Special Olympics Ireland has been changing lives for 30 Years, In July 1978 the charity commissions sealed the Scheme of Incorporation that legally established Special Olympics Ireland. Since then Special Olympics Ireland has played a very important role in the lives of so many families involved in the programme. In 2003 the Special Olympics captured the hearts of the nation when it's world games was staged here. Special Olympics Ireland is the single most powerful vehicle for changing attitudes and promoting acceptance for those with an intellectual disability.
Special Olympics Munster provides training and competitive opportunities in twelve official Special Olympics sports. The programme is managed by a committee of volunteer sports co-ordinators from each sport under the guidance of Regional Development Officer for Sport, Shaun Hennessy.
Cork City FC Club Promotions Officer Stephen Ryan says "I was absolutely delighted when Nick Harrison from the FAI approached me with regards to launching Special Olympics week at one of our games. Nick is the co-ordinator in Munster for The Football for All programme which is made up of players from all groups and sports bodies that cater for players with a disability who want to play football. At the moment there is somewhere in the region of 2,500 to 3,000 players participating in such programmes throughout the country. With us being the biggest supported soccer team in the Munster Region we are delighted to get on board with such a programme and get it known to as many people as possible. Having seen for myself the great work that is being done in this are through visits to Cope Foundation in Mallow and Ballincollig Gunners Soccer Team, I want to let more people know about Special Olympics Ireland. The game against Drogheda Utd is the biggest game of the season so far at Turners Cross and it will be great to showcase the Munster Special Olympics Ladies side before the game with a short demonstration game at 7.30pm. I hope everyone will turn out and give the ladies a great reception and encouragement that will hopefully lead to more people take up football in the future".