With the support of Clare Sports Partnership, Derg Athletics club created an Inclusive Athletics programme. This programme allows children with a disability (ASD and physical disabilities) to enjoy athletic activities, within Killaloe and the surrounding areas.
The inclusive athletics programme was created:
- To increase physical activity opportunities for children with a disability
- To increase awareness and knowledge of children with a disability amongst mainstream coaches and volunteers within Derg AC
- To create a pathway for children with a disability to progress into mainstream athletics training
Programme Outcomes so far:
- Weekly athletics sessions for children on the ASD spectrum and wheelchair users
- 28 children particpating in the programme
- Summer camps in conjunction with Clare Sports Partnership in 2021,2022 and 2023
- In the summer of 2023, 6 Derg AC athletes participated in the Irish Wheelchair Association Para Athletics Fest in Carlow,
Collaboration between Clare Sports Partnership and Derg Athletics Club:
- Clare LSP supported the provision of Disability Awareness, Disability Inclusion and Autism in Sport training for volunteers and coaches within the club
- Clarisford Park Sports Hub is the venue, having both indoor and outdoor user friendly facilities
- To establish best practice, Clare LSP and Derg AC linked with the University of Limerick i Play programme, and Professor Daniel Tindall
It has been uplifting to see wheelchair users and physically impaired children participate and enjoy an inclusive sports programme at local level. Integration within their local community through sport and seeing their improvement with their physical and social skills has been overwhelming and an inspiring experience as a coach