Team South Galway Special Olympics club won €400 in cash in the Gala Gifts for Clubs competition.
Since last March the club has connected with athletes using online channels holding quizzes, joke sessions, and chat sessions facilitated by the Special Olympics Connacht office.
Virtual walking challenges were also embraced and members of the club are now taking part in a five week step challenge based on the Special Olympics Health and Wellbeing programme.
Swimming coach Kevin Dowling said: "While dearly missing the pool and bocce court, Team South Galway athletes have shown incredible resilience, displayed amazing hidden talents and enhanced their friendships over the past year. They have truly become a team."
The money received from the competition will be used to modernise equipment and to invest in a club kit.
The club will take advice from Special Olympics Ireland regarding safe return to bocce and pool activities, but will continue to explore all avenues to keep athletes engaged.
In any event, the club will turn to outside opportunities to stay fit, safely and within guidelines. This may involve walking or open water swimming during the summer months if prevailing Government guidelines permit.
