The Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club was formed in September 2002 by a group of families. Its objective was and still is to provide athletes with special needs the opportunity to be productive and respected members of society through participation in an all-year-round sports and competition programme. This in turn creates a more positive self-image, inclusion, enjoyment and new friendships for each of our athletes. There are almost 100 athletes in the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club who come from the Killarney, East Kerry and Mid Kerry areas.
The club offers our athletes the opportunity to participate in the following activities:
All activities take place under the guidance of our dedicated coaches and volunteers.
Families
Special Olympics recognises the importance of family support to our athletes and strives to involve families, extended families and care providers of Special Olympics athletes to participate and share in the joys of the Special Olympics programme. The aims of the Family Support Programme are to:
- Encourage family members to become involved in the life of their athlete
- Support their athlete in training and competition
- Become advocates for the Special Olympics movement
- Encourage new families who can benefit from Special Olympics to join
- Ensure family members are kept fully informed about Special Olympics
The Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club’s success has been due to the overwhelming support of the club’s committee, volunteers, families, local businesses and organisations, local press and radio. Our committee is in constant communication with Special Olympics Munster to ensure we are keeping up with Regional and National regulations and news. As a club, we have formed bonds with the other Special Olympics clubs throughout Kerry and by extension Munster. This allows us to hold and participate in inter-club and Munster events. We are always open to new athletes and volunteers, in Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club there is a place for EVERYONE!
If you or a family member would like to get involved, please contact our Club Secretary, Geraldine on 087 236 5664 or email us on kerrystars63@gmail.com.