This Summer was busy for Laois Sports Partnership as the summer camp schedule ramped up once again. In 2023 we successfully delivered and supported 11 summer camps, 7 of which were disability inclusion camps while the other 4 were inclusive for all abilities. During the course of the summer, we have seen over 300 children participating in a variety of summer camps; Inclusive Basketball Camp, Corrective Gymnastics, Learn to Cycle, FAI Inclusive Soccer Summer Camp, Portlaoise GAA Inclusive CUL Camp, The GAA Inclusive CUL Camp, Survival Skills, and Team Building Camp with NLN Portlaoise and Laois Down Syndrome Summer Camp. These camps were successfully delivered through the partnership work of local agencies and the LSP, the result of this work is opportunities for all to be physically active and participate in sport in Laois.
A further 111 children took part in July provision camps in schools which were supported by Laois Sports Partnership through learn to cycle camps, corrective gymnastics, and athletics.
Disability and Inclusion Programmes
Vision Impaired Athletics Programme
In July, an 8-week athletics programme for visually impaired athletes began through the partnership of Vision Sports Ireland, Laois LSP and Portlaoise Athletics Club. In the past 7 weeks, this programme has welcomed 23 athletes aged from 5 – 66 each week to Portlaoise College’s athletics track. In this time, athletes have taken part in javelin, shot putt, and track events (100m & 200m).
Following this training programme, a number of the athletes will progress to a final event, which will take place at SETU Carlow on 16th September. Up to 50 athletes from around the country will meet to compete. Visually Impaired Athletes will be joined by athletes from the Irish Wheelchair Association at the event in Carlow.
“Support from volunteers has been phenomenal, without their commitment and support these past 7 weeks, none of this would have been possible. A big thank you to those volunteers who turned up each week and supported our athletes. We’re looking forward to a fantastic event in Carlow this month” Head Coach, Treacy Percy.
Tandem Cycling for Visually Impaired
Earlier in the summer, great fun was had during a 4- week inclusion cycle programme in Portlaoise. The programme was for participants who have visual impairments. Tandem bikes are a brilliant way of including cyclists of all abilities to get out cycling with the assistance of an experienced cyclist. There is great social interaction when using tandem bikes and requires teamwork between 2 individuals.
Upcoming Programmes
Vision Impaired Soccer – Come and Try Day
The next come and try event for junior vision impaired football will take place at Portlaoise A.F.C. on September 10th from 1pm – 3pm.This is open for boys and girls aged 5- 17 year of age. To register for this come and try event, CLICK HERE.
Vision Impaired Swimming
Vision Impaired swimming lessons returning to Portlaoise this September for children aged 5 – 17 years. Starting Sunday 10th September at Laois Leisure Portlaoise from 4:30 – 5:30pm. Cost is €35 for 6 weeks. To register for this come and try event, CLICK HERE.
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