Cumann na mBunscol an Chláir will celebrate inclusivity in Gaelic games by hosting a new initiative for children with additional needs.
By John Harrington
Cumann na mBunscol an Chláir will celebrate inclusivity in Gaelic games by hosting a new initiative for children with additional needs, ‘Réaltaí an Chláir’, in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg on Thursday, May 22.
It’s the first Inclusion Day of its type under the Cumann na mBunscol banner, and the hope is that it will become an annual event in Clare and other counties going forward.
Taking its inspiration from the hugely successful and rapidly growing All-Stars Inclusive Club Initiative, the day will include GAA for All games, fundamental movement skills, sensory stations, and cooperative games and activities.
The motivation behind ‘Réaltaí an Chláir’ is to ensure that children with additional needs are given the same opportunities as all other children under the umbrella of Cumann na mBunscol.
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.
Inclusion is a fundamental pillar of both education and sport, and Cumann na mBunscol an Chláir are dedicated to ensuring that children in mainstream settings, special classes, and special schools alike can participate and thrive within our games.
The event will see Cumann na mBunscol an Chláir collaborate with Clare GAA, Clare Sports Partnership, and local GAA All-Star Groups.
Participation forms have been sent to all 111 primary schools in Clare and the hope is that there will be approximately 150 pupils with a wide spectrum of additional needs partaking in teh day.
The children will be supported on the day by around 70 SNAs, principals, and teachers coming with them to help on the day.
For further information on the ‘Réaltaí an Chláir’ Inclusion Day, please email cumannnambunscolanchlair@gmail.com.