Special Olympics Ireland calls on public to get behind Collection Day 2026

Special Olympics Ireland is calling on people across the island of Ireland to get behind its annual Collection Day this September by volunteering their time or making a donation in support of thousands of athletes with an intellectual disability.

Collection Day, Special Olympics Ireland’s single biggest community fundraising day of the year, will take place across the Republic of Ireland on Friday, 18 September, followed by Northern Ireland on Friday, 25 September.

Volunteers will be out at collection points across communities, raising vital funds to support over 6,700 Special Olympics athletes and the year-round programme of sports training, competition and other opportunities available through Special Olympics clubs and initiatives.

The event builds on the success and impact of the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games in June of this year, the largest inclusive sports event of the year in the island of Ireland, which saw over 1,200 athletes compete across 12 sports supported by dedicated volunteers.

At the heart of this year’s campaign is nine-year-old Dublin athlete Jack McCarthy, who has been involved with Special Olympics since joining Donabate Portrane Special Olympics Club in 2022.

Jack (pictured above), who was born in Dublin in 2017, has thrived in the club’s Young Athlete programme, which introduces children to vital movement patterns and skills in a fun, play-focused way.

Jack’s parents, Claire and Mark, say Special Olympics has helped him develop his confidence, balance, coordination and skills, and most importantly, has given him somewhere he feels he belongs: “He loves to put on his jersey and be part of a team.

“For us, that is the best bit: his feeling of belonging, being part of a great team and having the time and space to be himself and thrive.

“We envisage Jack being part of Special Olympics throughout his life and are hopeful it will take him to new and exciting places. We are lucky to be able to join him for the ride!”

“The club provides great training to parents, advice on helping our kids to be the best they can be.

“Fundraising is essential to help provide the equipment and environments necessary for Jack and his peers to fully engage in such a great programme.”

Funds raised through Collection Day help Special Olympics Ireland continue to provide opportunities and support for athletes like Jack.

Another athlete who knows the difference those opportunities can make is Moira Scott, who joined Special Olympics at the age of nine.

Before joining, Tullamore athlete Moira says she often felt excluded and insecure and had few friends. Balance difficulties also made participating in sport challenging.

She began kayaking and initially found it extremely difficult, but continued attending training every week. Today, she kayaks with Tullamore Canoe Club and has progressed from athlete to leader and advocate.

Moira has completed the Athlete Leader Gold Award programme and Fitness Captain programme, sits on the Tullamore Canoe Club committee, represents students at the National Learning Network and is training to become a kayaking instructor.

She also supports Paddle-Able with Canoeing Ireland, helping people with additional needs participate in kayaking.

Moira says: “I’ve found my voice, friends, and a family within the Special Olympics community, and now I get to help others achieve their dreams with my motto: if I can do it, you can do it too!”

Special Olympics Ireland is asking members of the public to support Collection Day in one of two ways: volunteer at a Collection Day location or make a donation.

Collection Day takes place in the Republic of Ireland on Friday, 18 September, and in Northern Ireland on Friday, 25 September.

To volunteer or donate, visit www.idonate.ie/event/collectionday2026