THE Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) has launched a national competition to source five new designs for their Angels Pin collection.
The winning designs will be manufactured, produced and sold as part of the association’s national fundraising campaign, Angels, which takes place each November.
The IWA is asking Transition Year students to enter the competition and submit creative and original designs that will be later used as their official emblems during the 2016 Angels Campaign.
The Angels Pin Design Competition was launched by IWA members, volunteers and staff.
They were joined by student teacher, James Cawley, who is currently completing a Professional Master of Education (PME) at Maynooth University
James is also a lifelong member of IWA, and a vocal advocate for people with disabilities. James will be encouraging the TY students from St Joseph’s Secondary School, Lucan where he currently teaches, to enter the Angels Pin Design Competition which will run until Monday, February 29.
Speaking about the competition he said: “Transition Year is an excellent opportunity for students to become more actively involved in their local community, to volunteer their time, or develop a hobby or skill further, which overall will enhance their learning experience.
“The Angels Pin Design Competition is an excellent platform for young people with an interest in graphic design, an artistic talent or a creative flair to design an official pin for one of Ireland’s leading social enterprises and representative organisations for people with disabilities.”
Also joining James were IWA members Emily Lyons from Swords, and Lisa Brennan from Clongriffin, who are active members of IWA’s Youth Service.
Speaking at the launch, IWA Youth Service Coordinator, David Barry, explained the importance of having young people working alongside each other to develop and encourage social inclusion and integration for people with disabilities in schools, youth clubs, sports teams and communities.
“Emily and Lisa never miss an opportunity to catch up with their friends through the events and programmes organised by IWA for young people with disabilities,” he said.
“I can see how much enjoyment the young people involved in IWA Youth Services and clubs get from meeting their friends, taking part in activities, learning new skills and becoming more involved in their local community.”
The IWA relies on the support of local secondary schools for assistance with initiatives and programmes throughout the year. The association facilitates work experience and volunteer placements and welcomes the involvement of young people who bring fresh ideas and concepts to activities, fundraisers and events.
The Angels campaign seeks to raise funds to ensure that IWA may continue to lead the way in improving the lives of people with physical disabilities, their families and communities.
During the campaign, volunteers throughout Ireland sell Angel products in local shopping centres, schools and town centres.
One of the key aspects of the campaign is the announcement and launch of the new Angels Pin designs each year.
IWA is asking TY students across Ireland to assist the association with this year’s campaign and design their very own Angel Pin.
Entries can be submitted in hardcopy to: Angels Pin Design Competition, Irish Wheelchair Association, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3 or in softcopy format to angels@iwa.ie.
All entries must be submitted before 5pm on Monday, February 29.
Additional information, terms and conditions and entry forms are available from www.iwa.ie/angels