Special Olympics Ireland Launches Young Athletes Programme with Transformative Results: Closing the Gap for Children with Intellectual Disabilities, Bolstered by DCU Research

On Saturday, November 16th, the Special Olympics Young Athletes event marked a significant advancement in supporting children with intellectual disabilities by unveiling the new Young Athletes Activities Guide. This comprehensive resource is designed to empower coaches with engaging, research-driven activities that enhance motor skills in a fun and inclusive setting.

Developed collaboratively by Special Olympics Ireland and faculty from the School of Health and Human Performance—Drs. Sarah Meegan, Mika Manninen, and Nathan Gavigan—the guide embodies years of dedicated research and practical application. The project received generous support from Sport Ireland and was spearheaded by Dr. Hayley Kavanagh, a former PhD student of the School of Health and Human Performance.

The Young Athletes Activities Guide stands as an evidence-based tool tailored to improve the fundamental movement skills (FMS) of children with intellectual disabilities. By integrating the latest scientific insights, the guide ensures that coaches are well-equipped to deliver activities that are both effective and enjoyable.

This pivotal resource will be distributed to every Young Athletes club nationwide, signifying a unified step forward in enriching the coaching landscape. The event not only celebrated the launch of the guide but was also a testament to years of dedicated work between DCU's School of Health and Human Performance and Special Olympics Ireland.