{"id":629408,"date":"2026-09-19T09:02:15","date_gmt":"2026-09-19T09:02:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/629408\/"},"modified":"2026-09-19T09:02:15","modified_gmt":"2026-09-19T09:02:15","slug":"special-olympics-ireland-takes-to-the-streets-for-national-collection-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/629408\/","title":{"rendered":"Special Olympics Ireland Takes to the Streets for National Collection Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today, Friday, September 18, is National Collection Day for Special Olympics Ireland, with volunteers taking to the streets, shopping centres and communities across the Republic of Ireland to raise funds for the organisation\u2019s year-round work.<\/p>\n

The corresponding collection across Northern Ireland will take place next Friday, September 25.<\/p>\n

Special Olympics Ireland supports more than 7,000 athletes across the island, providing opportunities to train, compete, build confidence, and form lasting friendships through sport.<\/p>\n

Its programme is open to people with an intellectual disability from age four, with no upper age limit. Alongside sporting competition, the organisation delivers health and athlete-leadership programmes through a network of clubs, coaches and volunteers.<\/p>\n

National Collection Day is one of the most visible public fundraising moments in the Special Olympics calendar. The money raised helps sustain weekly sporting activity and enables athletes to compete at regional, national and international levels.<\/p>\n

The 2026 appeal follows the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games, which brought athletes and volunteers from across the island together earlier this year.<\/p>\n

Members of the public can support the campaign by donating to official collectors today or through the Special Olympics Ireland online donation page<\/a>.\u00a0 And if you are buying a cup of coffee this morning, head to Insomnia, which is donating 5 cents for every cup sold.<\/p>\n

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Sport for Business Perspective<\/p>\n

As a Board member of Special Olympics Ireland, I find it one of the most uplifting and inspiring things I do.<\/p>\n

National Collection Day demonstrates the scale of community and volunteer support required to deliver inclusive sport throughout the year.<\/p>\n

Major events provide the moments of greatest visibility, but weekly training, coach education, health programmes and club administration all require sustainable funding. The collection turns public awareness of Special Olympics into direct support for that underlying infrastructure.<\/p>\n

Businesses also have a clear opportunity to participate through employee volunteering, matched giving, and support for workplace and retail collections.<\/p>\n

For companies seeking to make an impact through sport, Special Olympics Ireland combines participation, health, volunteering and social inclusion. National Collection Day gives those organisations a straightforward way to mobilise staff and customers behind that work.<\/p>\n

The presence of collectors in communities across the country also reminds us that Special Olympics\u2019 greatest impact is delivered every week through local clubs, athletes, families, coaches and volunteers.<\/p>\n

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\"\"<\/a>Special Olympics Ireland is a full member of Sport for Business. Allianz are the official partners of our Sport for Social Good coverage and this year\u2019s Annual Sport for Social Good Conference in November.<\/p>\n

If you would like to be part of the Sport for Business community and see your organisation in our content, on our stages, and in the conversation happening every day around the commercial world of Irish Sport,\u00a0email us today<\/a>\u00a0and let\u2019s see what is possible.<\/p>\n

Image Credit: Special Olympics Ireland<\/p>\n

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ABOUT SPORT FOR BUSINESS<\/p>\n

Sport for Business is Ireland\u2019s leading platform focused on the commercial, strategic and societal impact of sport. It connects decision-makers across governing bodies, clubs, brands, agencies, and public institutions through high-quality content, events, and insights. <\/p>\n

Sport for Business explores how sport drives economic value, participation, inclusion and national identity, and how your story can be part of ours.<\/p>\n

Through analysis, storytelling and convening the sector, it helps leaders understand trends, share best practices, and make better-informed decisions. It positions sport not just as entertainment but as a vital contributor to Ireland\u2019s social and economic fabric.<\/p>\n

Find out more about becoming a member today.<\/a><\/p>\n

Or sign up for our Daily Sport for Business Snapshot email bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.<\/p>\n

Sign up for our News Bulletins here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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