THIS THURSDAY marks a milestone for inclusive sport in Clare with Cumann na mBunscol an Chláir hosts the county’s first-ever GAA Inclusion Day for children with additional needs.
Réaltaí an Chláir is the title of the new initiative which takes place at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Cíosóg. It is the first event of its kind under the Cumann na mBunscol banner. Organisers hope it will become an annual fixture in the school sports calendar, both in Clare and beyond.
Muireann Mescal, one of the key organisers explained, “We invited all 111 schools in County Clare, both mainstream and schools catering to special needs, to nominate children with additional needs to take part in the event. These can be children with any form of additional need; sensory needs, physical needs or ASD”.
A total of 170 young athletes have signed up to participate. They will be accompanied by around 60 adults, including teachers, SNAs, and principals. Mescal noted the importance of ensuring every child is properly supported:
“Some of these children will be on a one-to-one or maybe a 6-to-1 system, so whatever adults need to come along to ensure the children are looked after and cared for will also be there,” she said.
The event will feature a wide range of activities tailored to meet the needs and abilities of all participants, including modified hurling and football games under the ‘GAA for All’ banner, athletics, sensory games, and cooperative activities.
“There will be hurling and football matches that will be modified to suit the athletes’ abilities,” said Mescal. “There will also be athletics and sensory games.”
Taking inspiration from the successful All-Stars Inclusive Club Initiative, Réaltaí an Chláir is built on a foundation of inclusion, awareness, and celebration.
“It’s important for awareness, it’s important for inclusivity. It’s important that family and fellow community members of the children involved get the same opportunity to attend their day in Cusack Park and that the children have that opportunity to excel at their level or ability and represent their schools, clubs, and communities throughout the county.”
For many children, this will be their first opportunity to play on such a large stage. Mescal highlighted the emotional and symbolic value of this, “We are giving these children an opportunity to take part in an event just like their siblings, their schoolmates, their cousins, their neighbours; to play the sports they love in Cusack Park, albeit modified to suit their needs”.
The event is supported by Clare GAA, Munster GAA, Clare Sports Partnership, and local inclusive GAA All-Star groups. National broadcaster Cúla4 will also be present to capture the day, and Allianz, the event sponsor, will be in attendance with their team.
Ultimately, organisers hope Réaltaí an Chláir becomes more than a one-day celebration. “We hope that through the event we will foster an increased awareness of the need for inclusion and increased awareness of children with additional needs,” said Mescal. “We hope that this event will continue next year and it becomes a part of the Cumann na mBunscol calendar.”
