opportunities for people with an Intellectual disability across Ireland. DSI is the National Governing Body in Ireland with sports for www.specialolympics.ie people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Email: [email protected] www.deafsportireland.com Tel: +353 1 882 3972 Email: [email protected] or Text +353 87 134 9877 Vision Sports Ireland (VSI) Football Association of Ireland (FAI) VSI is the National Governing Body for sport and leisure FAI Football for All Programme is made up of players from activities for blind and visually impaired people in Ireland. all groups and sporting bodies that cater for people with a www.visionsports.ie disability who want to play football. Email: [email protected] www.fai.ie Tel: +353 1 454 7865 Email: [email protected] Tel: +353 86 607 9223

Proudly supported by: Chase Your Pass Warm Up Card print & design: www.traleeprinting.com 066 7121230

1 ASE H R C How to play 1 METER BETWEEN EACH PLAYER Setting up: • Set up participants in a circle • Space out participants Playing: • Arrange players in a circle, with a space between each player • The person with the ball becomes the Illustration runner • The runner passes the ball to the right or the left and runs a lap of the circle trying to beat the ball back to the space they just left • The other players attempt to pass the ball around the circle before the runner gets back

C Helena McGarvey 2013 Equipment: • One or two balls • Whistle Scoring • Flags or cones • Players pass the ball around the circle A fun passing and catching game that for one lap as fast as possible to beat promotes cooperation to pass a ball as fast the runner. If by the time the runner as possible to beat a runner completes one lap they are still passing the ball, the runner wins