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27/06/2022
First Special Olympics Ulster Event Held In Three Years
Communities Minister has welcomed the return of the first Special Olympics Ulster event in three years, with athletes 'going for gold' at Antrim Forum.
More than 80 athletes competed in the two-day track and field events and were supported by a team of volunteers, coaches and family, who Minister Hargey thanked for their dedication.
The Minister, who presented awards to the winning athletes, said: "I am delighted that my Department can support the amazing work Special Olympics Ulster is engaged in. It has been wonderful to see these athletes participating once again in the sports they so obviously love and excel at, and the social aspect of events like this cannot be underestimated in terms of confidence building and the formation of lifelong friendships.
"Special Olympics plays an important role in the development of programmes and competitions, promoting inclusion within the community, changing societal attitudes to disability and in promoting physical health and mental wellbeing.
"And none of this would be possible without the commitment of the players, coaches, clubs, volunteers and partners who give their time, week after week and year after year to help develop those who participate in Special Olympic competition. I wish Special Olympics Ulster well for the future and specifically in all the preparations for the planned World Games in Berlin in 2023."
The Department for Communities has committed £1.775m funding to support Special Olympics programming for the four-year period 2020/21 to 2023/24.
More than 80 athletes competed in the two-day track and field events and were supported by a team of volunteers, coaches and family, who Minister Hargey thanked for their dedication.
The Minister, who presented awards to the winning athletes, said: "I am delighted that my Department can support the amazing work Special Olympics Ulster is engaged in. It has been wonderful to see these athletes participating once again in the sports they so obviously love and excel at, and the social aspect of events like this cannot be underestimated in terms of confidence building and the formation of lifelong friendships.
"Special Olympics plays an important role in the development of programmes and competitions, promoting inclusion within the community, changing societal attitudes to disability and in promoting physical health and mental wellbeing.
"And none of this would be possible without the commitment of the players, coaches, clubs, volunteers and partners who give their time, week after week and year after year to help develop those who participate in Special Olympic competition. I wish Special Olympics Ulster well for the future and specifically in all the preparations for the planned World Games in Berlin in 2023."
The Department for Communities has committed £1.775m funding to support Special Olympics programming for the four-year period 2020/21 to 2023/24.
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27 November 2024
Pathway Fund Applications Open For Early Years Providers
Education Minister, Paul Givan, has announced the opening of online applications for the Targeted Early Years Pathway Fund for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic years. The Pathway Fund, introduced in 2016, aims to provide early years education services for children aged 0-4 who may be at risk of falling behind in their education.
Pathway Fund Applications Open For Early Years Providers
Education Minister, Paul Givan, has announced the opening of online applications for the Targeted Early Years Pathway Fund for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic years. The Pathway Fund, introduced in 2016, aims to provide early years education services for children aged 0-4 who may be at risk of falling behind in their education.
28 February 2019
NI Athletes In Training For Abu Dhabi Special Olympics
A group of 21 athletes from Ulster are gearing up for the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi next month. The team will compete across 10 sports at the event from 14-21 March, accompanied by 15 volunteers.
NI Athletes In Training For Abu Dhabi Special Olympics
A group of 21 athletes from Ulster are gearing up for the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi next month. The team will compete across 10 sports at the event from 14-21 March, accompanied by 15 volunteers.
11 December 2024
Belfast Man Jailed For 27 Years For Child Sex Abuse
A Belfast man has been jailed for 27 years after admitting to a horrific catalogue of child sex abuse. David Andrews, 55, pleaded guilty to 130 charges, including attempted rape and sexual communication with a child. The offences involved 47 victims, 46 of whom were children.
Belfast Man Jailed For 27 Years For Child Sex Abuse
A Belfast man has been jailed for 27 years after admitting to a horrific catalogue of child sex abuse. David Andrews, 55, pleaded guilty to 130 charges, including attempted rape and sexual communication with a child. The offences involved 47 victims, 46 of whom were children.
24 July 2006
Three Ballymena Special Schools to amalgamate
The government has today revealed that three Special Schools in the Ballymena area are to amalgamate. The schools - Beechgrove Special School, Dunfane Special School and Loughan Special School will amalgamate on the former site of Ballymena Boys' and Girls' Schools on completion of a new building.
Three Ballymena Special Schools to amalgamate
The government has today revealed that three Special Schools in the Ballymena area are to amalgamate. The schools - Beechgrove Special School, Dunfane Special School and Loughan Special School will amalgamate on the former site of Ballymena Boys' and Girls' Schools on completion of a new building.
05 February 2020
Special Olympics Ireland Winter Games Launched
Some 23 Ulster athletes will represent Northern Ireland as the Special Olympics Ireland Winter Games comes north for the first time ever. The event was officially launched today by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA and Education Minister Peter Weir MLA.
Special Olympics Ireland Winter Games Launched
Some 23 Ulster athletes will represent Northern Ireland as the Special Olympics Ireland Winter Games comes north for the first time ever. The event was officially launched today by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA and Education Minister Peter Weir MLA.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A largely dry evening and night. It will be mostly cloudy, but a few clear spells are possible in the east during the evening. Some patchy rain across the west shortly before dawn. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
