Three Enable Ireland Limerick service users flew to New York last week as part of the 25 strong Irish team taking part in this year’s Physically Challenged Irish and American Youth Team Games.

Orlagh Kelly, one of three Enable Ireland Limerick services users who are on the national team for the Physically Challenged Irish & American Youth Team Games, in New York.

Orlagh Kelly from Kilmallock will compete in the wheelchair run and discus throwing while Adare-native, Brendan Laffan, will compete in table tennis and discus throwing.

Third team member, Jonathan McGrath from Tipperary, is an all round athlete who will participate in track and field events and swimming.

All three attend Enable Ireland’s services in Quinn’s Cross, Mungret.

The athletes are being accompanied by Enable Ireland Limerick’s Respite Co-ordinator, Janet O’Connor said that to be chosen to take part in the games is a huge honour for the athletes.

‘This is the experience of a lifetime for Orlagh, Jonathan and Brendan, and something they’ll never forget. They are really looking forward to it, and not just the competitive aspect of things but also the opportunity to see the sights in New York and to make new friends there.We’re all really looking forward to the trip and to welcoming our American friends back to Ireland in July!”

In addition, 25 American children come to Ireland for two weeks in July to compete in similar games in Dublin.

The focus of the games is on providing a means for the children to develop greater confidence in themselves and more positive attitudes about their lives.

To date, the team has helped over 750 disabled children whose conditions include spina bifida, cerebral palsy, hearing and sight impairments, cystic fibrosis, burns, amputations and injuries to the spine.

The games feature competition in track and field, swimming, equestrian activities, table tennis and more.

The programme is designed for success and each athlete competes in his/her own event by age group and degree of ability. 

The Irish contingent will return on June 11.

Enable Ireland Limerickis one of 14 regional service locations and was founded in the 1980s.

It provide Children's and Early Intervention Services and Family Support and Respite at Blackberry Park, Ballykeefe and Adult Services at Quinn's Cross, Mungret.

For more information, please log on to www.enableireland.ie

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