Overdue: 381 days
Public benefits
The benefits which flow from these purposes include; improved equality of opportunities to participate in sporting activities for people with an intellectual disability (currently aquatics but other sports can be provided in the future); improved general health and increased levels of fitness; improved quality of life through enhancement of self
esteem and enhancement of social skills; greater social awareness and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities. These benefits can be evidenced through; feedback from parents and athletes; independent evaluation in the form of SportNI Clubmark award; coaching records of athletes performance; success and achievements in competions. A questionnaire will also be developed to record feedback from parents and athletes. There is a risk of general sports injury to participants but this is mitigated by the use of qualified teachers and coaches and also the availability of volunteers trained in first aid. There is potential risk of harm to individuals because of medical conditions or medication they have to take. These risks are managed through the Special Olympics athlete registration process when medical evidence is sought through the athlete’s General Practitioner to confirm that there is no medical reason to prevent them from participating in the sporting activities. This is reviewed and approved by Special Olympics’ medical volunteers before individuals are permitted to participate. There is a particular risk of harm to people with Down’s syndrome if there is a presence of Atlantoaxial Instability. Participation in certain activities may result in hyperextension, radical flexion, or direct pressure on the neck or upper spine. Specific medical evidence is required for those with Down’s syndrome to confirm the absence of Atlantoaxial Instability before participation is permitted. If this is present, or not established the athlete is restricted to activities that do not pose a risk of harm. There is a recognised potential risk of harm to children and vulnerable adults. This is managed by the club’s safeguarding policy, volunteer code of conduct, athlete code of conduct as well as ‘Safeguarding Children in Sport’ training provided to volunteers. In addition to these measures each volunteer must be registered with Special Olympics Ireland before being permitted to volunteer at the club. This ensures they have been scrutinised through the Access NI security screening process and have received Special Olympics Ireland Code of Ethics training. Adequate controls are in place to ensure that the benefits outweigh any risks of harm. The Charity’s beneficiaries are persons with an intellectual disability who have registered with Special Olympics Ireland and hold a current Athlete Participation Form. The only private benefit flowing from theses purposes is where individual volunteers have had the cost of their coaching qualification paid for by the club. The volunteer will have a private benefit in that the qualification can be used by them outside of the club. This is incidental and necessary because the club cannot function without coaches who hold a nationally recognised qualification.
... [more] [less]What your organisation does
Neptune’s SOC is an affiliated club within Special Olympics Ireland (Ulster Region). The club was established in July 2012 by a group Special Olympics Volunteers who came together to start a new swimming club in Belfast to provide a year round programme of sports training and competition for children and adults with a learning disability
regardless of their abilities. The club aims to give our athletes continuous opportunities within their own community to develop physical fitness and demonstrate their skills and talents through training and competition. While taking part in training and sport activities the emphasis is very much on having fun! Neptune’s SOC also aim to participate in regular inter-club activities and competitions to give our athletes opportunities to test themselves, demonstrate their abilities and build confidence. The club also aims to promote a positive attitude to health by participation in the Special Olympics Healthy Athlete Programme. Athletes can start training with the club from 6 years of age but cannot enter competition until the age of 8 as per Special Olympics Rules. There is no upper age limit. All athletes must be registered with Special Olympics Ireland before joining the club. Neptune’s training takes place every Tuesday evening at Whiterock Leisure Centre from 18.30 to 19.30. The club coaches are qualified Level 2 and Level 1 Swimming teachers certified through Swim Ireland. Our aim is to provide training for all levels and abilities.
... [more] [less]The charity’s classifications
- The advancement of citizenship or community development
- The advancement of amateur sport
- The relief of those in need by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage
Who the charity helps
- Learning disabilities
How the charity works
- Sport/recreation
