adapted physical activity ara focus€¦ · cara will shortly pilot a new inclusive leisure centre...

ARA FOCUSADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

ISSUE 8 | JANUARY 2012

ARA FOCUSNATIONAL NEWSLETTER

ParalympicsLondon 2012 EUCAPA 2012

FAI ClubProgramme Adapted Physical Activity Centre

IN THIS ISSUE:

FOREWORD

Table of Contents:• Note From Cara � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �3

• Xcessible Inclusive Leisure Centre Initiative � � � �4

• National Standardised Training & Education Coordinated By CARA� � � � � � � � � � � � �5

• National Sports Organisations� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �7

• Making A Splash�� Swimming Update � � � � � � � � � �9

• APA at I�T� Tralee � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �10

• EUCAPA 2012 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �12

• Local Sports Partnerships, Sports Inclusion Disability Programme � � � � � � � �14

• Paralympics London 2012 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �21

• St� Michael’s House � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �22

• Participant’s Profile � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �23

• CampAbilities Ireland � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �23

Welcome to the January issue of CARA Focus. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy new year. As a founding partner of the CARA Adapted Physical Activity Centre, IT, Tralee is proud to be associated with the worthwhile and ground-breaking activities of the Centre.

2012 promises to be an exciting year for all involved in CARA. In May the Institute, in partnership with the CARA Centre, will play host to the European Congress in Adapted Physical Activity (EUCAPA) – the first time Ireland has played host to this event. The theme of the conference is “Putting Practice Based Research into Action” and it promises to be stimulating and thought-provoking. Taking place in the Malton Hotel, Killarney from the 6th-8th May it offers an ideal opportunity to network with peers and learn from other experienced profes-sionals. The conference also has the potential to create a more collaborative approach to the participation of people with disabilities in health enhancing physical activities. We are delighted to welcome Mary Davis, Regional President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia as a keynote speaker.

CARA will shortly pilot a new Inclusive Leisure Centre training course which will build on the success of “Xcessible” - a collaborative venture between IT, Tralee and the Irish Sports Council. Funded by the Department of Justice and Equality the “Xcessible” programme took place from the 28th November

to 11th December 2011 and was one of a number of initiatives held to mark Disability Awareness Day on December 3rd. CARA worked with a number of Local Sports Partnerships and Leisure Centres to heighten the awareness of the benefits of exercise, active healthy lifestyles and participation for people with disabilities by hosting open days targeting people with disabilities. The outcomes from this programme will also be presented at the EUCAPA Conference in May 2012.

In October 2011 the Institute were proud to confer degrees on its first graduates in the BSc (Hons) in Health and Leisure with Adapted Physical Activity. APA is now also offered as a discipline area in the Institute’s Social Care degree which represents our commitment to developing the teaching and application of this sphere of expertise in Institute activities.

The Institute of Technology, Tralee is currently advancing proposals for the development of a €20m sports academy building at its North Campus. The new development will also host the headquarters of the Cara National Adapted Physical Activity Centre with construction expected to commence in early 2013. This state of the art facility will further enhance the Institute’s ability to lead the way in APA, with our partners both nationally and internationally.

As President of the Institute I look forward to the continued growth and impact of the CARA centre thereby ensuring that the IT, Tralee plays its role in the enhancement and improve-ment of the lives of people with disabilities.

Dr. Oliver Murphy

President,

Institute of Technology Tralee

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FRONT COVER: Staff and Participant at the Xcessible Leisure Centre Initiative in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

CARA FOCUS • ISSUE 8 2012| 2

CARA Builds Capacity

Just over 4 years in existence and the National Centre for Adapted Physical Activity continues to lead many new initiatives which facilitate the increased participation of people with disabilities in physical activity, sport and PE in Ireland. With two new staff members, Liam McDonough (Training and Education) and Linda Raymond (EUCAPA), Niamh Daffy (CARA Manager) has more hands on deck to assist her in the multitude of projects that she has been dedicated to and new projects needing attention. Thanks to management at IT Tralee for their support in the funding of these new positions.

A key project has been the work of Liam McDonough in the development of a National Training and Education Framework to standardise all disability inclusion training in the area of sports coaching, leisure centres, in-service, and short CPD courses for teachers. This has been developed in partnership with a range of organisations currently providing disability aware-ness and inclusion training in this area. The assistance of Disability Sport Northern Ireland, the Australian Institute of Sport and Halberg Trust (New Zealand), in allowing access to their current training materials, has greatly reduced the timeframe in which this programme can be completed.

Much of Niamh Daffy’s work up to 2010 centred around the coordination and facilitation of the Sports Inclusion Disability Officers (SIDO) programme which has made such as signifi-cant impact at local level throughout the country. Since then the Sports Inclusion Disability Programme has been coordinated by a steering committee appointed by the Irish Sports Council, which continues to fund the programme, in spite of reductions in its overall funding. CARA and IT Tralee will continue to be active members of this steering group.

I would like to once again invite you all to take part in the main APA event in the world this year and it is happening in Ireland. IT Tralee in conjunction with the CARA centre, Irish Sports Council and the Dept. of Justice is hosting the European Congress in APA (EUCAPA) from 6-8th May 2012 in the Malton Hotel Killarney. For anyone interested in APA, inclusion in PE, disability sport or rehabilitation, it cannot be missed. Details from our wonderful confer-ence organiser, Linda Raymond at the CARA centre or at www.eucapa.eu.

Finally a ‘mile buiochas’ to Tanja Fischer, our International Internship volunteer, who has compiled this version of CARA Focus and has been doing brilliant work with us since October. Her talents have not gone unnoticed in her German homeland, as in recent months she was offered a range of fulltime positions in the sports promotion area. Her efficiency and work ethic (she is German) are only surpassed by her wit, charm and sense of fun. She will be sadly missed when she leaves in mid February. Dankeschön.

A note from CARA

Niamh Daffy - Manager

Pat Flanagan - Director

Linda Raymond - EUCAPA Coordinator

Liam McDonough - Training & Education Officer

Tanja Fischer - EUCAPA Assistant

3 |Adapted Physical Activity NATIONAL NEWSLETTER

Through the support of The Department of Justice and Equality, a collaborative venture between the CARA APA Centre, IT Tralee and the Irish Sports Council took place throughout November and December of 2011. Titled “Xcessible”, the overall aim of the initiative is to heighten the awareness of the benefits of exercise, active healthy lifestyles and participa-tion for people with disabilities. The programme took place from the 28th of November to the 11th of December 2011 and was one of a number of initiatives held to mark International

Disability Awareness Day on December 3rd.

CARA co-ordinates national initiatives and works through the Sports Inclusion Disability Programme in the Local Sports Part-nerships in each county

to improve opportunities and quality of provision of sporting activities for people with disabilities.

CARA linked with a number of Local Sports Partnerships (LSP) who identified one/two leisure centres in their county to participate in the initiative. Each leisure centre selected a date within one week of disability awareness day to hold an open day for new members – in particular targeting their promotional efforts to people with disabilities. In the lead up and on the day of the initiative, local Sports Inclusion Disa-bility Officers/LSP representatives were available assist with programme delivery.

As part of the initiative, the CARA Centre recorded a variety of the events for the purposes of developing a multimedia training tool to utilise within the Inclusive Leisure Centre Training Resource. CARA will work in partnership with Irish Leisure and Amenity Management (ILAM), Irish Wheel-chair Association Sport and Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland in

promoting the scheme and in the development of the training programme content and resource materials.

Following the “Xcessible” Day, the CARA Training and Education Officer in conjunction with partner agency tutors, will provide training for all staff in each centre. Training will help to troubleshoot any issues that staff highlight and will also include topics such as the need for a disability officer, physical accessibility, promotion, qualifications, policy and segre-gated and inclusive programmes suitable for leisure centres. There will also be on-going support provided in the months following the training by the Education Officer and more frequently by the Local Sports Partnership. Each centre will also receive an Inclusive Leisure Centre training resource to support their future activities.

The outcomes from the “Xcessible” programme will be shared with those who attend the European Congress of Adapted Physical Activity which will be held in Killarney from May 6th to the 8th 2012.

‘Being Active is more than just being fit…It’s a lifestyle’….

Xcessible Inclusive Leisure Initiative

XCESSIBLE INCLUSIVE LEISURE CENTRE INITIATIVE


“It was a really positive experience for the participants

and created a new link with the IT Sligo. Great to see a mix

of people with various disabilities coming together and

the IT are very motivated to continue working towards

making their facility and programmes more inclusive.”

