As an avid tennis player I’m always trying to encourage families and friends to join me for a game. Of course not everyone enjoys the game or sports for that matter. But yet I will still continue on my quest to get a game or 2 with anyone who will take on the challenge.

There is an outlet that covers a variety of sports for people with intellectual disabilities. Here ‘athletes’ can choose 1 or more sports to take part in and as they are competitive sports they train very hard to achieve their goal.  Athletes meet and train weekly at their local club. http://www.specialolympics.ie/.

One such club is Dundrum Special Olympics football team run by Rodney Joyce. The footballers meet every Sunday at UCD for training sessions. They regularly take part in football competitions and often integrate with other non special needs clubs. Trust me, this team are a force to be reckoned with. https://www.facebook.com/Dundrum-Special-Olympics-152620411431526. The most recent game was against St. Benildius College who are a huge supporter of the team.  http://www.stbenilduscollege.com.

Another option is to bring a class to your club such as ‘Fit for Fun’ run by Paul Barnett. Paul organises a fun filled sports class where everyone can participate either individually or in a team. It’s a great class to bring out the best and of course competitive side to members.

Donnybrook Lawn Tennis club has a 1 hour Sunday morning class for people with special needs. A team of coaches offer their service for free to a number of members who want to take part for a fun factor versus competitively. There is a great buzz each Sunday and members are made to feel very inclusive. http://www.donnybrookltc.ie

And there is always tag rugby http://www.dlspfc.ie that takes place at De La Salle Palmerston fc Kilternan every Sunday morning. ‘The Eagles special needs rugby’ – a great club with a great voluntary team behind it. Check this out if you’re interested in rugby and also being part of a team.

Quote “Tag Rugby is an exciting, yet simple, mixed non-contact sport, played by men and women, boys and girls of all ages and abilities. There are no scrums or line-outs and tackling is strictly not allowed. The game has been designed to be enjoyed by all players from beginners to experienced players and players with special needs and different abilities”. 

We always try to encourage a fun element into exercise at Dundrum Arch Club http://www.dundrumarchclub.com. Our dance teacher John comes to our club a few times a year and brings his energy and dance moves with him. The atmosphere is electric and as you can see…. we have some movers and shakers on the dance floor!