Limerick teacher's inclusive sports day ‘celebrates every child equally'
Now in its third year, primary school teacher Niall Shanahan's Inclusive Sports Day is set to welcome a record-breaking 544 children from 42 schools on Thursday, May 8, at the University of Limerick.
Originally launched to fill an obvious gap in traditional athletics events, the sports days provide a fun, accessible environment where every child, regardless of ability, can participate and enjoy.
'It was about giving children who might not get to take part in other sports days a chance to enjoy the same kind of legacy event,' Mr Shanahan explained.
The event has more than doubled in size since last year, when 265 children participated. With this continuous growth, Mr Shanahan is already considering extending it into a multi-day event in future years.
'We might have to look at spreading it out over two days. You'd never want to say no to any school or child,' he said.
Each participating child takes part in a track race and receives a medal at the finish line, a major part of Mr Shanahan's objective of inclusion over competition.
'It's not about who comes first. Every child is celebrated equally,' he noted.
The day features a broad range of activities, from soccer and GAA to tennis, and even Zumba, with support from local coaches and sports clubs.
Children can also enjoy magicians, face painting, and other entertainment on the day.
This year's event will once again see the return of Thomas Barr, Irish Olympic hurdler and long-time ambassador of the event, who has become a firm favourite among the children.
Special guests from Munster Rugby and the Limerick hurling scene are also expected to attend, with final names yet to be confirmed.
Keeping the event free for all schools has been a priority for Mr Shanahan, made possible by generous support from LEDP, JP McManus Benevolent Fund, Paul Construction, and the Limerick Sports Partnership.
Volunteers play a key role as well, including transition year students from Castletroy College.
Mr Shanahan, who teaches at Knockea National School, takes great pride in seeing his own students participate. 'It's so rewarding to see the joy on their faces and know that this is something they look forward to every year,' he said.
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