Shane Hayes Sports Inclusion Disability Officer

Sligo

The CARA Adapted Physical Activity Centre is committed to leading, coordinating and supporting developments in Adapted Physical Activity, Adapted Physical Education and Disability Sport.

The education and training of people involved in sport, recreation, physical activity and physical education for people with disabilities is vitally important to increase/maintain the participation levels of people with a disability. Once people

are educated and trained appropriately, inclusion is likely to happen because these people will have acquired the skills to organise, modify and adapt the activities to meet individual needs. Training and education needs to be provided at all levels from PE teachers, leisure centre staff, sports club volun-teers to high performance coaches.

As per the recommendations of the Report “Promoting the Participation of People with Disabilities in Physical Activity and Sport” (NDA, 2005) CARA has taken a lead role in coordinating national agencies to develop a National Training & Education Framework for inclusive physical activity and sports.

NATIONAL STANDARDISED TRAINING & EDUCATION COORDINATED BY CARA

LSP LEISURE CENTRE

MayoClaremorris Leisure Centre

Westport Leisure Centre

CarlowGreenbanks Health and Leisure Club SevenOaks Hotel

Offaly AURA leisure centre, Tullamore

SligoKnocknarea Arena Fitness Suite Institute of Technology

Laois Portlaoise Leisure Centre

Galway Leisureland Galway

DublinTallaght Leisure Centre

Clondalkin Leisure Centre

DunLaoghaire-Rathdown DLR Leisure Services Meadowbrook

Donegal Aura Leisure Complex Letterkenny

MeathAura Leisure Link Trim

ClubActive Navan, Co. Meath

LSP LEISURE CENTRE

Longford Longford sport and leisure centre

ClareEnnis Leisure Complex

Riverlogde leisure Centre, Auburn Lodge

Limerick University of Limerick Sports Arena

Monaghan Coral Leisure - Monaghan Leisure

KildareK leisure Centre Naas

K-Leisure Athy

Westmeath Athlone Regional Sports Centre

Tipperary Thurles Leisure Centre

Roscommon Roscommon Leisure Centre

Louth Aura Leisure Centre Dundalk

Cork Leisure World, Bishopstown


The purpose of the training and education framework is to highlight the opportunities for the development of stand-ardised training and education programmes in Ireland. The National Training and Education working group has been formed to steer and implement the framework and support coordination, facilitation, development and promotion of cost effective training and education in the following strands:• Undergraduate college courses

• Current primary teachers and PE teachers

• Leisure industry professionals

• Coaches

• Instructors and volunteers

The Training and Education Working Group consist of repre-sentatives from the following agencies:

Irish Wheelchair Association Sport (IWA Sport)

Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland (CPSI)

Irish Deaf Sports Association (IDSA)

Irish Blind Sports (IBS)

Football Association of Ireland (FAI)

Special Olympics Ireland (SOI)

Coaching Ireland (CI)

The Institute of Technology Tralee (ITT)

The CARA APA Centre

The National Training and Education working group will also consult with experts in the areas of each of the five target strands. CARA is constantly reviewing membership on this working group to ensure it reflects all agencies and groups currently involved in the development and delivery of training on inclusion. This standardised approach to inclusion training will consist of trained tutors, standardised resources, evaluation of delivery and opportunities for accreditation within Institutes of Further Education

In recent months CARA has been piloting a number of these courses and will continue to do so in the 2012. In particular, priority focus will be on the following:

Disability Inclusion Training (DIT)Working closely with Disability Sports Northern Ireland (DSNI) CARA will be piloting 14 Disability Inclusion Training (DIT) courses from early this year. This course has been designed

for a range of audiences including National Governing Bodies, Coaches, Volunteers, Teachers/SNA, and Administrative staff, Leisure Personal, Students and Sports Development Officers. Through a range of interactive exercises participants are made aware of the main barriers to participation and are provided with practical advice and guidelines to develop their ability to adapted games and activities to include all ability groups. CARA is currently looking for locations to run these courses so keep an eye on our website to see if there is a course close to you! www.caraapacentre.ie

European Inclusive Physical Education Training (EIPET)

CARA promotes the use of the European Inclusive Physical Education Training (EIPET) resource and it variations to upskill teachers an all sports industry professionals in the inclusion of people with disabilities. International research has informed us that PE teachers though interested and capable, in general, do not feel very confident in including children with disabili-ties in their PE class. The main reason for this, they identify as not having studied or having practical experience training in how to facilitate inclusive PE classes. Website: www.eipet.eu

NGB Support/Inclusive Coaching CARA will continue to support National Governing Bodies of Sport to become more inclusive by providing advice and support on their training and education when requested.

Further information on the CARA Training and Education programme, please contact Liam at [email protected] or 0667145672 / 0876845874


2012 will see the hosting of Special Olympics Ireland’s National Winter Sports events. 22 athletes will participate in the Alpine Skiing event in the Ski Club of Ireland in Kilternan, Co. Wicklow. Athletes will participate in Slalom and Giant Slalom events across novice and intermediate levels. Later in the summer, the first ever National Floorball event will take place in the University of Limerick. Up to 8 teams will play for the honour of being crowned champions on 19th May.

Athletes in both of these events will be competing in the hope of securing a place on Team Ireland for the tenth Special Olympics World Winter Games which will take place in Pyeo-ngchang, South Korea in February 2013. Special Olympics Ireland has been represented at the 4 World Winter Games since its first participation in the 1997 Games in Toronto. 2013 however, will mark another bit step forward as Special Olym-pics Ireland will be represented for the first time in two sports – Alpine Skiing and demonstration sport Floorball! Not bad for a small island!

Meanwhile, the 2011-12 season marks the busiest year in the 4 year summer sport competition cycle for athletes from

across the island of Ireland as they participate in their first level of competition at local level. For more information about what events are taking place in your locality, check out the events calendar on our website on www.specialolympics.ie/whatwedo/calendar and come along to cheer on your local athletes!

NATIONAL SPORTS ORGANISATIONS

Winter Sports

Football Association Ireland – Football for All Club Programme

This programme was initiated to assist and develop Football opportunities for all players with a disability in their local community. The FAI has taken a leading step in the promo-tion and development of a clear pathway so as to encourage players with a disability to participate in Football.

The FAI recognises that some people or communities start from a disadvantaged position and may need proactive assis-tance from the Association to gain access to all opportunities that exist in football.

Everybody regardless of their ability should have the oppor-tunity to access football in their local club ensuring the FAI promotes an ethos of inclusion within the football community. Players will receive their training at local clubs providing regular football, a feeling of belonging to a club, competi-tion, and a safe environment in which to express them. Most of all, players will have a pathway into mainstream teams if

they improve to a level capable of competing in mainstream competition and if not they will continue to enjoy the game they love with their club. The programme will create oppor-tunities for people with disabilities from 6 - 14 years of age across all disability groups. This Pan Disability approach will ensure high participation and integration of all disabilities forging new partnerships within the disability community

Clubs involved:

Lourdes Celtic (Dublin) Thomastown AFC (Kilkenny)

Malahide Utd (Dublin) Middleton AFC (Cork)

Kilcock Celtic (Kildare) Charleville AFC (Cork)

Nenagh FC (N Tipperary) Sacred Heart FC (Dublin)

Skibbereen AFC (Cork) Dunboyne AFC (Meath)

St. Brendan’s Park (Kerry) Cahir AFC (S Tipperary)

Cabinteely FC (Dublin) Carrigaline Utd

Parkvale FC (Dublin) Tulla Utd (Clare)

For further information in relation to this programme please go to the webpage below:

http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view= article&id=101445:football-for-all-program&catid=56:football

Contact:Football for All National Coordinator: Oisín JordanFootball Association of Ireland National Sports Campus, Abbotstown, Dublin 15 Email: [email protected] • Mobile: 086 607 9223

Football For All Club Development Officer: Nick Harrison Football Association of IrelandNational Sports Campus, Abbotstown, Dublin 15 Email: [email protected] • Mobile: 0860472051

Photo Credit: Padraig Aherne, Special Olympics Munster


Dublin Swifts relaunch On Sunday October 16th the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Andrew Montague, visited the Oliver Murphy hall to help the Dublin Swifts to launch our new logo, sports gear and wheelchairs. He was very generous with his time and his comments. The Dublin Swifts is a wheelchair sports club which caters for children and adolescents who are wheelchair users. The focus of the Sunday morning club is on participation, fun, friendship and inclusion for all, through sports. We currently have over forty members. A number of parents have success-fully completed different coaching courses and take turns in coaching the members. New members are always welcome. The club meets most Sunday mornings in the IWA main hall in Clontarf from 10am-12noon.Further details can from Aidan Knight @ 0872377506 or from IWA Sport headquarters on 01 8186400.

