Special Olympics athletes join pupils for sports day

SPECIAL Olympics athletes were celebrated at a recent sports day held at St Kevin’s College in Finglas.

Students at the school had been working on plans for the day since last November to ensure its success, and their efforts paid off with plenty of fun and excitement had by all on the day.

Special Olympic athletes, including medal winners, took part in a number of sporting events such as football and basketball before having lunch with the Leaving Certificate Applied students who organised the event.

The college linked up with a community action program called Localise to arrange the sports day project for Special Olympic athletes in an effort to combine community service with instruction.

Teacher Jennifer Poole says the event was big success, with plenty of additional benefits.

“This project has provided the students with a diverse range of enriching learning experiences, plus the opportunity to positively participate in community action in their local area,

? she explained.

“The success of this event is a direct result of the ethos of the school, which actively instils values and encourages the boys’ benevolent nature, resulting in students who are enthusiastic, interested and actively engaged in volunteering.

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Following the presentation of medals staff and pupils at St Kevin’s said goodbye to their new friends in the sincere hope that they would soon meet again.

“These young people made an impression on the entire school and were warmly welcomed on the day,

? said Ms Poole.

“It is the firm belief of St Kevin’s College that the school should be accessible to the wider community and therefore encourage students to interact with the local community, which enables a project such as a Special Olympics sports day to be such a success.

?