GPA and WGPA throw weight behind Special Olympics Ireland Annual Collection Day on Fri April 22

THE Gaelic Players Association (GPA) has come out in support of Special Olympics Ireland ahead of the sport charity’s annual Collection Day, which is taking place around the country on Friday April 22.

And the WGPA has also thrown its weight behind Special Olympics Ireland with ladies footballers and camogie players set to join volunteers at collection points on April 22. Both organisations have now committed to supporting Special Olympics as formal partner.

Kerry footballer Peter Crowley and Wexford hurler Conor McDonald along with GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell welcomed Special Olympics athletes Sheera Delaney, from Sutton, Dublin and Dean Gallagher from Bray, Co Wicklow to Croke Park where details of the partnership were announced.

The players, along with the GPA, have called on members of the public to dig deep on Collection Day – which is proudly supported by eir - as the charity seeks to raise €650,000 in 24 hours to support athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics athletes Dean, and Sheera were thrilled to meet the two GAA stars in Croke Park, where they also enjoyed a tour of the facilities. Dean, who was part of the men’s five-a-side football team that competed at the World Summer Games in Los Angeles last summer, and basketball player Sheera even enjoyed a quick skills session with Kerry ace Crowley.

Every cent counts for Special Olympics this April 22nd as it seeks to raise €650,000 in just 24 hours to support the programme of sports and training it offers to 9,100 athletes in 360 clubs around the country. 3,000 volunteers will be out in force in 250 locations all over Ireland shaking buckets over the course of the day (Fri April 22nd).

Kerry centre back Crowley, who is looking forward to the Allianz Football League Division 1 decider with Dublin on Sunday week, is a big advocate of Special Olympics and a supporter of the opportunities it offers to athletes with intellectual disabilities.

“As a sports person I really respect the level of commitment and dedication our Special Olympics athletes show in their various sports. I know how much playing football means to me and I am a firm believer that anyone that wishes to train and compete in a sport of their choosing should be given that opportunity, where possible. That’s why Collection Day on April 22 is such an important day for Special Olympics and I would urge everyone to get behind it,” he said.

Crowley’s sentiments were backed up by Wexford hurler Conor McDonald who called on the general public to show their support for Special Olympics by signing up to volunteer on Collection Day. “There are collection points all over the country, even if you had a spare hour over your lunch, or after work, you can sign up on specialolympics.ie and it will make a huge difference to thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities,” he said.

Special Olympics long-time corporate sponsor eir, will also be supporting the charity as the premier sponsor of the Collection Day once again this year. Carolan Lennon, Wholesale Managing Director open eir said: “Collection Day is the main fundraising initiative for Special Olympics Ireland. This day will bring in vital funds for the charity, ensuring they can continue to offer their sports and training services in cities, towns and villages all across Ireland. On April 22nd eir employees, from Belfast to Cork, will be on the streets in their local communities raising much needed funds for Special Olympics Ireland. Please join us. The more volunteers we have on Collection Day, the more funding we will raise. That money will ensure that Special Olympics Ireland continues to meet their central objective. That every person in Ireland, with an intellectual disability, has the opportunity to participate in sport, to develop new skills, make new friends, and become the best they can be.”

Dessie Farrell, CEO of the GPA, was also present to greet the Special Olympics athletes and added his support to the Collection Day fundraising efforts: “We are delighted to be able to get involved with such a worthwhile initiative. Sheera and Dean, along with the entire Special Olympics Team, are a real source of inspiration to all us here in the GPA and we are fully behind this fundraising day for Special Olympics Ireland. We would encourage all our members throughout the country to lend their support if possible on the day”.

Matt English, CEO with Special Olympics Ireland, added: “To be so warmly welcomed to Croke Park by the GPA has been fantastic. The support is a fantastic endorsement of our athletes, their achievements and the ongoing work of Special Olympics. Supported by eir, Collection Day is a vitally important milestone in our annual fundraising calendar. I am hoping the general public comes out to support us in whatever way they can this Collection Day. Every single euro really will make a difference.”