IWA-Sport Junior Basketball Development Blitz

IWA-Sport hosted the second in the series of Nationwide Junior Basketball Development in the Oliver Murphy Sports Centre in IWA Clontarf on the 13th of November following on from the success of the Galway Tornados Junior Wheelchair Basketball Blitz in October.

This event is played in a blitz style and involves teams from all parts of the country. The Junior Teams involved over the Blitz Season are…Galway Tornados, Dublin Swifts, Fr. Matthews Junior Wheelchair Basketball Club Cork, Belfast Knights Juniors, Limerick Junior Wheelchair Basketball Club and Clonaslee Junior Wheelchair Basketball Club.

The new and emerging teams from the rest of Ireland are improving steadily and this is largely due to their develop-ment programmes and the work of their senior coaches from around Ireland.

Belfast Knights Junior Team has set the standard in terms of competitiveness as they have run out winners of every round robin game over the last two months.

The last two events have finished with a Junior All Star Game with children picked from each of the teams who have participated at a very high level throughout the Blitz. Such was the level of skill and competi-tion that the latest Junior All Star Game had to be settled after four periods of overtime.

The Blitz to date has been an amazing advertisement for Disa-bility Sport and Junior Sports Development. The remaining dates for the IWA-Sport Junior Wheelchair Basketball Blitz are as follows…• Sunday, 15th January 2012 – Christ King, Half Moon Road, South

Douglas, Co Cork.• Sunday, 12th February 2012 – Clonaslee Community Centre,

Clonaslee, Co Laois.• Sunday, 11th March 2012 – Ardee Community School, Ardee, Co.

Louth.• Sunday, 15th April 2012 – IWA Clontarf.• Please contact your local IWA Sport Development officer for

more information; contact details can be sourced on our website www.iwasport.com

Irish Wheelchair Association Sport

IRISH BLIND SPORTS Our Mission: To enable blind and visu-ally impaired people to participate fully

in sport and recreational activities of their choice. So what do WE do: - IBS continues to work in association with County Council, NGB’s and local sports groups and clubs. We support and encourage the on-going efforts of various blind and V.I. activity groups around the country. We help run courses in specific sports; this year water-skiing was offered in Cork over four summer weekends, archery for five weeks in Dublin and our Football Coach Warren McDonald took Junior soccer-squad training around the country this past summer. We organised a number of ‘have a go’ sessions included angling, canoeing and climbing wall. Integration into local community groups is vital and we seek to encourage a more inclusive attitude. We link individuals interested in specific sports to clubs in their areas where possible. We can offer guidance, help and support to local community clubs to

integrate V.I. participants. More about that in the next CARA Focus issue. So what do YOU do: We can’t help you if we don’t know who you are, so get in touch; membership of IBS keeps you informed of all that’s happening.

Contact: [email protected]; 085-8500193 or check out our website: www.ibsports.ie


The Halliwick Swimming Association of Ireland (HSAI) was established in Limerick in November 2009. The HSAI was established to encourage, develop and promote knowledge and use of the Halliwick Concept in Ireland.

Achievements to date -• Created a recognisable logo for HSAI• New website went live in Summer 2011, www.halliwick.ie• Bi-annual newsletter to members of HSAI and available on web• Seven foundation and 2 advanced courses supplied• Four study days held• First Assessor’s course in Ireland in September 2011• Introductory sessions provided for relevant organisations• Two new IHA accredited Halliwick lecturers qualified • Two additional trainee lecturers • Numerous certificates for Halliwick Instructor, Group leader and

teaching instructor awarded

HSAI has been delighted with the contributions made by lecturer Aoife Ni Mhuiri to the Halliwick International Educa-tion and Research Committee. Aoife participated in the meeting in Israel in early 2010 and hosted the committee in Kerry in October 2010. The committee brief for the meeting was to develop video teaching and learning resources to accompany the updated Halliwick Concept Paper 2010 which is now available on the IHA website. Ursula Barrett recently took up this position on the committee.

Three Irish delegates represented Ireland at the International Halliwick in Poland. Chairperson of the HSAI, Dualta Griffin presented an oral presentation on the progress of the Irish Association. Ursula Barrett presented two poster presenta-tions: Marian McGrath’s research “Halliwick Concept Inter-vention on Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Case Study” and her own research titled “The effects of using Buoy-ancy Aids”. At the International Halliwick Association AGM Dualta Griffin was voted onto the executive of the Association ensuring Ireland has a strong voice in the future of Halliwick at home and abroad.

Upcoming courses:• Foundation course in Charleville over 2 weekends in

January – this course is now full

• Advanced Course in Kerry from 10-13th February 2012

• Foundation course in Dublin in June 2012

• To find out more about these courses contact course organiser Ursula Barrett on [email protected]

MAKING A SPLASH�� SWIMMING UPDATEHalliwick Swimming Association Ireland

New Swim-Teachers

A group of students from the National Learning Network (NLN) “Sporting Chance Programme” also completed the Assistant Teachers for People with Disabilities during June and July. The students were extremely positive and eager to learn. They worked with swimmers with a range of abilities and great progress was made by all of the swimmers.

Quotes from the students: “the play with a purpose is a great idea. The swimmers are having fun and developing the skills at the same time”, “I enjoyed the challenge of teaching People with Disabilities”, “I enjoyed the fun activities”.

The students are now getting some work experience as part of the Sporting Chance programme.

Eileen Sayers (Lecturer IT Tralee)

Kerry Stars Special Olympics Swimming

Participants from the Kerry Stars

(Special Olympics) took part in the

Munster Swimming Championships

on November 5th in the University of

Limerick Sport Arena. All of partici-

pates had a very enjoyable and successful day. The swimmers

took part in a range of individual events and team relays. The

swimmers arrived back in the Kingdom with 19 gold medals, 3

silver, 1 bronze, a number of fourth place finishes and ribbons.

The swimmers continue to train every week and are making

great progress. Many thanks to the coaches for the time

and effort they put into to making this a very successful

programme.

Upcoming courseA full Swimming Teacher’s for People with Disabilities

course with take place in Tramore, Co. Waterford during

May/ June 2012. • Cost: 400 euro

Contact: Eileen Sayers

Tel: 066 7144187 Email: [email protected]


IT Tralee continues to grow

It has been another busy semester here at the Institute of Technology Tralee. The first twelve Health and Leisure with Adapted Physical Activity students graduated in October and ten of the group were there to receive their awards and to catch up with each other and staff. The Institute would like to wish them all the best in their future careers and hope that they will stay in touch.

In September another group of second year social care students started their APA studies. As part of this module the students took part in a number of physical activity sessions which were planned and lead by the 4th year health and leisure APA students. The organisations participating in the programme this semester included: Rehabcare, St John of Gods, Kerry Parents and Friends, Kerry Down Syndrome Association and the Braille and IT group from Kerry Educa-tion Services. The interdisciplinary approach adopted in this module is reflective of working practice and results in broader learning for both cohorts of students. Many of the social care students will be on work placement in various organisations

from January 2012 and hopefully they will put some of these new skills to good use.

The semester 5 module APA in the outdoors module ran this year for the third time and again was hugely popular among local organisations. APA and sports development students got to experience delivery of outdoor activities including canoeing, rock climbing, orienteering and lots lots more. Many participants tried new activities for the first time and experienced the exhilaration of taking on a new challenge and developing a new skill. Some even surprised themselves with the progress they made in such a short space of time.

Fourth year students are currently completing their thesis projects and this year there were a large number of adapted physical activity related projects across all streams. Research was gathered in relation to the effects of massage for chil-dren with ADHD and autism, the impact of campabilities on volunteers and parents, the barriers for coaches of disabled athletes to name but a few. Hopefully many of these projects will be on view at the poster presentation section of the Euro-pean Congress on Adapted Physical Activity in Killarney next May. The APA fourth years are currently completing practical experience with young children with Autism in the water using the Halliwick method and adults with intellectual disa-bility in dance as part of their dance and disability module. These practicals are proving very popular with partici-pants and are allowing students to take full responsibility for programme delivery. The fourth year students are also currently preparing for work placement at the moment. Some have already secured positions. In particular six students are excited about the prospect of working in Alaska with the Hope Foundation. The ITT is establishing new relationships with suitable organisations and we will give you some feedback from students on placement in the next edition.

