DCU and Special Olympics Ireland sign unique agreement
24 June 2009

Special Olympics athletes, Brian keogh and Suzanne Highland, witness the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding by DCU President, Ferdinand von Prondzynski and Matt English, Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics Ireland

DCU and Special Olympics Ireland today signed a unique Memorandum of Understanding at Dublin City University which will see a close collaboration between the two organisations in terms of research, the use of facilities and promotion of volunteerism among staff, students and its 34,000 cohort of alumni.

The focus of the agreement is on inclusion, integration and education which will be beneficial to the stakeholders of both agencies - athletes, volunteers, students and university employees. This agreement will encourage and facilitate greater sporting opportunities for Special Olympics Ireland athletes through the use of DCU’s state of the art sporting and educational facilities, whilst simultaneously providing a unique volunteering and educational opportunity for students and staff to work with and alongside the athletes at their weekly training sessions, events and games.

Openings also exist to work with the university faculties to provide work placements for students to assist in their smooth and seamless transition into the workforce. In addition there is a great opportunity to research and promote the development of a credible scientific body of knowledge that can assist Special Olympics Ireland and its athletes. Ultimately this agreement will create a greater mutual understanding and respect for people with intellectual disability.

According to DCU's President, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, the new agreement marks an important milestone in its engagement strategy with the community outside of the university. "The university has been involved in a number of new initiatives in the recent past, including the opening of its 'DCU in the Community Centre' in Ballymun. The University believes it has an ethical responsibility to engage with the wider community, and this new agreement is a prime example of that. An initiative such as this, which is based on the sharing of skills and experiences is one where everyone benefits - staff, students and alumni and the athletes of Special Olympics Ireland.

Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, who is a member of Special Olympics Ireland’s Council of Patrons said "Today is a wonderful occasion for both Special Olympics Ireland and DCU. Sport and volunteerism makes such a wonderful difference to communities all over Ireland and I am sure that this partnership will be hugely beneficial to both organisations in helping them to achieve their goals".

Matt English, Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics Ireland said "We are delighted to be part of this exciting initiative and to have the opportunity to work closely with DCU. This is the first agreement of this kind that we have signed with a university. We have had a long association with DCU over the past 31 years and it is fantastic to sign this agreement today which will see us work in collaboration in a number of different ways to our mutual benefit. Special Olympics Ireland is all about changing lives, not only of persons with an intellectual disability but also their friends and families and the community at large. I believe that with the support of DCU’s staff, students and alumni we will continue to fulfil this promise”