Congratulations to Michelle who has achieved her Bronze Award in the ALP's programme.
Michelle was presented with her Certificate of Achievement and Medal by Special Olympics Ulster at an awards ceremony in Belfast.
Thanks also to her mentor Anne for all the hard work and time.
Michelle was presented with her Certificate of Achievement and Medal by Special Olympics Ulster at an awards ceremony in Belfast.
Thanks also to her mentor Anne for all the hard work and time.
Club members attend function at Stormont
Club athletes Larry, Michelle and Peter with club mentor John attended at the request of Special Olympics Ulster a function held in Stormont Castle on Thursday 15th March.
As reported by Michelle Coyne…..
After posing for photographs outside Newcastle Centre Peter, Larry and I set off with John to attend the event at Stormont.
Once parked at Stormont we made our way through security and received security passes for the evening. On making our way through the main doors we gave the passes to a security man. Heading up the steps we were met by a lady who gave us a table number and directions to the drinks reception, we also received a sprig of Shamrock from another attendant. There was a variety of drinks to suit all tastes. Looking around the room we met up with Noel, Jackie, Kevin and Frank from Downpatrick Special Olympics Team.
All those attending were asked to take their seats.
The Master of ceremonies spoke and then introduced William Hay. William Hay spoke of all the athletes attending from the different sports and how they had come to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. Mr Hay then invited Dame Mary Peters to speak. In her speech she mentioned Rory McIlroy who was No1 in the world and other sports people from Northern Ireland.
A Piper entered from the stairs playing some tunes, he was followed by a Choir who were being recorded for TV.
We were served a delicious dinner after which anyone who wished could have a guided tour of the building.
The evening was over and we said goodbye to our Downpatrick friends and travelled home with John. We thanked the staff of Stormont for a great evening.
I really enjoyed the night so much that if I was invited back I would say YES!!
As reported by Michelle Coyne…..
After posing for photographs outside Newcastle Centre Peter, Larry and I set off with John to attend the event at Stormont.
Once parked at Stormont we made our way through security and received security passes for the evening. On making our way through the main doors we gave the passes to a security man. Heading up the steps we were met by a lady who gave us a table number and directions to the drinks reception, we also received a sprig of Shamrock from another attendant. There was a variety of drinks to suit all tastes. Looking around the room we met up with Noel, Jackie, Kevin and Frank from Downpatrick Special Olympics Team.
All those attending were asked to take their seats.
The Master of ceremonies spoke and then introduced William Hay. William Hay spoke of all the athletes attending from the different sports and how they had come to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. Mr Hay then invited Dame Mary Peters to speak. In her speech she mentioned Rory McIlroy who was No1 in the world and other sports people from Northern Ireland.
A Piper entered from the stairs playing some tunes, he was followed by a Choir who were being recorded for TV.
We were served a delicious dinner after which anyone who wished could have a guided tour of the building.
The evening was over and we said goodbye to our Downpatrick friends and travelled home with John. We thanked the staff of Stormont for a great evening.
I really enjoyed the night so much that if I was invited back I would say YES!!
ALP's program
The athletes undertaking the ALP's program have volunteered to undertake the following duties as part of their development:-
Michelle : Assist with collection of weekly subscription - Assist Kay with coaching - Prepare & present speech to group:
Larry : Assist with demonstration of a skill each week - Prepare & present speech to group:
Peter : Assist with issue of playing gear,setup & collection of equipment - Prepare & present speech to group:
Our 3 ALP's paticipants have been invited to a social evening on the 15th March at Stormont, best wishes to them for an enjoyable evening. Thanks to John for providing the transport.
Review of presentations:
Well done to Michelle who undertook her presentation to athletes, family members and carers on Tuesday. In her presentation Michelle spoke of the different varieties of chocolate available from Autism initiatives, the retail outlets from which the products can be purchased and how the group had appeared on BBC TV. Michelle handed out samples and answered questions from the floor, all in all a very well thought-out and well presented speech.
Peter in presenting his speech outlined the various jobs that he has been employed in and currently holds.Peter told those in attendance about his holidays and the various countries he has visited.Peter also detailed the many hobbies he enjoys including the cinema, motor cars and talking to his relations on facebook.Peter hopes to commence driving lessons very soon and also to become a volunteer with Shimna Stars. Well done Peter and good luck with all your various jobs.
On Tuesday night we had the final of our ALP’s participants present their speech. Larry gave a well presented history of family and his American connections. His whistle-stop tour of the states stopped off in Washington DC, Pittsburgh. He talked about his love of country music, his desire to visit Nashville and knowledge of Daniel O’Donnell. Larry and his family head on holidays to America in May. We wish them all the best.
Congratulations to Larry, Michelle and Peter on their presentations.
Also as part of the ALP’s program all three with Anne and Eamonn attended a photography workshop at the weekend in Tollymore Mountain Centre. The event hosted by Special Olympics Ireland included tips on photography and the various types of cameras. All three now have to submit photos to SOI for possible inclusion in a calendar. Well done to all in their achievements thus far.
Michelle : Assist with collection of weekly subscription - Assist Kay with coaching - Prepare & present speech to group:
Larry : Assist with demonstration of a skill each week - Prepare & present speech to group:
Peter : Assist with issue of playing gear,setup & collection of equipment - Prepare & present speech to group:
Our 3 ALP's paticipants have been invited to a social evening on the 15th March at Stormont, best wishes to them for an enjoyable evening. Thanks to John for providing the transport.
