Special Olympics Ireland moves into National Sports Campus

Special Olympics Ireland (SOI), the organisation that provides sporting opportunities for intellectually disabled individuals, has moved into Sport Ireland’s new National Sports Campus.

Based within the recently developed building, the headquarters will feature a learning and education centre, a volunteer centre and offices.

Money for the facility was raised through “special exchequer allocation” of €5m (£4.3m, US$5.4m).

“Special Olympics Ireland does fantastic work the length and breadth of the country, something I witnessed first-hand while volunteering with them myself and these new offices will assist the staff and volunteers as they continue to have a positive impact on the lives of all their athletes,” said tourism and sports minister Patrick O’Donovan, who opened the centre.

The organisation provides sports training and athletic competition in a number of Olympic-style sports for those with learning difficulties.

There are 348 SOI clubs in Ireland, of which 221 are community based while 31 are in special schools and further 96 service providers. The organisation has 6,921 active volunteers and 10,000 registered athletes.

Kieran Mulvey, Sport Ireland chair, added: “The development of the new offices will enhance their position as one of the foremost sporting organisations in the country, and ideally situates them in closer proximity to the facilities on the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus, as well as the other national governing bodies for sport.”