Liatroim host their first ever GAA For ALL ‘All-Stars’ session
Sunday 10th March was a momentous day in the long, famous history of Down club Liatroim Fontenoys GAC as their GAA For ALL ‘All-Stars’ held their first ever session.
The GAA For ALL All-Star programme in Ulster is rapidly growing, and provides a fantastic opportunity for those with additional needs to be included in the GAA, not only for participation and exercise but also for the social experiences.
Laura Owens, Liatroim Health and Well-Being Officer, outlined the simple steps the club took to establish their Games for ALL group:
“Our Health and Well-Being committee took responsibility for forming Liatroim All Stars back in Autumn 2023, when we put out a call asking for those interested in helping to get in touch. Over 20 volunteers came forward and over the winter months completed their vetting, safeguarding training, Introduction to Gaelic Games Course and received adapted games training from Ulster GAA. We were also supported by our Club to purchase items of equipment.”
Laura added: “Early in 2024 we advertised and so far have 14 families involved. Before beginning we created a detailed player record to aid us with organisation of the pitch sessions.
“We provide one-on-one assistance to our players and with our new equipment and safe space, our sessions have been extremely fun while working on fundamental movements. I want to thank Declan Carville from Warrenpoint and Shane McCann from Ulster GAA for their support. Everyone involved with our All Stars team feels immensely proud that our club is now more inclusive and that we are truly following the GAA ethos of ‘Where We All Belong’.”
Ulster GAA President Ciaran McLaughlin commented: “The GAA values include inclusiveness, and the Games for ALL initiative provides opportunities for those who previously wouldn’t have been provided with the chance tom play Gaelic games.
“Our Games For ALL Programme is going from strength to strength, and I would encourage anyone reading this to start their own group. You won’t regret it.”
The inaugural Ulster GAA Games For All Festival took place last summer in Donaghmore GAC, Co. Tyrone, where 17 teams from clubs and organisations across the province took part in a fun-filled day of inclusive activities open to all ages and abilities, which includes Gaelic football, hurling, handball and rounders, face-painting, sensory bus and garden, and photos with the Ulster Football Championship Anglo-Celt trophy.
Check out the highlights here: https://youtu.be/CN7F9V4W-DE
In 2024, GAA for ALL groups will have opportunities to participate in:
- Half-time games at Ulster Senior Football Championship semi-finals 27th & 28th April
- GoGames at Croke Park on 5th August
- Ulster GAA Games for ALL Festival in September date TBC
Further detail is available by contacting:
