Games for All is a core element of the GAA in Ulster, bringing the association’s motto ‘Where We All Belong’ to life.
It opens Gaelic Games to all abilities, with Ulster GAA coaches Shane McCann and Paul Callaghan equipping clubs to deliver inclusive training in their communities.
Throughout the year, Games for All volunteers, with Shane and Paul, organise events for participants and provide clubs with resources — such as social stories, visual cues, and support documents — to ensure players and coaches know what to expect.
‘My Games For All Story’ is written by Bronagh Lennon, Chairperson of the Ulster GAA Games For All Workgroup. It is an online social story for children and young people in the Games for All programme, offering a helpful reminder of session routines during the winter training break.
Many participants value routine, so reading the story during the Games for All off-season can help them stay connected, offering a reminder of what to expect when training resumes.
It is also helpful for new clubs and parents as they can get a taste of what Games for All is all about. Social stories are proven to help children and young adults understand social situations, learn new skills and reduce anxiety associated with new or challenging experiences.
Reading a social story about a familiar routine, like Games for All, can help anyone feel more prepared, especially those who find transitions challenging, and can also ease the introduction to new experiences.
Social stories may also benefit children who have:
- Expressive or Receptive Language Delays
- ADD/ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Sensory Processing Disorders
- Behaviour difficulties
- Anxiety
- Auditory Processing Disorder
- Social Skill Deficits
Ulster GAA is excited to welcome teams to Beragh Red Knights GAC, Tyrone, for the third annual Games for All Festival on Saturday, 13 September.
Players from clubs and organisations across the province will be taking 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.
Following the success of previous festivals in Donaghmore and Kickhams Creggan, Ulster GAA President Michael Geoghegan is looking forward to another bumper day of fun and excitement.
“Everyone in Ulster GAA is delighted with the success of Games For All Festival in recent years and that so many players, of all ages, have been able to participate in and enjoy our fun games and activities, both on and off the pitch. We can’t wait to see all the smiling faces soak up the joyful atmosphere once again next month in Beragh.
“I want to commend the committed volunteers across the province who drive Games For All opportunities in their clubs and organisations and this has helped us see a significant increase in the number of clubs engaging with us during the year.”
By Michael Devlin Thu 14th Aug
