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Coaches with children taking part in the Austin Stacks Inclusion Cúl Camp on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
SOMETHING very special took place at the Austin Stacks GAA grounds this week.
The Connolly Park venue hosted the first Inclusion Cúl Camp to be held in Kerry, with children from all over the Tralee area attending.
The camp was created to give an outlet for children with additional needs and came about thanks to the efforts of a number of parents and the Austin Stacks club.
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“There’s fantastic work being done here in Austin Stacks at the weekend with the Rock All-Stars programme which gives GAA opportunities to children who would not normally get them, so this was the next logical step,” said Colm O’Brien.
“Once the club came on board, it was very easy to organise after that. This is our starting point and the children are pioneering it and the aim is that it will be a permanent fixture in the calendar for Cúl camps,” he said.
Children taking part in the Austin Stacks Inclusion Cúl Camp on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
“Our coaches are trained to a high level. The majority of the coaches are coordinators on the Cúl camp programme, some would be SNAs and teachers, so we’re really spoilt with the quality of coaching we have here,” said Colm.
The Rock All-Stars initiative, which runs every Sunday at Austin Stacks, is already a big success. It is an inclusive initiative undertaken by the club and is open to any child with a diagnosis, providing a safe space for children to engage in social games and to learn some basic football skills.
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“The idea is other clubs will see this ‘GAA for all’ approach,” said another parent and organiser, Maura O’Sullivan. “It’s so accessible and easy to organise. It just takes a few people behind it to push it on and support from the club,” she said.
Children taking part in the Austin Stacks Inclusion Cúl Camp on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
“Austin Stacks have been behind us all the way on this, we can’t praise them enough. We’re very lucky to have this here this week,” added Maura.
Other people involved in the committee organising of the Inclusion Cúl Camp were Caroline O’Shea, Angela Yeates and Sandra O’Flaherty.
Also, John Lane and Sons sponsored meals for the kids from MJs Diner on Friday, John Healy Refrigeration sponsored ice-creams, Sandra O’Flaherty Reflexology sponsored medals while KOS Coaches in Ballyheigue sponsored certificates and a treat bag.
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• The Rock All-Stars initiative is open to all children, boys and girls, with a diagnosis taking place from 10am to 11am every Sunday at Austin Stacks GAA grounds. For more information, please contact Sarah (087-281 0239) or Sandra (087-294 6658).
Having fun at the Austin Stacks Inclusion Cúl Camp on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Children taking part in the Austin Stacks Inclusion Cúl Camp on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