A P A @ I T T

A Managers Point of ViewFrom September to December 2011, Deaf sign language users from the Kerry Deaf Resource Centre took part in adventure games with the Health and Leisure Dept of the I.T.T. This included adventure games in the ITT sport field, canoeing and kayaking in Cappanalea Outdoor Education Centre, outdoor high ropes and indoor wall climbing at Play at Heights Centre in Dingle and Orienteering in Ballyseedy Woods, Tralee. The students learned some basic irish sign language in order to communicate better with the participants.

Willie White – Manager of Kerry Deaf Resource Centre – outlined the benefit of this programme to their service users: “The staff and students worked very hard to ensure we all participated in the events. We enjoyed every one of the activi-ties. All the events were well organised and supervised by the

ITT students and staff. It allowed us to take on new challenges, learn new skills, improve on existing skills and develop problem-solving skills.“

Our Contact Details:Kerry Deaf Resource Centre, 4 Gas Tce, TraleeMobile (text): 087 633 4687 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.facebook.com/kerrydeafFax: 066 712 0386 • Tel: 066 712 0399


EUDAPA ProgrammeIn January 2012, two ITT students will venture to Finland through Erasmus exchange to pursue studies on the European Diploma of Adapted Physical Activity. Here are the 2 students stories followed by a bit about the programme they are joining.

Amy: My name is Amy Collins and I am a 4th year Health & Leisure with Wellness student in IT Tralee. At the end of January I will be travelling over to Finland with another IT Tralee student, Philippa O’Leary to start the EUDAPA programme. The EUDAPA programme, which offers a Diploma in Adaptive Physical Activity Studies, is a three month course run in the Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences in southern Finland. There is a requirement of 10 APA credits for this course and luckily Health & Leisure provide these credits in second year through APA Studies. I chose to apply for this course as there appears to be a good ratio of theory to practical. I can’t wait to go over to discover what is on offer in different counties as well as finding out what I can learn from other people’s experiences. I’ve always wanted to travel and I have a great passion to work in the APA field, I’m excited to about the experience and what I will take from it.

Philippa: My name is Philippa O Leary and I am currently a second year mature Social Care student in the Institute of Technology, Tralee. Over the past few years I have had a growing interest and experience in the disability sector, firstly training as a Special Needs Assistant and equally volunteering in related areas. During the current semester in the I.T. Tralee our group partook in a practical module called Adapted Physical Ability (A.P.A). This was a refreshing module where students not only gained theoretical knowledge in the

area of disability studies but were enabled opportunities to develop skills in practical sessions. I participated in the A.P.A. pool sessions where students adopted the Halliwick method of teaching swimming. Students were supported by our lecturer Ursula Barrett and two fourth year health and leisure students Lisa Redmond and Paul Breen, who facilitated the group. The practical experience, the friendships which blossomed and the support given became the predominant factors influ-encing me to apply for the EUDAPA program in Haaga Helia University, Finland.

The EUDAPA Programme: This course is an inten-sive three months of lectures and practicals. Each week will see a different lecturer coming to talk to us about their area of expertise.

The course will begin at the end of January 2012 and students are ensured exposure to disability studies in an exciting, hands-on manner. For those of you who may be interested in this as a placement opportunity or are just curious to learn more, you can visit the website at the link below. http://www.haaga-helia.f i /en/education-and-application/non-degree-programmes/eudapa

A P A @ I T T

FloorballOn December the third a floorball tournament took place in Tralee sports complex in aid of Special Olympics Munster. This event was organised by Health and Leisure Fitness Professional fourth year students as part of their Special Event Management module. Floorball is a new sport, being currently introduced by Special Olympics and it is hoped that there will be a team representing Ireland in this sport at the Winter Special Olympics games in Korea in 2013. The sport is similar to uni-hoc but has some rule differences, for example the goalkeeper does not have a stick, the game is played on a rink which is surrounded by a board with rounded corners. Floorball is played indoors and due to its smaller team size (5 including goalkeeper) can provide an opportunity for partici-pation in team sports for clubs with smaller memberships. It is a fast game which enables athletes to develop speed, power and agility along with great team spirit! The event in Tralee attracted approximately 70 athletes from different Special Olympics clubs around Munster, with Cork, Limerick

and Waterford all well represented. The event was held as an introduction for some and also to allow teams and players to be graded to ensure fair matching in future competitions. One of the teams took on volunteers in a friendly after the tourna-ment ended and the ITT students had a late goal to secure a 1 – 0 victory. The next Floorball event will be held in February in Killarney. For more information on the sport and for local clubs promoting it check out www.specialolympics.ie


Following a successful bid to the European Federation of

Adapted Physical Activity, the Institute of Technology Tralee

in conjunction with the CARA National Adapted Physical

Activity centre & the Irish Sports Council will host the Euro-

pean Congress in Adapted Physical Activity 2012 (EUCAPA).

This biennial European conference is a major gathering of

stakeholders in the field of Adapted Physical Activity.

The focus of the conference will be the presentation of research

and case studies which can inform day to day practice in

relation to the inclusion and empowerment of people with

disabilities in physical activity and sport and will follow four

main strands: Adapted Physical Education, Adapted Physical

Activity, Rehabilitation and Disability Sport. Presentations will

relate to the full spectrum of disabilities including, intellectual,

sensor, physical disabilities and mental health.

This event offers an opportunity to showcase the many innova-

tive activity programmes in Ireland, at an international forum.

This is the ideal event for Irish advocacy groups, national

agencies and disability services to network with world leading

academics and pan-European service providers. This confer-

ence has the potential to create a more collaborative future

resulting in an increased number of people with disabilities

regularly participating in health enhancing physical activity.

This conference is suitable for the following:

Medical/Rehabilitation professionalsTopics may include: Projects and research highlighting best

practice in multi-disciplinary approaches to the design and

delivery of adapted physical activity programmes. Research

and practical workshops related to motor assessment. Prac-

tical workshops introducing therapeutic interventions and

research evaluating their impact on a variety of skills.

Families/CarersTopics may include: Presentations on innovative projects

delivered at home, in communities, in day centres or residen-

tial settings. Practical sessions covering a variety of adapted

physical activities. Information on supports and organisations

to potentially link with.

Sports Coaches/Leaders/Development Officers/Inclusion Officers

Topics may include: Strategies for inclusion, best practice,

successful interventions, current trends in participation rates

for people with disabilities, inclusion in mainstream settings,

catering for elite athletes, people with disabilities as sports/

leisure professionals (role models).

Disability Service Providers Topics may include: Person centred planning in relation to

physical activity, recreation and sport, people with disabilities

as sports/leisure professionals (role models). Information on

supports and organisations to potentially link with. Links with

community based programmes both segregated and inclu-

sive. Promoting the well-being of people with disabilities.

Education ProfessionalsTopics may include: Inclusion in mainstream schooling,

successful interventions, training at undergraduate and

in-service for physical education and primary school teachers,

research methods in Adapted Physical Activity/Adapted

Physical Education, Role of the Special Needs Assistant/

Para-educators/Peer tutors in assisting programme delivery,

Individual Education Plans, Alternative forms of assessment

suitable for all.

People with DisabilitiesVoice your opinion on developments and research in Adapted

Physical Activity/Adapted Physical Education, Promoting well-

being and active lifestyles, people with disabilities as sports/

leisure professionals (role models), knowledge and informa-

tion regarding the accessibility of programmes and facilities.

A rights based approach for people with disabilities.

Students

Be inspired by the industry’s foremost leaders and maximise

your networking opportunities. Examine key industry

changes today and find out about current research as well as

future directions for Adapted Physical Activity in Europe and

worldwide.

What: European Congress of Adapted Physical Activity 2012

When: May 6th-8th 2012

Where: The Malton Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland


Keynote SpeakersMary Davis: Regional President & Managing

Director of Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia.

Dr� Donna Goodwin: University of Alberta.

Current research explores the notion of disa-

bility as a social construction and the resulting

impact of societal attitudes on participating in

physical activity as it applies to persons with

disabilities.

Dr� David Careless: Leeds Metropolitan

University. Senior Research Fellow, Carnegie

Research Institute. Much of his work explores

the processes by which mental health, psycho-

logical well-being, and identity are developed,

challenged or recovered in physical activity and

sport related contexts.

Dr� Vicky Tolfrey: Director of the Peter

Harrison Centre for Disability Sport at Lough-

borough University in the United Kingdom.

