The Westmeath Special Olympics office has launched its 2009 fundraising campaign, as part of the national fundraising drive for the charity.
The campaign, which runs from January 5 to May 1, is asking the people of Ireland to donate or get involved in and organise a fundraising event to support Special Olympics in their own community.
A launch of events took place recently where athletes from Special Olympics-affiliated clubs in Westmeath were present.
The campaign aims to raise €5 million in 2009. The money raised will change lives and make a real difference in Westmeath. There are approx 872 people with an intellectual disability in Westmeath but only 216 of them are athletes in Special Olympics Ireland. Money raised will go towards providing sports training and competition for those athletes and to reach out to those people in Ireland not already involved. It will also be used to recruit and train volunteers and to develop new clubs throughout Ireland.
A dedicated Special Olympics Ireland fundraising campaign office has been set up to support and coordinate the campaign in Westmeath. The office is located in Pearse Street Mullingar beside the Greville Arms Hotel.
