On Saturday 1st of December Donegal Sports Partnership in conjunction with Gartan Outdoor Education Centre hosted the Xcessible Inclusive Outdoors Initiative.
The event which was open to people of all abilities was part of an overall National initiative organised by the CARA centre for Adapted Physical Activity in Tralee and supported by the Department of Justice & Equality.
Xcessible, which was organised to celebrate international disability awareness day, aimed to promote outdoor activities amongst people with disabilities by encouraging them to access local facilities.
Saturday saw children and adults with disabilities, their friends, siblings and parents participate together in adventure activities such as archery, climbing and orienteering.
The sessions led by experienced staff from Gartan Outdoor Education Centre were thoroughly enjoyed by all participants on the day; with each activity accessible to everyone irrespective of ability and there were no limits to what participants could do.
Speaking following the event Sports Inclusion Disability Officer with Donegal Sports Partnership Thérèse Laverty felt that the day had been very successful with many participants visiting Gartan and having an opportunity to partake in outdoor activities for the first time.
“Feedback from participants and their families has been very positive with many expressing an interest in further participation.”
Donegal Sports Partnership would like to extend it’s thanks to Gartan Outdoor Education centre for facilitating the event and to all the participants that attended and joined in on the day. Further information on the initiative is available from Donegal Sports Partnership by contacting 074 (91) 16078/16079 or via email on sido@activedonegal.com
This event was supported by the Irish Sports Council, IT Tralee, Irish Trails office, Mountaineering Ireland & Outdoor Education Centres.