Behind the Medals: The True Cost of Competing in Special Olympics Ireland

Behind the medals, there are shadows—and it’s time we stopped ignoring them.

While we rightly celebrate the incredible volunteers of Special Olympics Ireland—the people who give their hearts, time, and energy to support athletes—we also have to face the hard truths.

Too many families are going into debt just to help their loved ones compete.
Too many clubs are holding raffles and bake sales just to stay afloat.
Too many athletes—who train with everything they have—are being left behind because they simply can’t afford to go.

And it’s not just athletes.
Volunteers are paying out of their own pockets too—sometimes up to €3,000—just to attend World, European, and even All-Ireland Games. These are people giving their time and their savings, just to make sure someone else gets a shot at their dream.

Yes, there are sponsors and fundraisers—but they’re not enough.
This system relies far too much on goodwill, while the structural support continues to fall short.
It’s time to stop patching cracks and start rebuilding the foundation.

This is the Ireland I’ve seen.
This is the truth behind the medals.
And this is why I’m writing Shadows Behind the Medals—to tell the stories that need to be told, and push for change that actually matters.

Because no athlete or volunteer should have to go into debt to be part of something that’s meant to be about inclusion, empowerment, and pride.

If this resonates with you—share the story. Let’s shine a light where it’s long overdue.

#ShadowsBehindTheMedals
#SupportNotSacrifice
#FundOurAthletes
#SpecialOlympicsIreland
#InclusionMatters
#VolunteersDeserveBetter
#TruthForChange

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