Overdue: 331 days
Public benefits
(A)To provide a safe environment for Special Olympics athletes and volunteers to participate in Special Olympics activities by providing year round training opportunities and to assist Special Olympics athletes to improve their skills with a view to attending Special Olympics Competitions. The direct benefits which flow from purpose (A) include
athletes and volunteers being more involved in their community and developing friendships through participating in sport. Athletes will also have improved physical and mental health from participating regularly in sport, and as a result of more people participating in amateur sport, the sports themselves will develop and grow in the local community. These benefits are demonstrated through volunteers communicating with athletes and their families on a regular basis, and feeding back any notable comments to the committee. The club also produces an annual report at its AGM, summarising the clubs achievements over the previous 12 months. The purpose of our club may lead to athletes or volunteers being injured as a result of participating in sporting activities. We can show that this harm is outweighed by the benefits as there are a small number of injuries that occur in our activities and regularly reviewing our activities ensuring they are safe for our athletes and volunteers. We also have qualified coaches leading the sporting activities and many volunteers trained in First Aid. We are also aware of the potential issues around young people and adults with an intellectual disability being vulnerable to abuse. As a result with this we follow the Safeguarding procedures set out by Special Olympics Ireland as well as following strict Access NI checks and Special Olympics Ireland Code of Ethics training. The charities beneficiaries are young people from the age of 6 and adults with an intellectual disability in the Banbridge Area. The only private benefit from Purpose (A) is that some volunteers may learn new skills and qualifications in coaching, safe guarding and first aid that are transferable to other settings. These benefits are incidental and necessary to ensure that the club is well run and meet minimum operating standards as set out by Special Olympics Ireland. (B) To offer to Special Olympics athletes and volunteers opportunities to access recreation, social and educational activities to encourage their wider involvement in the community. The direct benefits which flow from purpose (B) include athletes and volunteers developing a better sense of involvement in their communities and forming relationships and friendships outside of their normal social circles. Athletes and volunteers will also receive an enhanced knowledge of sporting activities and how to look after their physical well being from taking part in regular training as well as Health promotion workshops. These benefits are demonstrated through the Clubs annual report that is produced once a year and feedback from athletes, volunteers and their families at club events. The purpose of our charity is to ensure that vulnerable young people and adults are not placed in situations where they could be prone to abuse. We can demonstrate that this threat is outweighed by the benefits through adhering to Special Olympics Ireland safeguarding procedures and risk assessing activities.
... [more] [less]What your organisation does
Banbridge Special Olympics Club was set up in 2004 as a result of the Special Olympics World Games being held in Ireland in 2003. The club was set up for young people and adults from the Age of 6 all of whom have an intellectual disability. The club offers a sports programme all year round and we provide coaching from trained volunteers. The
sports we offer are Athletics, Aquatics, Bocce and Table Tennis. Each athlete is given the opportunity to enter competition and through their participation they also develop their social skills, fitness levels, builds confidence and broadens friendships.
... [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
- Disability
- Education/training
- Sport/recreation
- Volunteer development
