Down Special Olympics Club celebrates after Lottery grant

Down Special Olympics Club celebrates after Lottery grant

1 October 2025

DOWN Special Olympics Club has received a £20,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund.

The grant will strengthen the club’s work in building inclusive, supportive communities for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Downpatrick and the surrounding areas.

It will support a range of initiatives designed to foster connection, confidence and belonging, using sport as a vehicle for community engagement, health and personal growth.

A key part of this investment will be the creation of a new junior athletes programme specifically for teenagers aged 12 to 16, aimed at helping young people build independence, develop 

life skills and grow in confidence during a pivotal stage of their development.

“This is about much more than sport,” said Frank Donnelly, chairman of Down Special Olympics Club.

“It’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, supported and celebrated.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, we can continue to grow a community where inclusion isn’t just a goal, it’s a lived reality that builds confidence.”

He added: “We welcome anybody with an intellectual disability in Downpatrick and the surrounding areas – we have families that travel from Saintfield and Newcastle to participate in our club.”

The National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players to projects that strengthen society, echoed the importance of the club’s mission.

Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We’re delighted to support the Down Special Olympics Club with a £20,000 grant, helping to bring people together, reduce isolation and build more inclusive communities – we look forward to seeing what will be achieved.”

She added: “Funding is available for projects like this, making a difference to communities across Northern Ireland. For more information visit our website www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk.”

Down Special Olympics Club welcomes new athletes, volunteers and supporters. 

For more information follow Down Special Olympics on Facebook.