Review of presentations:
Well done to Michelle who undertook her presentation to athletes, family members and carers on Tuesday. In her presentation Michelle spoke of the different varieties of chocolate available from Autism initiatives, the retail outlets from which the products can be purchased and how the group had appeared on BBC TV. Michelle handed out samples and answered questions from the floor, all in all a very well thought-out and well presented speech.
Peter in presenting his speech outlined the various jobs that he has been employed in and currently holds.Peter told those in attendance about his holidays and the various countries he has visited.Peter also detailed the many hobbies he enjoys including the cinema, motor cars and talking to his relations on facebook.Peter hopes to commence driving lessons very soon and also to become a volunteer with Shimna Stars. Well done Peter and good luck with all your various jobs.
On Tuesday night we had the final of our ALP’s participants present their speech. Larry gave a well presented history of family and his American connections. His whistle-stop tour of the states stopped off in Washington DC, Pittsburgh. He talked about his love of country music, his desire to visit Nashville and knowledge of Daniel O’Donnell. Larry and his family head on holidays to America in May. We wish them all the best.
Congratulations to Larry, Michelle and Peter on their presentations.
Also as part of the ALP’s program all three with Anne and Eamonn attended a photography workshop at the weekend in Tollymore Mountain Centre. The event hosted by Special Olympics Ireland included tips on photography and the various types of cameras. All three now have to submit photos to SOI for possible inclusion in a calendar. Well done to all in their achievements thus far.
ALP's PROGRAM
Several club athletes have now enrolled in the ALP's program. We wish them every success over the coming weeks & months as they prepare for their awards. It is hoped that following on from this first group others will in the future be also able to participate.
The Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Programme (ALPs), sponsored by Accenture, offers current and former athletes who are over 16 a chance to explore opportunities additional to sports training and competition supported by a mentor.
Athletes take part in workshops and training programmes in areas such as public speaking and presentation skills, volunteering, coaching and governance.
Bronze
How to achieve the ALPs Bronze Award
Minimum requirement is to complete all 3 sections below with your mentor:
1. Athlete as a volunteer - 6 months as a volunteer in your local Special Olympics Club or Programme
2. Public Speaking - complete 2 speeches in 6 months
3. Athlete as a committee member - minimum of serving 6 months on a committee
Silver
How to achieve the ALPs Silver Award
Minimum requirement is to complete 3 out of 4 sections below and complete a project with your mentor:
1. Athlete as a volunteer - 9 months as a volunteer in your local Special Olympics Club or Programme in 2 different roles, and volunteer at an Area or Regional event
2. Public Speaking - complete 4 speeches in 9 months
3. Athlete as a committee member - minimum of serving 9 months on a committee with a specific role
4. Athlete as a coach - complete Introduction to Coaching Practices and coach in a Special Olympics club for 3 months
Gold
How to achieve the ALPs Gold Award
Minimum requirement is to complete 3 out of 4 sections below and complete a project with your mentor:
1. Athlete as a volunteer - 12 months as a volunteer in your local Special Olympics Club or Programme in 2 different roles, and volunteer at 6 Area, Regional or Ireland events or games and act as an official at one event or games
2. Public Speaking - complete 6 speeches in 12 months
3. Athlete as a committee member - minimum of serving 12 months on a committee with a specific role
4. Athlete as a coach - gain a coaching qualification in a sport of your choice and coach in a club for 12 months
The Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Programme (ALPs), sponsored by Accenture, offers current and former athletes who are over 16 a chance to explore opportunities additional to sports training and competition supported by a mentor.
Athletes take part in workshops and training programmes in areas such as public speaking and presentation skills, volunteering, coaching and governance.
Bronze
How to achieve the ALPs Bronze Award
Minimum requirement is to complete all 3 sections below with your mentor:
1. Athlete as a volunteer - 6 months as a volunteer in your local Special Olympics Club or Programme
2. Public Speaking - complete 2 speeches in 6 months
3. Athlete as a committee member - minimum of serving 6 months on a committee
Silver
How to achieve the ALPs Silver Award
Minimum requirement is to complete 3 out of 4 sections below and complete a project with your mentor:
1. Athlete as a volunteer - 9 months as a volunteer in your local Special Olympics Club or Programme in 2 different roles, and volunteer at an Area or Regional event
2. Public Speaking - complete 4 speeches in 9 months
3. Athlete as a committee member - minimum of serving 9 months on a committee with a specific role
4. Athlete as a coach - complete Introduction to Coaching Practices and coach in a Special Olympics club for 3 months
Gold
How to achieve the ALPs Gold Award
Minimum requirement is to complete 3 out of 4 sections below and complete a project with your mentor:
1. Athlete as a volunteer - 12 months as a volunteer in your local Special Olympics Club or Programme in 2 different roles, and volunteer at 6 Area, Regional or Ireland events or games and act as an official at one event or games
2. Public Speaking - complete 6 speeches in 12 months
3. Athlete as a committee member - minimum of serving 12 months on a committee with a specific role
4. Athlete as a coach - gain a coaching qualification in a sport of your choice and coach in a club for 12 months