Research interests include disability sport,

wheelchair propulsion kinematics, elite sports

performance physiology, exercise testing and

interpretation, training and performance.

Dr� Jennifer Harris: Director of the Interdisci-

plinary Disability Research Institute, University

of Dundee and a visiting Professor of Social

Science, King’s College, London. Previous

research areas include investigation of the

welfare needs and requirements of disabled

refugees in Great Britain and studies of user and

carer perspectives on health and social care

services in England.

Become a Conference SponsorSponsorship provides an excellent opportunity to get your organisations name out to your target market and is a prime opportunity to make impressions on decision makers. The

event will be supported by a marketing campaign throughout

Ireland and Internationally. The set-up of the event will include

a large Exhibitor Area where companies, service providers

and organisations will have the opportunity to engage with the

delegates who can visit this area throughout the day. The pres-

ence of each exhibitor will be advertised at the venue.

EUCAPA 2012 will involve and extensive cultural programme

which will introduce delegates to the diversity of Irish folk and

sports culture. Full accessibility for all delegates is a priority

for the conference and all associated events.

If you have ideas or suggestions you would like to share with

the Conference Organizing Committee, please send them to

Linda Raymond - Conference Coordinator

Email: [email protected] • Phone: (00353)667145647

“Network with leaders in the field from around the world! Learn what is happening in other countries. Bring colleagues and students to learn cutting edge research and practice. Reinvigorate yourself!”

Lauren Lieberman, Ph.D.

Professor/Director of Camp Abilities The College at Brockport

One of the best places on the planet, occupied by some of the nicest people on the planet... Ireland!From 6th to 8th May 2012 - Ireland will be hosting the Euro-pean Congress on Adapted Physical Activity.Check out the fine website they have set up for the event http://www.eucapa2012.eu/I have been to Kerry, where the Congress will be held, and worked with the people involved in the staging of the event -Rest assured this will be a great Congress - an opportunity to increase your understanding and practice of all things sport, activity and disability.We now have 261 members of The Inclusion Club, from 22 countries.Many are in Europe. So start making arrangements for Eucapa 2012.I’ll keep pestering you about this because I know it will be a cracker- and they serve a mighty fine dark beverage too :)Cheers, Pete and KenVisit The Inclusion Club: http://theinclusionclub.com/

Organised by: In conjunction with:

Check out www.eucapa2012.eu


LOCAL SPORTS PARTNERSHIPS SPORTS INCLUSION DISABILITY PROGRAMME

Mayo‘Physically active’ ConferenceDespite the poor weather, the ‘Physically Active’ Conference which focused on Activity, Accessibility & Healthy Lifestyle themed conference which was held in October 2011, in the TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar proved to be a huge success.

The day was aimed at individuals with a disability, as well as their parents, carers and organisations so that all can under-stand the value and the benefits of being ‘Physically active’.

The day kicked off with presentations from Sports Inclusion Development Officer Ray Mc Namara, Niamh Daffy Manager of the Cara APA Centre Tralee, Barry Robinson Duty Manager

and Disability Officer from Westport Leisure Park and Martin Salmon from Kyaction Kayaking Club Castlebar.

The day then burst in to activity with a number of different workshops, which included Kayaking, Soccer, Tennis, Wheel-chair Basketball, Nutrition and Healthy Eating, Boccia, Tips on getting started by Westport Leisure Park and Beep Baseball.

Mayo Sports Partnership would like to thank everyone who helped in making the day such a huge success.

If you are interested in any of the activities that took place on the day log on to www.mayosports.ie or call Ray Mc Namara Mayo Sports Partnership on 094 904 7023 or email: [email protected]

Cork Halliwick Swim ProgrammeThe Cork Sports Partnership in collaboration with the NCBI Cork and the ‘Rebel Wheelers’ sports club introduced group halliwick swim programmes for the first time to children with physical and sensory disabilities in Cork. The two 8 week programmes were facilitated by Joanne Lenihan, a qualified halliwick swim instructor in Leisureworld, Bishopstown, Cork. Each programme began with an introductory session (theory & practical) for parents on the fundamentals of the halliwick concept followed by seven 45 minute weekly Halliwick swim sessions. The swim sessions took place in a designated 18 meter pool which created great space for optimum participa-tion and enjoyment.The Halliwick method of swim teaching is a one-to-one assistant (parent)/swimmer programme aimed at people with physical disabilities but can facilitate all groups. It is

based on a ten-point programme where flotation aids such as armbands, rubber rings etc. are not used enabling and encouraging swimmers to find and control their balance in a supported environment to become mentally adjusted and more confident in the water. The main benefit of a group halli-wick programme is it facilitates socialisation among partici-pants through fun games.Georgina, whose daughter has a visual impairment and took part in one the programmes, explains how the sessions have benefited her daughter ‘Before the halliwick programme Anna participated in mainstream swim classes but wouldn’t put her head under the water and I was advised that she couldn’t progress onwards. As a result of the halliwick programme she now has her full body in the water and is ready to prog-ress onto mainstream swim classes with her new found water confidence!’.Overall 12 children participated in the Halliwick programmes all who received certificates of completion and an assess-

ment for their red badge award from Leisureworld. The ‘Rebel Wheelers’ found the programme so successful that they have booked in for a second halli-wick programme commencing in February of the New Year. Additional Halliwick swim programmes will be organised for children on the Autism Spec-trum in Leisureworld in 2012.


DonegalSurf Programme for Children with Autism

During summer 2011, Donegal Sports Partnership made the deci-sion to support local charity “Liquid Therapy”, an innovative surf

programme run by local and experienced surf instructor Tom Losey.

Liquid Therapy provides an opportunity for children with disabilities to experience the energetic sport of surfing and

the benefits the ocean environment can provide. Each session is tailored to the individual and depending on their require-ments will receive tuition either on a one-one basis or in small groups.

After arrival and introduction, the group travel to the most suitable beach and start having fun, whether that is by expe-riencing the ocean for the first time or by catching the waves. During the summer of 2011, 25 children with autism experi-enced the benefits which the programme provides.

Donegal Sports Partnership is proud to support Tom and the Liquid Therapy initiative. Many children benefit from the charity and families are hugely supportive of the work that Tom does. It is hoped that the project will continue to get the much need support and grow year by year. Further informa-tion on the project can be obtained by contacting Donegal Sports Partnership on 074 91 16078/16079.

What the Parents Say……

“Thanks to all the liquid therapy gang for giving our kids a wonderful experience, they had a blast”

“The idea of Liquid Therapy is a great one! the kids really enjoy it and its great to know that they’re in such safe and experienced hands!”

LaoisParalympic Athletics

2011 has seen our second year of running an Athletics Programme

for people with physical or sensory disabilities at St Abbans Club

in Crettyard. We joined forces with Carlow which was great

as it resulted in many new faces joining the programme. The

programme ran every Monday evening from the beginning of

June to the end of August, giving all the participants, both begin-

ners and most the experienced, a chance to work on both track

and field events. With poor weather conditions on a few occa-

sions, it was great to have the facility of the indoor hall where we

were able to concentrate on the basic techniques of throwing the

Discus, Shot Putt & Javelin and not worrying about distance. We

also ran a regional event in conjunction with IWA Sport which

had over 30 competitors from all around the country attending.

Congratulations to Charlotte Origan from Borris in Ossory, Co

Laois, one of our dedicated athletes, who was awarded ‘Most

Improved Athlete’ at the recent regional games in Cork. Well

done Charlie, great job!!

A big Thank You to St Abbans Club for all their assistance in

making a very enjoyable Summer!

West MeathSoul Sailors ProgrammeThe Soul Sailors Programme provides an opportunity for women with disabilities to get involved in water sports by linking in with existing sailing clubs in Athlone and Mullingar. The SIDO provides disability awareness training to the sailing clubs and the clubs then appoint a disability liaison officer. On completion of the training, each club is required to facili-tate the use of their club by people with disabilities. This is achieved by modifying existing club boat/boats (if required) for use by disability groups to include where feasible adapted equipment such as a hoist etc.

The legacy of the programme is to provide affordable, innova-tive and a sustainable project, to create an opportunity for people to actively participate in sailing by reducing the cost barrier associated with the sport and to create social inclusion through a mainstream sport and club setting.

Westmeath Sports Partnership would like to thank staff from Bay Sports and Lough Ree Yacht Club for facilitating the programme.


