Special Olympics Ulster

Training for the Ireland Games - and so much more.
Fun. Friendship. Inclusion.
That’s what Special Olympics is all about.

There was plenty of pride, excitement and inspiration at Donard School Banbridge last Friday as pupils and staff welcomed the Law Enforcement Torch Run ahead of the Special Olympics Ireland Games. 🏅✨

The visit gathered pupils past and present, celebrating local athletes about to represent Team Ulster this June.

A big thank you to Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, Principal Mariluz Malcomson, and previous pupils Denise Fegan and Jamie Doran for leading the parade.

Team Ulster have officially teed off their final training session for the Ireland Games!

Wishing all our athletes the very best as they get ready to compete, shine, and make memories across every sport. 🏅

It's been a busy few months! Team Ulster have been training hard, building momentum, getting ready for the Ireland Games. Not long now... the countdown is on!

Special Olympics Ulster are delighted by the announcement of this partnership with Hockey Ireland We look forward to working together to develop the sport of hockey across Ulster 🏑

Hockey Ireland is delighted to announce the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Special Olympics Ireland, marking a significant milestone in the continued development of inclusive hockey opportunities for athletes with an intellectual disability across the island of Ireland.

The agreement formalises a collaborative partnership developed over the past four years and will see Hockey Ireland lead the delivery of field hockey as an official sporting opportunity for athletes with an intellectual disability through its nationwide club network.

To support clubs, coaches, volunteers and families in understanding the new partnership and the opportunities available, Hockey Ireland and Special Olympics Ireland will host an online information webinar on Tuesday, 27 May from 19:00–20:00. The webinar is open to parents, coaches, volunteers and club members and will explore how Hockey4All clubs can become affiliated as Special Olympics Ireland clubs, the benefits of affiliation for both clubs and athletes, and how the partnership will support greater participation and inclusion within the sport.

To learn more, click the link in our bio!

🏀 What an incredible day! 🏀

We’d like to say a massive thank you to all the clubs and athletes who competed in our Basketball League Finals and Skills Event at Antrim Forum 🙌

With over 180 athletes from 10 clubs taking part, the energy, talent and passion on display were simply outstanding 🔥💪

A huge shoutout as well to the referees from Basketball NI who gave up their time to support the event 👏 Your commitment and support made the day possible—thank you! 🙏

📸 Danielle Hegarty

🌟⚽ What a Weekend to Remember! ⚽🌟
The Special Olympics Ulster Football League Finals delivered an incredible showcase of talent, teamwork, and determination this past weekend! 💪
With over 84 athletes in attendance, each match was played in the spirit of respect, inclusion, and pure love of the game — reminding us all what sport is really about.
A huge congratulations to all the teams who competed — you should be immensely proud of your performances! 🏆👏
Thank you to the referees, coaches, volunteers, families, and supporters who created such a positive and electric atmosphere throughout the event. Your support makes moments like these possible.
Here’s to celebrating ability, building friendships, and continuing to grow the game for everyone. 🌍⚽
Football

Our team were honoured to be in the audience at Ulster University today with members of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the presentation of an Honorary Doctorate to Arnold Schwarzenegger.

It was fantastic to hear about Arnold’s incredible work throughout his career, but most importantly, his longstanding role as a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics! Grateful for all he does to support athletes with intellectual disabilities and the movement worldwide.

A big thank you to Ulster University for having us.

Sport NI
Northern Ireland Executive