September 2021:
Congratulations to the new Eurospar shop in Newcastle on their official opening. Thank you for inviting us along and donating training bibs for our club!
Thanks also to the athletes, parents and volunteers who attended.
July 2021: Charity Match for Glenn
The total amount raised from the Walk for Glenn & the Charity Match was a magnificent £7,260.
Congratulations and well done to all who organised and supported this worthy cause.
June 2021Presentation to Mr Lambe - Principal Shimna Integrated College. As many will know Mr Lambe is retiring form the college after many years of dedicated service.
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Eurospar Newcastle:
Eurospar Newcastle are currently in the midst of renovating and opening a new local store in July.
As a first step the company have very kindly offered to get involved with Shimna Stars SOC and invited some club athletes and club officers to a photoshoot. The photograph will be used for the Community screen and Leaflet due out in July.
The local store will open on Friday 9th July when club and family members are invited @9.00am to visit the store and enjoy some light refreshments.
On a date in October, to confirmed, Shimna Stars SOC have been invited to officially open the store and cut the red tape @ 9.00am
The package also includes the provision of:
training bibs - an annual collection day at the store and instore support from staff on behalf of Shimna Stars.
Unfortunately we are still unable to confirm a return date for club activities but encourage all athletes and volunteers maintain contact and keep active over the next few months.
Hopefully we can meet and enjoy the hospitality on offer from Eurospar in the next few weeks.
Some photos from the Eurospar launch. Thanks to the athletes, volunteers and family members who attended.
Unfortunately club manager Danny had to return to work as the Eurospar team were running late and therefore missed the photo opportunity.
Club update August 2020:
Hi Everyone, Unfortunately due to the Coronavirus, we are unable to start back to training in September.
We will continue to monitor this and try to get back to training as soon as we feel it is safe for everyone.
I know this will be disappointing news for you all.
However, Michael will be delivering videos for you with basketball skills and workouts on Tuesday evenings when you would usually have training.
So keep an eye out for these!! 👀 🏀
Keep safe and well!
Special Olympics - Summer World Games - Dublin June 2003
Some photographs taken behind the scenes leading up to the opening ceremony.
Volunteers with the "Open Arts Group".
Special Olympics Ulster cancel all activities:
Shimna Stars Special Olympics Club in line with the directive issued centrally have cancelled all club activity until otherwise advised. Following the directive this week from Special Olympics International to suspend all Special Olympics activities globally due to the Coronavirus outbreak, we have had to make the hard decision to cancel the remaining Basketball League dates as follows: ·
Saturday 28th March - Foyle Arena, Derry
Saturday 18th April – Antrim Forum
Athletes, volunteers and family members are reminded to take all the necessary precautions as outlined by the medical experts.
Cheque Donation
Many thanks to Newcastle Athletics Club for their generous donation £500 to club funds, Shimna Stars Committee and members are most grateful for the donation. Thanks to all who have supported the club during the past few months.
Tuesday 18th February
Shimna Stars Special Olympics Club welcomed former coach Joanne Fitzpatrick and the Belfast Peace Players to Newcastle. The Peace Players who were on a Team Building and Youth Development break in the Newcastle area brought and evening of skills, team games, enjoyment and fun to the club night. With both clubs fielding over 60 athletes and coaches Shimna College was buzzing as the visitors assisted their Shimna counterparts with skills preparation and some very competitive matches. Well done to everyone who participated, and we look forward to meeting up with the Peace Players in the near future. Many thanks to the coaching staff from the Peace Players: Joanne Fitzpatrick, Jess Tveit, Leif Frymire and Debbie Byrne for their enthusiasm. Thanks also to Michael McCabe who refereed the games and Ellen who kindly assisted with the premises.
Tuesday 4th February
Well done to all this evening. With the next round of fixtures due in late March, although it seems along way off we need over the next few weeks to settle down once again into our training routines and concentrate on preparing for the remaining league days and individual skills day in April. Coaches will be assisting those in the skills and teams on 3 separate programs (Ladies Team, Male Team & Individual Skills) from Tuesday 18th February.
BioGen Cheque Presentation:
Many thanks to the Management at BioGen Distributors for the generous donation £500 presented to Club Manager Daniel Hardy by company representative Ceon Clarke.
BioGen Distributors aim is recycling traditional resources in order to provide cleaner fuel for the environment by supplying our cooking fats directly to mainstream biofuel producers as primary feedstock.