SligoFour Counties BocciaThe inaugural Four Counties Boccia Tournament took place on Thursday 3rd November in the Knocknarea Arena at the Institute of Technology, Sligo. The event was organised by the Sports Inclusion Disability Officers based within the Local Sports Partnerships of Sligo, Donegal, Mayo and Roscommon, and was in response to the increasing number of people taking up the sport of Boccia at both a recreational and competitive level. Boccia is a non-contact target sport played by individ-uals, pairs or teams of three players. It is an indoor, strategic version of bowls or Petanque (as it is called in France). Boccia was originally developed in Europe in the 1980’s as a sport for people with disabilities and it made its first appearance at the 1992 Paralympics in Barcelona. Today it remains one of the premier sports for athletes with more severe disabilities but is played worldwide by people with all levels of ability.

The tournament brought together twenty teams from each of the counties Sligo, Donegal, Mayo and Roscommon. The competition was strong with many of the group games becoming very tight affairs until finally four teams; Sligo Boccia Club, Belmullet Boccia Team, Tubbercurry Boccia Team and a Mayo Mix team with players from Charlestown and Swinford

making it through to the semi finals. Sligo Boccia Club were beaten in the final by a very strong Belmullet team who were on top of their game on the day and earned themselves the Inaugural Four Counties Boccia Tournament Perpetual Cup.

Already the game is being introduced to Active Age groups around the county which will result in even greater numbers playing the game in the future. Here in Sligo the local Boccia Club meet every second Tuesday from 8 - 9.30pm at both the IWA building in Abbeyville and the Knocknarea Arena at the IT, Sligo. Anyone wishing to find out more can contact Shane Hayes, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer with Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership on 071 9161511 or [email protected].

RoscommonHalloween Camp

In November 2011, Roscommon Sports Partnership hosted a Halloween Camp for children with disabili-ties in Fourmilehouse Community Centre. The aim of the camp was to encourage children with disabilities to come along and participate in sports that they may not have previously tried. Almost 16 children attended the camp to try sports such as athletics, soccer, badminton, dance and

motor skills development games. There was a great commit-ment shown by the National Governing Bodies of Sport including Athletics Ireland, FAI, Badminton Ireland and the GAA, they all led very enjoyable and energetic sessions in their respective sports. The main emphasis on the camp was fun and there was one on one coaching and assistance through the Transition Year programme. At the end of the camp all the children received a Roscommon Sports Partnership Kit, Medal and a participation Certificate. As a result of this camp, a club called ‘The Ramblers’ for children with disabilities has been established and its being done in 6 week block, starting back up in Feb. It takes place in Ros Bowling Alley on Wednesdays from 6 pm - 8pm and costs €30 per block session.

Dublin CityDublin City Begins BocciaDublin City Sports Network hosted their 3rd Annual Sports for All Champions day last year in Cabra Parkside Centre. Organised by the Sport & Active Recreation Team, over 100 participants came along on the day to try out some new sporting activities.

One sport that went down a treat was Boccia, delivered by Brenda Hopkins CPSI and Phena O’Connor SIDO with DLR Sports Partnership. Realising there was an appetite for Boccia sessions in the city, DCSN alongside CPSI agreed to organise Boccia Training Sessions to sport staff & volunteers working in the local areas of Dublin City.

On Friday 12th October, 16 Dublin City Sports Staff & volun-teers took part in an organised Boccia Training session deliv-ered by Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland in Ballybough Commu-nity Centre. These sessions started in October in Ballybough and Ballyfermot and our Sport & Active Recreation team oversee the smooth running of the programme with the hope that in 2012 Dublin City Sports Network will work towards setting up a Boccia League.

For more information on the Boccia Development Sessions in Dublin City, please email [email protected]


CarlowDown by the riverCounty Carlow Sports Partnership in association with Carlow Coarse Angling Club and the Angling Association of Ireland ran a 6 week programme to encourage more disabled anglers to get involved in the sport of coarse angling.

In the first four weeks of the programme, the anglers fished from the new walkway in Carlow Town along the river Barrow. The anglers caught plenty of coarse fish which ranged from Dace, Roach, Skimmer Bream, Perch, Roach/Bream Hybrids to Eel’s.

With the funding from the Angling Council the newly re-opened Southern County fishing park in Garryhill was chosen as an appropriate venue. The resort offered the anglers a chance to catch some very nice and hard fighting Rainbow Trout at the

same time offering amazing scenery in a completely family friendly environment. All anglers at the Southern County lakes thoroughly enjoyed their day and caught many a fish.

Centre staff expressed their gratitude to the club and all involved claiming that all individuals doing the programme do nothing all week but talk about their next fishing day out. Special thanks must go to the owners of the lakes for their outstanding help in making the day a very enjoyable and memorable experience for all participants.

The fishing programme ran for 6 weeks and will start again this year when the river level drops. For further informa-tion, contact Joanne at Carlow Local Sports Partnership on 059-9136255.

MeathPowerchair FootballMeath Local Sports Partnership in conjunction with the Irish Wheelchair Association Navan, FAI and MDI North East are delighted to announce Parkvilla FC as the host club for Power-chair football in County Meath. Speaking at the launch of Parkvilla Powerchair football team, which took place Wednesday 12th October, Emma Whelan, IWA Navan congrat-ulated all the players on their commitment to the training and expressed that “IWA are looking forward to supporting the first power-chair football team in County Meath”. Brian Kenny, MDI North East also expressed his delight to have an accessible sport in County Meath for all their members to participate in and is looking forward to working in partner-ship with Meath Local Sports Partnership and all the agencies on board to ensure the success of the programme. Parkvilla Power-chair football team are competing in their

first Association of Irish Powerchair Football (AIPF) National League 2011/2012 with training taking place every fortnight.

For more information on Parkvilla Powerchair Football team contact Aine Coogan Sports Inclusion Disability Officer on (046)9067337.


Cavan / MonaghanSuccessful Outdoor Pursuits Days

Monaghan and Cavan Local Spots Partner-ships teamed up over the Summer months to provide opportunities for people with a disability to take part in Outdoor Pursuits Activities in Tanagh Outdoor Education Centre, Rockcorry on the Monaghan / Cavan border. There were seven action packed and fun activity days that were led by the friendly and experienced staff of the Tanagh Outdoor Education Centre. Some of the activities that the participants tried out were Open Canoeing, Archery, Wall Climbing and Slippery Slope and for many it was their first time taking part in this type of activity.

Some of the activity days were aimed specifically at adults with an intellectual, physical or sensory disability while other days catered for children with a disability and their siblings to create a family fun occasion. The smiles on participants faces said it all.

Monaghan and Cavan Sports Partnerships would like to thank everyone who participated in the Outdoor Pursuits Programme and who supported the programme. In total there were 96 participants registered on the programme over the seven days, and very positive feedback was received by all who took part. A big word of thanks to Tanagh Outdoor Education Centre and their staff for their professionalism while delivering the programme, making everybody feel welcome and creating a safe and fun environment for participants. For more informa-tion on this programme or upcoming events contact the Local Sports Partnership officers at 042-9755126 (Monaghan) or 049-4378582 (Cavan).

LimerickBadminton

Players from services throughout Limerick have been playing

badminton together for a year and have mastered the game through regular fun practice. Introductory sessions with Tom Hehir, Badminton Ireland Officer, were arranged by the SIDO. Transition year students from Coláiste Chiaráin were also involved in the early sessions. At that time, players used balloons to learn and practice the skills of hand-eye coordina-tion and passing between partners and over the net.

Fitness of players has advanced in this skilful team game, and 17 players now meet regularly to practice during the day at Delta Sports Dome. Leaders from services take an active role, and play in practice and have their skills tested too! Marie Walsh, leader with the Training Centre group, comments that “This activity has really allowed people to excel, and demon-strate their improved skill, which they wouldn’t otherwise have been able to do”.

With a very small fee paid by each player to cover the cost of the indoor hall, this activity sustains itself. Intern James Earls used his Foundation Badminton training in working with this group. “I have found the progress very rewarding as all the players have improved their individual play and have a great appetite to play to their best ability”.

The next step for this group is a link up with a mainstream club for more highly skilled players to integrate, and set up the first Special Olympics Badminton club in Limerick. Volunteers/

coaches interested in getting involved, please contact Rose-

mary on 061-468452 – the players are ready!

Dún Laoghaire-RathdownIt is now almost 4 years since the inception of the Sports Inclu-

sion Disability Programme in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.

In the first two years, the focus was very much on direct

delivery – actually creating a number of adapted physical

activity or inclusive sports opportunities for people with

disabilities. This moved on to a mix of direct delivery and the

training of mainstream clubs and coaches in year three.

