SLIDESHOW: Inclusive Cúl Camp hailed by CSP ‘a major success’

Now in its second year, Clare Sports Partnership (CSP) in conjunction with Clare GAA, have had a very successful camp around the provision of inclusive activities for children with autism who may struggle to attend a mainstream Cúl Camp.

The collaboration of many different organisations including Ennis Voices for Autism (EVA), The Clare Crusaders and CÉIS plays an imperative role in supporting the running of the camp.

Participant Kayden takes time out from the livelier activities, in the sensory area, with his coach Ailbhe Wrafter at the Clare GAA Autism Activity Cul Camp in Cusack park. Photograph by John Kelly

Andrew Ryan takes time out from the livelier activities, in the sensory area, with his mother Michelle, at the Clare GAA Autism Activity Cul Camp in Cusack park. Photograph by John Kelly

Will O Connell takes time out from the livelier activities, in the sensory area at the Clare GAA Autism Activity Cul Camp in Cusack park. Photograph by John Kelly

Donncha Murphy of Kilmaley takes time out from the sporting activities, in the sensory area at the Clare GAA Autism Activity Cul Camp in Cusack park. Photograph by John Kelly

James Murrihy of Clare Sports Partnership has a word with the coaches before the start of activities at the Clare GAA Autism Activity Cul Camp in Cusack park. Photograph by John Kelly

James Murrihy of Clare Sports Partnership has a word with the coaches before the start of activities at the Clare GAA Autism Activity Cul Camp in Cusack park. Photograph by John Kelly

Caoimhe Daly and Finn Mc Donnell pulling Tug-O-War at the Clare GAA Autism Activity Cul Camp in Cusack park. Photograph by John Kelly

Young Jack O Brien clearly enjoyed pulling Tug-O-War at the Clare GAA Autism Activity Cul Camp in Cusack park. Photograph by John Kelly

Participant Ryan taking part in a jumping activity at the Clare GAA Autism Activity Cul Camp in Cusack park. Photograph by John Kelly

Participant Kyrah taking part in a jumping activity at the Clare GAA Autism Activity Cul Camp in Cusack park. Photograph by John Kelly

Coach, and Clare senior hurler Shane Meehan, ties shoelaces for participants at the Clare GAA Autism Activity Cul Camp in Cusack park. Photograph by John Kelly

Participant Harry goes through his paces at the Clare GAA Autism Activity Cul Camp in Cusack park. Photograph by John Kelly

Coach, and Clare senior hurler Shane Meehan, shows young Crea Commane the path towards goal at the Clare GAA Autism Activity Cul Camp in Cusack park. Photograph by John Kelly

Participants go through a dancing erercise at the Clare GAA Autism Activity Cul Camp in Cusack park. Photograph by John Kelly

Participants go through a dancing erercise at the Clare GAA Autism Activity Cul Camp in Cusack park. Photograph by John Kelly

Participant Patrick sits this activity out and looks on during the Clare GAA Autism Activity Cul Camp in Cusack park. Photograph by John Kelly

In his own space…during the Clare GAA Autism Activity Cul Camp in Cusack park. Photograph by John Kelly

Young Rian Mc Gann plays to the camera at the Clare GAA Autism Activity Cul Camp in Cusack park. Photograph by John Kelly

Friends Benais Vaskys and Jacob Todd having fun at the Clare GAA Autism Activity Cul Camp in Cusack park. Photograph by John Kelly

“Crate” Friends… Jacob Todd and Benais Vaskys having fun at the Clare GAA Autism Activity Cul Camp in Cusack park. Photograph by John Kelly

Building on the success of last year’s camp, Clare Sports Partnership aimed to increase the offering of inclusive camps for children with disabilities this year. This first of the inclusive camps took place in conjunction with Derg AC and the final camp in conjunction with Bridge Utd takes place at the end of the month.

“We had 60 children take part in this camp and it is important to note that the camp would not happen without the 50 amazing coaches and volunteers who put so much time and effort in to making the days enjoyable for the children” said James Murrihy, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer with CSP.

He continued to say “this year we converted two dressing rooms into sensory rooms to allow the children to take breaks from the outdoor stations at camp. Following a request on social medial we are very thankful for all the equipment that was donated and made available for the children to enjoy”.

EVA secretary, Gearoid Mannion said, “This camp is hugely beneficial to our children who usually find activities very challenging and the feedback from all the families participating has been fantastic.”