Tuesday 21st January
Great work by all in the matches. Next week 4th February we hope to play the first round of the internal club fixtures. Teams have been allocated on a similar basis to last year. We are awaiting confirmation of the challenge game v NIFRS on Tuesday 11th. Club will continue each week until Tuesday 17th March when we take a one week break and then back in preparation for league day 3 in Derry.
Tuesday 14th Jan 2020
Magnificent turnout to night from athletes and volunteers. Everyone still on a high following the great display by both teams on Saturday. Thanks to all who took part or assisted with the skills session.
The hard work starts again over the next few weeks in preparation for league day 3. We have had a request to play another local team from NIFRS and also to fit in the internal club mixed team league which was so successful last year. The club committee will discuss these options next week.
Tuesday 7th Jan 2020
Welcome back and a Happy New Year to all our athletes and volunteers.
What a fantastic effort by all after over 3 weeks away from the court. Well done to everyone in the skills and games. Keep up the good work and attendance at training in 2020.
We are back to league action on Saturday 11th in Antrim Forum:
Both teams have games @ 12.00 : Ladies v Monaghan Kats & Male team v Coleraine Cougars.
Bus leaves Newcastle Centre @10.00am - Fare £5.00
Usual pickups - Clough - Seaforde - Brennans - Drumaness.
Final game is @ 3.45pm - we will be leaving Antrim Forum 4.15pm approx.
Please wear Club tracksuit: - bring Club Kit bag - packed lunch- small amount of cash - phone contact -
do not bring valuables.
Good luck to everyone involved and have an enjoyable day.
Shot of the week: Rachel & Steven - 2 brilliant baskets.
Tuesday 10th December
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Tuesday 3rd December
Excellent work by all in the skills, everyone adopting well to the new skill tests.
Great games by both sets of players:
Female player of the week Chloe: Male player of the week Glenn:
Foodbank:
Foodbank collection finishes next Tuesday 10th December when donations will be presented to representatives from The Pantry Newcastle Foodbank.
Your support to date is much appreciated, thanks for your generosity.
Club Christmas Night out:
Christmas night out is Tuesday 17th December in Quinns - Newcastle @7.00 pm - 9.30pm
All arrangements are in place for Music, meals and the Special One to be in attendance!!!!!!
Tuesday 19th November
Brilliant work by all in the skills and games. Keep up the good work at training supplemented by that bit extra at college and or home. After the first round of league fixtures our teams are placed as follows:
Shimna Ladies - Joint 3rd in their league Div 1
Shimna Male - Joint 2nd in their league Div 2
Therefore both teams have all to play for the next day out...
Many thanks to all who donated items for the Food-bank, this was a great effort on the first night. Collection continues for the next 3 weeks: 26/11/19 - 03/12/19 - 10/12/19.
Cheque Presentation:
Zoe McTeer, sister of Shimna Stars Special Olympics Club member Glenn McBride who recently undertook a head shave to raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Care receives a sponsorship cheque from Shimna Stars SOC Club Manager Danny Hardy. The head shave was organised to raise funds for the MacMillan Cancer Care. Zoe decided several months ago to organise the event after her brother Glenn underwent surgery on a Cancerous tumour on his brain. Glenn a Special Olympics athlete has achieved the highest accolades while participating in Basketball and Football.
During the operation in December 2018 Glenn suffered a stroke leaving him paralysed down his left side; he has since undergone intensive therapy to get him back on his feet. Glenn has also undergone chemo and radiotherapy treatment to counteract his aggressive and rare form of cancer. Not one to lie down Glenn has now returned to his job in Newcastle and also returned to training with his football and basketball teams.
The initial target set by Zoe was £3,000 but this has been surpassed thanks to the generosity of all those who supported the event held in the Millbrook Lodge Hotel. Many thanks to Gertie from the Millbrook Lodge Hotel for her support, thanks also to Cyril McKinney DJ on the night and to Oxford Barbers who performed shaving duties. The amount raised is in excess of £4,000 and this will be presented to MacMillan Cancer Care.
The organisation has been a tremendous support to Glenn and his family. Zoe has been completely overwhelmed by the generosity of the local community.
Newcastle Lions Club – tournament
Thanks once again to Newcastle Lions Club members who organised the inter club basketball tournament this week in Shimna Integrated College.