We are fortunate to have good facilities with good trans-

port links to them, and they are full of particularly inclusive

coaching personnel! Certain facilities received training in

helping swimmers with disabilities, other clubs received

training in the inclusion of people with disabilities into their


Clare

HalliwickThe Clare Crusaders is a children’s clinic based in Barefield, County Clare and has recently started a weekly swimming group based on the Halliwick concept of swim therapy. The group is run from a local health and fitness centre located at the Auburn Lodge hotel in Ennis and children from the clinic attend this group each week.

Before the group was started locally, parents and children had to travel to Limerick to use the hydrotherapy pool located at St. Gabriel’s school. Regina O’Reilly, who is trained in Halli-wick, was the lead instructor during this time and all the chil-dren benefitted greatly under her instruction. Unfortunately, because of the distance people had to travel, Clare Crusaders decided that it would make more sense to start our own swim-ming club locally.

Mary Langan, Ursula Barrett and Dualta Griffin presented an introduction to the Halliwick concept on the 14th of May 2011 to a few of the therapists, parents and volunteers involved with the Clare Crusaders children’s clinic. From there, Anél Wiese, the physiotherapist working with the clinic, attended a four day foundation course in Limerick in June 2011, under the tutorage of Ursula Barrett and Mary Langan.

Children with a wide range of physical ability and with condi-tions such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down’s syndrome and Developmental Delay attend this swimming group each week. Most of the clinic’s therapists and a few volunteers assist as instructors to the swimmers. We hope that the Clare Crusaders swimming club will produce many water happy and independent swimmers in the future.

Tipperary

Inclusive SailingFor the third year in succes-

sion, our two week sailing

programme was hosted by

Lough Derg Yacht Club (LDYC).

Over one hundred budding

sailors flocked to the Dromi-

neer venue from right across

the county, over the course

of two weeks in June. Led by

our enthusiastic instructors

Hoddle and Aoife, participants

from the age of 5 to 65 took to

the water. Many of those who

were returning for the third time received certificates for their

efforts with the group from Roscrea Sportsability Club gaining

their ‘Introduction to Pico Sailing Certificate’. We must say a

big thank you to all at LDYC for their enthusiasm in facilitating

the programme and we look forward to many more days in the

sun by the shores of Lough Derg.

Over the last number of months – despite the bad weather at

times, we took to the trails and the hills of Tipperary. Partici-

pants completed parts of the Lough Derg Way and the Mille-

nium Cross Walk as well as the trails in the Glen of Aherlow.

Many of these trails in particular the Lough Derg Way and

around the Glen of Aherlow have been beautifully maintained

and with new signage and styles in many places this route was

very popular with all who took part.

Other activities which have been taking place in Tipperary

include seated pilates and aerobics classes in Moyle Rovers

GAA Centre, Clonmel, “Get Putting” – a golf skills programme

based in Cashel, Fishing for All in Roscrea and of course the

boccia league is in full swing. We also welcomed the FAI Foot-

ball for All Programme to Cahir Park FC and also to Nenagh

AFC in 2011 – another exciting addition to the calendar of

events in Tipperary.

If you would like to get involved with any of the above activi-

ties as a participant or a volunteer please contact Kathleen at

062-64737 or 067-43604 or by email at [email protected].

sport, and other clubs are including a disability sport team into their club.In year four, the focus is on sustainability For example, a summer sports and activity camp for children with dysp-raxia, in conjunction the HSE, led on to a local soccer club developing a programme for children with dyspraxia and other mild physical disabilities. The programme progressed, the children have become members of the overall club, the parents have now been trained to KS 1 level with the FAI, and there’s talk of a Leinster League!Check out www.dlrsportspartnership.ie for future Sports Inclusion Disability Programmes details or contact Phena on 01-2719506


GalwayOpening up a whole new world

There were scenes of joy at the Leisureland swimming pool in Salthill when people with a disability availed of a chance to try out scuba diving equipment free of charge as part of the Galway City Council Social Inclusion Week.

Volunteer members of the Galway Dive Club guided the novices to the bottom of the pool, giving them a feel for their equipment and getting their buoyancy control right before they began to playfully throw a frisbee around or zoom across the bottom while holding onto a small motorised scooter.

Opening up the joys of the underwater world to people with a disability has been one of the aims of the Galway Dive Club since its inception and club members teamed up with the City Sports Partnership to give participants an experience to treasure this week.

“It was absolutely brilliant,” said Cliona Horan from Roscam, who is training to be a Physical Education teacher at the Univer-sity of Limerick. Cliona, who has cerebral palsy and is para-lysed on one side, had done try-a-dives before in Australia and Lanzarote. It was her first time to breathe underwater in a swimming pool.

“I can’t describe the freedom of being weightless and having no pressure under water. I have no fear of the water anyway because I’m a competitive swimmer. I heard about tonight through word of mouth and it was great to try scuba diving out and get a real taster for it in my home town.”

“The Galway Dive Club seem to be really open-minded and willing to integrate disabled people,” she said.

Charlie Brehony has had an interest in sharing the joys of scuba diving with disabled people ever since he founded the Galway Dive Club. He is the only Disabled Diving Instructor (DDI) in Ireland and has taught the full Open Water course to five people with disabilities.

“People with disabilities react the same way as everyone else the first time they get to breathe underwater, but their reaction can be even more profound because they find such a sense of freedom,” said Charlie, visibly delighted by the reaction of the novice divers.

Jason Craughwell of the Galway Sports Partnership tried out the diving equipment himself at Leisureland and was clearly impressed by the enthusiasm and joy of the divers in the pool.

“We have funding from the Irish Sports Council to encourage people with disabilities to become more active,” he said. I am hoping this can really take off and I would encourage other people with disabilities to come and get involved. Sometimes they can find out a whole different side to themselves under-water.

“This shows disabled people that there are sports and activi-ties out there for them. Getting involved in a sport opens up so many doors to people, it has great psychological and physical benefits and it allows them to make new friends. Tonight’s session was the kind of thing Social Inclusion Week should be all about.”

Anyone interested in joining a future ‘try dive’ night at Leisure-land is encouraged to email [email protected].

This article is kindly reproduced with the permission of the Galway City Tribune and many thanks to the Connacht Tribune Group.

If you would like to submit an article,

advertisement or research to CARA Focus

please contact us at cara@ittralee�ie

or 066-714 5646


Walsh sets wheels in Motion for more glory

Glance through Catherine Walsh’s swindows and you might see her powering on a stationary bike, counting off the miles from her living room. But you’ll have to be fast if you want to spot the Paralympic cyclist out on the roads around north Dublin. Clocking 80km an hour on a good day, Walsh says she’s amassed a “collection of bling.” Bronze at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, silver and two bronze from the World Championships, world duathlon champion and she’s not done yet. Walsh, who is partially sighted, but shrugs off any suggestion that this might be a drawback in high-speed cycling, uses the word “lucky” many times talking about her life.“You know the board the eye doctor uses? I can read the top line of that,” she says.“I’m very sensitive to light, so I’d have difficulty in bright conditions. And the changeover – say riding down a road with trees and then back into the sunlight – that might make me hesitate. But, in a racing situation, I’d just focus on cycling.” Supported by her sports-coach parents, Walsh’s competitive career started at the Community Games running in ‘able-bodied’ races. She went on to run interna-tionally, doing the 400m without any guide runners. From there, she made the leap to the pentathlon at the Paralympics – the fencing, swimming, showjumping, running and shooting events all done in one day. Winning bronze in this competition in Sydney 11 years ago remains one of her most treasured memories.

Having gone as far as she thought she could, Walsh figured the triathlon might fill a gap. But for that, you need to get on your bike. That was in 2007 and she hasn’t stopped pedalling since – although she does add she was “terrified and not even sure I wanted to do it. But I wanted to compete.”

The 38-year-old competes in tandem-races with team-mate Francine Meehan acting as her eyes at the front of the

bike. She says the bond between them has to be strong as one mistake from either could overturn the heavy bike. Seem-ingly not bothered by being unable to see corners coming, Walsh says: “I just look at Fran’s body position. I know if she is moving left or right, I know there is a corner coming up.” She adds they’re so close that when her teammate crashed in a solo race, she couldn’t even look at their bike for a week. Her own first year in the saddle involved a broken wrist and fractured thumb from two accidents, but they weren’t enough to keep her away. Walsh just shrugs narrow shoulders, says you have your helmet, so nothing too bad can happen and you just get on with it. “You have to be committed, you have to squeeze everything out of the corners – you could lose by a fraction of a second. I’m not saying it’s dangerous, but there is an element of danger in the sport,” she says.

