News

Skellig Stars Special Olympic Club is a group of children and adult athletes with special needs who train on a weekly basis throughout the school year, training for fun and to take part in the Ireland games. The Skellig Stars annually visit all the clubs in Kerry for a fun day. They also host their own fun sports day in Cahirchiveen. Skellig Stars provides children and adults of all ages with an important physical outlet through athletics and basketball games. Currently there are 25 athletes ranging in age from 6 to 62 years old.

Skellig Stars are fund-raising to upgrade their facilitates to install an eight lane running track for the athletes to practice and train on. The club currently uses the sports hall in the local secondary school, Colaiste na Sceilge to train indoors. A proper track is important for the athletes to train on as it would allow them to practice on the surface they will compete on. Denis Daly, Skellig Stars volunteer noted ‘Athletes on competition day are allowed up to 15% time differential time faster or slower win or lose time on competition day. Trainers need to provide the athletes race time before the event to factor in this 15% difference. If an athlete wins their race and their wining time is outside this ratio they are disqualified. This is why the track is so important for the athletes to train on.’

Sandra O’Callaghan from Inver stated, ‘We are delighted to support the Skellig Stars Athletics, this is an amazing organization and we wish them every success with their fundraising to build their track. Thank you to Jack and Tracy Fitzpatrick and Sharon at Inver Market House, Cahirchiveen for nominating this great organization.’