The final ladies game was played between Shimna Stars Ladies and a mixture of Bryansford Ladies one well known Shimna Stars Club member, a county footballer and a league based basketball player. The ladies squad : Emma Clendinning, Michelle Coyne, Michelle Crawford, Orla McKervey, Rachel Breen, Megan Rooney,Nicole Murray and Tori Campbell playing as a unit displayed some great passing and shooting skills. Taking the game to Bryansford they ran out winners on the night by 4 points.
The game between Shimna Stars and Shimna Sharks was a real nip and tuck affair with the lead changing hands on several occasions. Only in the final quarter did the Sharks gain the upper hand to finish the stronger team and win by 3 points.
Congratulations to all who organised,participated or supported the event. Thanks also to the staff at St.Malachy's High School and Shimna Integrated College for the use of their premises.
This was a great community event organised and played in a very sporting manner.
Newcastle Lions Club – tournament
Many thanks to the Newcastle Lions Club members who organised the inter club basketball tournament in Castlewellan this week.
The tournament featured teams from the Shimna College, Dundrum Rowing Club, Bryansford Ladies, Newcastle Tennis Club and the Lions Club.
After several competitive games the successful teams from Shimna College and Bryansford Ladies won through to take on the Shimna Stars club athletes next Tuesday 24th September in Shimna College Sports Hall commencing at 7.00pm
Game 1: Shimna Stars Ladies Team v Bryansford Ladies
Game 2: Shimna Stars Male Team v Shimna Sharks
Thanks to all who supported the event or assisted on the night, thanks also to Tom Trainor who carried out the duties of official referee.
We hope to see as many family members as possible, to support the athletes and the initiative on Tuesday evening.
New season preparation - Tuesday 17th September
As Shimna Stars athletes prepare for the new season and the up-coming challenge games they hope to benefit from the grant aided purchase of some new equipment and some additional basketballs. The new equipment was in place on Tuesday and it is hoped that this will further increase the athletes awareness and skills.
Tuesday 3rd Sept:
Welcome back to all our athletes and volunteers.
Terrific turnout for the first night of the new season. Keep up the good work and consider the points raised during training tonight.....
The season now kicks off at a brisk pace as our athletes and volunteers face a busy few weeks in September leading up to the Divisioning Day Saturday 19th October in Antrim Forum.
Locally based Newcastle Lions Club has volunteered to raise our Club profile and some additional funds by organising a Basketball tournament to held over 2 weeks :
Week 1 in Castlewellan and Week 2 (Finals) in Shimna College.
Week 1 - Tuesday 17th September - Week 2 Tuesday 24th September.
Arising from these nights we may be able to recruit additional volunteers and highlight the excellent skills developed by club athletes.
On the club scene it is hoped that with commitment from athletes and volunteers it may be possible to enter 3 Teams in the Ulster League this season: One Female Team and if possible Two Male Teams:
League Dates:-
Saturday 19th October - Antrim Forum (Divisioning Day)
Saturday 9th November - Foyle Arena
Saturday 11th January - Antrim Forum
Saturday 28th March - Foyle Arena
Saturday 18th April - Antrim Forum (League Finals Day)
Club manager Danny Hardy on behalf of Shimna Stars Athletes and Volunteers presents some casual wear to Kit Gotto who has retired from competition.
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Shimna Stars Internal League:
Cavaliers continue good form
The (Cavaliers) Tori, Michelle, Patrick, Daniel combination ably supported by Glenn maintained their good performances from previous weeks to take top spot in our internal league.
Second place goes to (Jazz) Rachel, Niall, Sean and Garth. This group put in a tremendous effort coming good in the final fixtures to snatch the second position from the (Raptors) Michelle, Kris, Liam, Niall,and James.
Placed equal fourth were (Mavericks) Orla, Rory, Jamie, Nicole, Martin and the (Lakers) Emma, CJ, Aódhan, Connor and Joseph.
Well done to all our athletes who participated in the league. The skill levels and commitment increased week on week, producing some terrific games and excellent teamwork.
Cavaliers 8 Tori/Michelle
Jazz 7 Rachel
Raptors 6 Michelle
Lakers 5 Emma
Mavericks 5 Orla
Next up for our athletes is the Special Olympics Skills day in Antrim and one final club session Tuesday 16th April before the Easter Break.