Behind that power is a team of supporters from her husband to the team mechanic Gerry Beggs.A living-room strewn with bike parts is the norm for her two children, aged five and eight. Apparently Paralympic medals don’t impress them much, not big enough or shiny enough, they say. Walsh says the elderly patients she cares for in her other life as a physi-otherapist are among her most devoted fans, something she puts down to childhoods spent on bikes. Not that Walsh’s bike – costing anything from €10,000 to €11,000 – is anything like a High Nelly. Balanced and weighted for two, she says they’re “a real pain” to carry around. And she carries them a lot. In 2011 the squad will have travelled to Italy, Denmark, Holland and Majorca in preparation for the Para-Cycling World Cham-pionships in Los Angeles in February. Joking she would make a great logistics manager, she says balancing training with family and work is “a fantastic nightmare” that’s getting harder as her children grow older. As Walsh is unable to drive, her father is the main driver and using that stationary bike means she spends more time at home than you might think. Together with Meehan, she races in the 1km and 3km on the track, the time-trial and road race outdoors. Their target is the 3km for February and she says they’re not yet sure which race will suit them best for London 2012. “It’s great that it’s so close this time. We are really committed to London, we need to get on that podium,” she says. “Hopefully, we will be able to ride the course before, we’ll have that preparation. I perform the best when I feel totally prepared.”

But despite competing at every Paralympics since Barce-lona in 1992, Walsh still has room for one more ambition. “At the world championships, the winner gets to wear a rainbow jersey. When you race, you canwear it afterwards. I really want to get that in Los Angeles. I have a silver (medal) and two bronze, but I still don’t have the rainbow jersey. We’re gunning for that this year,” she says.

PARALYMPICS LONDON 2012


ST. MICHAEL’S HOUSE

About St� Michael’s House:St Michael’s House is a community-based voluntary organisa-tion. Founded by parents in 1955, the organisation has grown to become one of the largest providers of services to people with an intellectual disability in Ireland. Today St Michael’s House provides a range of specialised services to over 1,600 children and adults with a learning disability and their fami-lies through 160 community based centres in the greater Dublin area.

Tag Rugby Programme 2011In April 2011, St Michael’s House teamed up with Leinster Rugby to promote Tag Rugby for people with an Intellectual Disability.

The initiative is a fantastic way of encouraging the service users to boost their physical activity, and it promotes a great sense of fun, teamwork and inclusion. Representatives from Leinster Rugby assisted in the training of 30 St Michael’s House service users to get them ready to compete in a Tag rugby blitz during the summer.

St Michael’s House service users and Leinster Rugby players Eoin O’Malley and Nathan Hines turned out to celebrate the launch of the partnership at Donnybrook Stadium in April.

Leinster and Scotland lock Nathan Hines said: “I am pleased to support this important initiative and I hope that this will lead to greater participation in the game. St. Michael’s House do a lot of good work in supporting people with intellectual disabilities and hopefully this is the start of an exciting new era.”

St Michael’s House played a short game at half time in the RDS on Saturday, 16th April along with St Vincent’s Navan Road at the Magners League game Leinster v Ulster. The tag rugby team then went on to participate in the 5th International Disability Tag Rugby Festival in Belfast on 11th June where 26 teams from England, Wales the Republic of Ireland participated in the fun filled day.

St. Michael’s House will start their training programme up again after the winter months and are hoping to send at least one team over to Bristol in May 2012 to participate in the 6th International Disability Tag Rugby Festival.

Enable Ireland: Summer Camp

SCHOOL OUTREACH

The numbers who attended the Enable Ireland School Outreach Summer Camps exceeded all expectation.

Summer Camps are a great way for the kids to build friend-ships and explore new activities. From the staff’s perspec-tive, it gives them a more rounded perspective of the child and how they deal with daily activities and interact with their peers. It’s an opportunity to informally assess individual kids and generate ideas for future interventions and groups for the coming years. Some of the most memorable highlights included paper making, printing and music workshops run in the centre for the junior campers. The seniors got the chance to go on day trips to places such as the National Gallery and the Print Museum. The sun shone, so everyone took the oppor-tunity to use the YMCA for both sport and play.

This year, new modules were introduced, such as event planning, whereby the group planned and prepared lunch for their parents on the last day of camp. They were also introduced to new versions of old games, a particular favourite being “Belly Ball” which is similar to foot ball except that it’s played by lying on a wheeled board. It took no time at all for the teams to get to grips with the rules and the games became seriously competitive.

The “Green Fingers” module saw the Garden Centre become a hive of activity, as everyone got an opportunity to learn about plants.

As with every summer camp, the primary focus is on ability, fun and friendships. Camp has had many positive outcomes. This success is due to the amazing team effort from all involved which ensured that everything went to plan.

For further details contact Caroline Sheehan on 01-261 59 17.

The Inclusive Hub was set up in 2010. It is a website service that provides users and viewers with a wide range of disability related information as follows:• Disability News;

• Disability Sports Network;

• The International Disability;

• Special Feature;

• Spotlight;

• Events;

• Employment Opportunities.

For further information on its development and progress, Kevin Stanley can be contacted by email at [email protected]. Website is www.inclusivehub.com


National Learning Network

PARTICIPANT’S PROFILE

David Hickey has had a strong passion for sport all his life. However, despite completing a number of courses, it was not until he joined the Sporting Chance programme in June 2009 that this passion was fully exploited. David, from Kilmal-lock in Co. Limerick is now well on his way to pursuing his dream career in the sport and leisure industry. To date, he has achieved FETAC level 4 and 5 certification in subjects such as

Health Related Fitness, Human Biology, Exercise and Fitness and Team Working. In addition he has completed courses in first aid and Child Protection in Sport. However, most signifi-cantly, David has completed the Kickstart 1 and 2 coaching qualifications from the FAI which enables him to coach chil-dren in his first love, soccer.

David says the programme has provided him with valuable practical experience and he has been involved in assisting local FAI Development Officer Darren Aherne in a number of coaching initiatives including Football for All sessions for children with disabilities, the Kerry Primary Schools finals and the first year Futsal tournaments. In addition, David was a volunteer on CampAbilities and is also completing work at St Josephs, Charleville where his duties have included exercise class instruction, coaching a variety of sports in their hall and instructing users in the gym.

David attributes the programme with providing him with a range of coaching and instructional skills as well as helping him to develop his communication and interpersonal skills. David will be graduating from the programme in June 2012 and hopes to obtain employment as a fitness instructor as well as continuing to further his coaching career.

Preparations begin for the 3rd CampAbilities Ireland… April 2012…..

The countdown is now well underway for the third CampAbilities Ireland. The dates for this year’s camp are the 2nd to the 6th of April and we will be taking over the An Oige hostel in Fossa, Killarney. The hostel is ideally located on the edge of the National Park and close to the many amenities which will be used for this years fun filled week.

The idea behind the camp is to introduce children and young people aged 8 to 17 with vision impairments to a variety of sports and recreational activities with plenty of support from the many camp volunteers. The camp has grown in numbers over the past 2 years and we expect to have a full house this year due to the growing interest among families from all parts of the country. Camp also acts as a training experience for the many volunteers, many of whom are students from various colleges in Ireland. Volunteers are provided with sighted guide and code of ethics training and will start camp the day before the campers arrive so that they get a chance to expe-rience some of the camp activities and get familiar with the various venues.

The organisers of the camp – the CARA Centre, the Institute of Technology Tralee, the National Learning Network Sporting Chance Programme and the National Council for the Blind, Kerry have been overwhelmed with the support the camp has received locally. We are also delighted that so many of the 2010 and 2011 campers are now regularly participating in sports in their own communities.

The activity programme promises another enjoyable and challenging experience to new as well as previous campers. There will be some new activities added to the programme including: Judo, athletics, sailing as well as some of the favou-rites from previous years such as surfing, beep baseball, tandem cycling, soccer, football and many more activities.

We are now taking camper bookings and recruiting volun-teers. So if you or someone you know might like the sound of camp then make sure to check out the website for a video of camp in action or to download application forms. www.caraapacentre.ie/camp-abilities. You can also contact camp directors Niamh Daffy Tel: 066-7145646 or Ursula Barrett Tel: 066-7144201 with any queries you might have.


CARA Adapted Physical Activity CentreInstitute of Technology

South CampusTralee, Co. Kerry

Tel: +353 66 714 5646Fax: +353 66 714 5651

Email: [email protected]

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