'Very grateful': Longford celebrates opening of exciting new chapter for inclusive sport

Drumlish Inclusive Sports Club was officially launched on Saturday, January 17, marking an exciting new chapter for inclusive sport in the local community. 

The launch event was very well attended and received strong support from families, community members, and local organisations.

The club was founded by local parent Theresa Gearty Kane, who serves as Chairperson, alongside committee members James Cawley, Laura Murtagh and Edel Murray. 

PICTURES | Longford celebrates opening of exciting new chapter for inclusive sport

The idea for the club grew from Theresa’s personal experience as a parent of two children with physical disabilities.

“I have two children with physical disabilities, and my daughter Emily, who attended the launch, absolutely loves sport,” Theresa explained. 

“Like many families, we found there was very little available locally for children with additional needs to take part in sport in an inclusive and supportive way. With the support of the committee, we decided to create a space where all children can enjoy being active, have fun, and feel included.”

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Following the successful launch, Drumlish Inclusive Sports Club will begin a four-week Athletics programme starting next Saturday. Sessions will run for children aged 5–8 years from 10am to 10:45am, and for ages 9 and over from 11am to 11:45am.

The committee has expressed sincere thanks to the many sponsors and supporters who helped make the launch and programme possible, including Tess Gillen, Longford Sports Partnership, Longford County Council, Cllr David Cassidy, Drumlish Community Centre, Caroline and Owen Brady, Safe Haven NI, Corr Wood Crafts Ltd, JW Home Solutions and Fr Manning Gaels club. 

Special thanks were also extended to Embroidery Longford for designing the club tops, which were kindly sponsored by Caroline and Owen Brady, as well as to Shelley Corcoran from the Longford Leader for her support on the day. Appreciation was also given to all those who helped behind the scenes, including those who prepared refreshments for the launch.

As a newly established club, the committee acknowledges they are still finding their feet and welcomes support from parents and volunteers within the community.

“We are very grateful for the encouragement we have received so far,” Theresa said. “We are really looking forward to getting started and already counting down to our first session next week.”

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Drumlish Inclusive Sports Club aims to become a lasting and valuable resource for children with additional needs and their families in the area.