Good luck to all attending the skills day & enjoy the event.
Welcome to Megan who visited the club on Tuesday evening. We hope you enjoyed the evening and that you will return again.
Shimna Stars internal club league:
Fantastic two weeks of basketball from all the competing teams. Well done to all the athletes.
With another 4 games to play next week, it looks like this will go down to the wire for all teams.
Currently the positions are:
Cavaliers 6 points - with 1 game to play
Mavericks 4 points - with 1 game to play
Raptors 3 points - with 2 games to play
Jazz 3 points - with 2 games to play
Lakers 2 points - with 2 games to play
Order of play next week 9th April
1.Lakers v Raptors
2.Cavaliers v Mavericks
3.Jazz v Lakers
4.Raptors v Jazz
These games along with the skills practice for Saturday 13th April League Finals and Skills day in Antrim will make it a very busy week for all athletes and volunteers not forgetting the collection day on Saturday 6th April at Fresh Food Centre Castlewellan.
Great to see Glenn back at club and taking part in the games.
Best wishes to Kit who has decided to retire from competition and concentrate on supporting the athletes.
Thanks to Kit for all his efforts over recent years, we wish you health and enjoyment in your retirement.
Skills Entry:
Congratulations to all who participated in the skills, results will now be forwarded to Special Olympics Ulster. Final gradings will be issued prior to the League Finals & Skills Day - Saturday 13th April - Antrim Forum. Additional practice time will be undertaken during March.
Ards Wizards - Social Evening:
Arrangements for the visit to Ards:
Coach will leave Newcastle Centre @ 5.45pm - usual pick-up points - Seaforde - Brennans
Athletes please wear club gear, tracksuit, t-shirt etc. suitable indoor shoes/basketball boots, playing gear will be provided on arrival at Bangor.
All Children’s Integrated Primary School:-
Congratulations to club athletes Glenn McBride & Patrick Hennessy who attended the Special Olympics Ulster information morning in All Children’s Primary School.
Following a presentation by SOU Officer Karen McMahon, Glenn & Patrick demonstrated some basketball skills, played a guessing game with the pupils and participated in a question & answer session.
Many thanks to All Children’s for hosting the awareness morning and also to Special Olympics Ulster for the invitation.
Karen’s email after the session said it all, describing Patrick and Glenn as ‘two great athletes who truly are wonderful ambassadors for the Shimna Stars Club’.
Tuesday 5th June
Magnificent attendance this evening...........must be the end of season.
Best wishes to everyone as we break for the summer with a celebration next week in the Burrendale Hotel @7.00pm.
Congratulations to our athletes attending the Ireland games in Dublin. Both the basketball & football representatives for Team Ulster received some press coverage from Mourne Observer reporter Amy Cochrane and this along with several photographs will appear in next weeks edition prior to their departure for Dublin.
All at Shimna Stars SOC wish the athletes every success.
Shimna Ladies on behalf of the club made a presentation to Ellen McVea( Shimna Int. College) for her commitment to the club each week.
Tuesday 29th May
Many thanks to all who attended the Healthy Athlete presentation hosted by Amy Ball, Special Olympics Ulster- Regional Health & Education Officer. The talk and feedback session raised some very interesting points and will further raise the awareness of both athletes and volunteers.
Following the session everyone enjoyed a selection of fruit and each athlete received a new water-bottle.
The evening was sponsored by Newry Mourne & Down DDC - Slieve Croob DEA, and formed part of the "IN IT TO WIN IT" award received.
Many thanks to those who have donated to club funds in recent months and also two recent donations received from SPRED - Newcastle and Newcastle Chamber of Commerce. The support of the community is much appreciated by all at Shimna Stars Special Olympics Club.
IN IT TO WIN IT
Congratulations to club athlete Glenn McBride who successfully presented the club application to the assembled entrants in this Newry Mourne & Down District Council initiative.
Competing with 11 other organisations for a share of the prize money, Glenn impressed those present with his "Rap" to gain £375 prize money.The money will be used to supplement club activities in respect of Lifestyle - Activity and Dietary advice.
Well done to Glenn and all who helped complete the application.
Thanks to NM&DDC and Slieve Croob DEA who sponsored the event.
Who are we? Shimna Stars!
Walk when we can, quit the cars
Where we work out? In the school!
We ain’t broken a single rule!!
