National awards for Keash and St Cecilia’s projects
THERE were two Sligo winners at the recent CARA National Inclusion Awards which recognise people and organisations who contribute to the inclusion of people with disabilities in sport.
Keash Equestrian Centre (Adventure category) and St Cecilia’s School (Special Education category) were both overall winners in their respective categories.
Sligo continues to lead the way in terms of best practice in relation to the provision of inclusive sport and physical activity.
The amazing and dedicated work of both Keash Equestrian Centre and St Cecilia’s School based at Cregg, Rosses Point were recognised nationally when both Sligo groups were awarded first place in their categories ahead of stiff competition.
On presenting the awards the judges acknowledged the quality of the programmes offered including Horse Riding, Athletics, Boccia, Cycling, Surfing, Swimming and Inclusive Physical Education and praised the work of staff and instructors at Keash Equestrian and St Cecilia’s School. The importance of the links established with Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership were also highlighted in developing real and sustainable opportunities for people with disabilities to be physically active. By working collaboratively in Sligo significant progress and success has been achieved in relation to inclusive sport and physical activity and many lives have been enhanced by the variety of sports delivered in conjunction with SSRP.
This point was very evident in the case of one young participant Erin Gannon who attends both the Keash Equestrian programme and is also a pupil at St Cecilia’s School. Erin’s mother Pamela explained that through her involvement in sport Erin has benefitted enormously and issues like posture, gait and fine motor skills which are negatively affected by her disability have all improved significantly and continue to progress. Pamela went on to comment on the Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning programme delivered by Eilish Divine and her team in Keash Equestrian Centre stating she firmly believed that the Horse Riding programme was greatly instrumental in the improvements we as parents see in our daughter.
Another Eilis, Eilis Dillion the principal of St Cecilias School, and a huge advocate of sport, physical activity and physical education for all her pupils also outlined the importance of real and meaningful inclusive opportunities. Her school has been involved in the SSRP Inclusive Indoor Athletics programme. Eilis said: “We have been involved in this programme for a number of years now and we feel it’s very worthwhile. The weekly intervention, the weekly practice, the build-up of skills they get used to it and really what’s most important for our children with special needs is the environment.” Eilis also emphasised the work of her staff in developing inclusive sports provision at St Cecilia’s, in particular Ben Lewis and Shane Goldsberry who run the Active Schools programme in the school. SSRP will continue to work and support local organisations, groups and sports clubs to develop real and meaningful inclusive sports opportunities throughout Sligo. For further information on the Sports Inclusion Disability Project or for any information on disability sport and active recreation contact Shane Hayes, SSRP Sports Inclusion Disability on 071 9161511 or shane@sligosportandrecreation.ie.