DCU Researchers with Special Olympics Ireland Launches First Young Athletes Impact Report, Showcasing Breakthrough Skill Gains for Children with Intellectual Disabilities

On May 15th Special Olympics Ireland launched its first ever Young Athletes™  Impact Report. The Report was launched by Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State with Responsibility for Sport and in partnership and collaboration with Oliver Loomes, CEO of eir, Dr Sarah Meegan and Dr Mika Manninen from DCU School of Health and Human Performance. 

The Young Athletes Impact Report looked at the programme impact for children aged 4 to 12 with intellectual disabilities. The Young Athletes programme focuses on play-based physical activities that build fundamental movement skills such as running, catching, throwing, and balance. It provides a vital early foundation for lifelong participation in sport.

Commenting on the Report’s findings, Author of the Report Dr Hayley Kavanagh (who completed her PhD in DCU School of Health and Human Performance) said, “The value of the Young Athletes™ Programme cannot be underestimated. What this study showed, was that 52% of children had not mastered any fundamental movement skills at the outset. But following a targeted eight-week intervention, especially when involving parents, this led to significant improvements in locomotor and object manipulation skills. Additionally, parents reported a 40% increase in their knowledge, and 21% increase in their confidence to support their child’s physical development, which is a really positive outcome for the families.”

Since its inception, the Young Athletes™ Programme has engaged over 1,000 children with intellectual disabilities.

Backrow left to right: Dr. Mika Manninen, DCU, Karen Coventry, Special Olympics Ireland, Dr. Sarah Meegan, DCU, Dr Hayley Kavanagh, Special Olympics

Front row left to right: Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State, Special Olympics Young Athletes, Oliver Loomes, CEO of eir