Shimna Stars get on the ball!
Daily workouts or we fall! !
Stars getting active everyday!
Has to help our match play
Shimna Stars early in the day!
Breakfast is the bestest way!!
Shimna Stars watch yer weight!
Keep a look out for your mate!
Shimna Stars listen to the voice!
Healthy snacks are the choice
Hey you Stars don’t get dizzy!
Quit the desperately sugary fizzy
Come on you Stars stop & think!
Water is our healthy drink!
Shimna Stars it ain’t mean!
You’ve gotta “switch off” the screen!
The Stars ain’t rapped like this b4!
The other stuff was such a bore!!
We hope we’ve got the message thru?!
Health and fitness are the clue!!!
Shimna Stars you’re the best!
You can even beat team West!!!
Caffé Nero - Newcastle Sponsorship 2018
Many thanks to the staff and management Caffé Nero, Newcastle for the recent sponsorship in respect of new Team Wear.
Photo: Caffé Nero Manager Rosie Quinn presents new team wear to Shimna Stars SOC athlete Sean Brannigan, also included are Club Manager Danny Hardy, Club Coach Laurence McAlinden, Club Athlete Representative Michelle Coyne Club Volunteers Rosie Harkness and Sorcha Kelly along with fellow squad members.
Following a recent highly successful collection at Mourne Fresh Foods, Newcastle, Shimna Stars Special Olympics Club Athletes, Family Members and Club Volunteers presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Store Supervisor Eimhear McGee in respect of the value contribution donated by customers and the local community.
The donation £557.67 greatly boosts club funds as the Athletes and Volunteers prepare for the Ireland Special Olympic Games in June.
Club training continues each Tuesday evening from 6.30pm In Shimna Integrated College Sports Hall. Shimna Stars return to League action this week with games for both teams in the Foyle Arena, Derry. Round 3 of the league sees the Shimna Male team compete against Ards Wizards and North West SOC while the Shimna Ladies and their Antrim team mates take on Clones and Wizards Ladies. All will be striving for success as the league nears completion; Saturday 24th March has been nominated as League Finals and Skills Day.
Eimhear McGee Store Supervisor receives certificate of appreciation from Danny Hardy Club Manager Shimna Stars SOC, in attendance Club Athletes, Family Members and Club Volunteers
Active fitness session
Thanks to Noreen who once again delivered a great session on stretching, mobility and reactions. All athletes have gained immensely from the sessions to-date and can look forward to similar sessions in the coming weeks. Well done everyone.
Fraud & Scam Talk
Thanks to Alan McGregor from the PSNI Down Area Neighbour Police Team for the very topical and informative talk on current scams and fraud alerts.
Everyone appreciated the information relayed and are well aware of the potential for fraud in its various and many forms.
League Date
Saturday 17th February sees a return to league action will both the male and female teams having games in the Foyle Arena Derry, further details will be given at training.
Mourne Hertitage Trust - Volunteer Awards
Congratulations to club athlete CJ Hennessy who received the best newcomer accolade for his work in the Silent Valley and Dunnywater tree nurseries.
Well done to CJ and the many other club athletes who are enjoying employment opportunities in the local community......... keep up the good work.
Congratulations to club athlete CJ Hennessy who received the best newcomer accolade for his work in the Silent Valley and Dunnywater tree nurseries.
Well done to CJ and the many other club athletes who are enjoying employment opportunities in the local community......... keep up the good work.
Caffé Nero presentation:
Many thanks to the Management & Staff from Caffé Nero, Newcastle for the very generous donation £300. The donation will be used to purchase additional Team wear for Shimna Stars SOC Club Athletes. Thanks also to everyone who attended the Coffee morning where an additional £173.75 was donated by those in attendance. Your support for Shimna Stars is much appreciated by the committee and members.
Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
Christmas 2017
After a very busy 2017 with League matches, Team Ulster preparations and the 10th anniversary celebrations Shimna Stars held a low key but excellent party night for athletes and volunteers at their training base in Shimna Integrated College.
Many thanks to Ellen from Shimna Int.College who facilitated the party, thanks also to the club members who organised and assisted on the night. A special word of thanks to Bilbo's Outside catering for the food and also to our special guest Santa.
Best wishes to all for Christmas and the New Year.
Training resumes on Tuesday 9th January 2018.
Nisa Collection - Saturday 4th November
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