A walking challenge has been launched to raise much-needed funds for Special Olympics Ireland.
People are being asked to step out for local athletes by signing up for the `Five Iconic Walks' challenge.
Starting today and running for the month of August, the fundraiser encourages volunteers to complete five 5km walks over five consecutive days.
The money raised will go towards supporting athletes while Special Olympics clubs remain closed.
The organisation’s annual collection day, which has taken place every April for more than 40 years, had to be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Shaun Cassidy, Special Olympics Ireland’s Ulster regional director, said: "The last number of months have proved exceptionally challenging for our athletes, many of whom require regular routine and structure in their daily lives.
"Throughout lockdown, we worked hard to create relevant and engaging digital material that was published daily as part of our ‘Together at Home’ programme across both our website and social media channels.
"Each day, a content schedule was shared to give athletes something to check in on and look forward to. We worked with the various clubs across the province to host live workouts athletes could do at home, as a way of making them feel less isolated and still very much part of their community."
He added: "The donations we receive through the Iconic Walks Challenge will allow us to continue to offer this support system to athletes, until the time comes where it is safe for us to reopen the clubs."
For further information see www.specialolympics.ie/ways-to-give/fundraising-events/physical-challenges/your-5-iconic-walks-challenge.
