Raheny All Stars meet President on World Down Syndrome Day

THE Raheny All Stars were invited to meet the President at the Áras last Wednesday to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day.

The All Stars, set up over a year ago at Raheny GAA Club, is a wonderful initiative making GAA more accessible and inclusive to all, and giving children with special needs a chance to participate in sport and learn new skills in a safe environment.

The group comprises 15 children with intellectual disabilities, not only learning skills themselves but also teaching everyone else involved in the group.

The volunteers, who coach the children, are equally amazing and include a number of Transition Year students who look forward to Friday evenings on Raheny GAA Club’s Astro turf pitch.

Alison Dempsey, PRO for the Raheny club, said: “We are not sure who gets the most out of these sessions  – the children or the coaches.

“This is a new initiative which should be rolled out in every club. We should all be looking at the ‘abilities’ of these children – ditching the ‘dis’. “The All Stars are helping to bring the community closer together.”

The children, coaches and parents travelled to the Phoenix Park by bus and proudly wore their maroon and white colours which they knew would go down a treat with the President!

There was great excitement among members of the Raheny group when they met President Higgins and his wife Sabina and everyone got to shake hands with them. 

One of the All Stars, Jacob, stole the show when he gave the President a big hug. 

The smiles and joy that came from the club's All Stars made the day even more special.