Galway’s Maroon and White Swim or Splash is back at Ladies Beach, Salthill on Sunday, April 14, at 10am. The challenge is to dip, dash or plunge into the sea to raise vital funds for Rahoon Newcastle GAA Club and the Galway Autism Partnership (GAP ).
Salthill will be awash with the Galway colours as both organisations promote inclusion and participation in sport and other healthy outdoor activities.
For Rahoon Newcastle member, Tony Óg Regan, inclusion is vital: “We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with Galway Autism Partnership for the second Maroon and White Swim or Splash,” he says. “Last year's event brought such joy and created a wonderful sense of togetherness and inclusion in our community."
April is autism acceptance and awareness month, and proceeds from the Maroon and White event will also benefit Galway Autism Partnership, a community-based charity dedicated to providing services and support to autistic people and their families living across Galway.
For Máire Bríd Ní Chonghaile, General Manager of Galway Autism Partnership, the charity event “Means the world to us. Last year’s event was filled with fun, energy and a wonderful sense of inclusivity in the community.”
Local drum troupe Drumadore and retro DJ Flako will herald the start of the fun-family event, with face-painting and a colour dash, before you splash.
Rahoon Newcastle’s All-Stars programme was devised specifically for children with additional needs to learn fundamental movement skills in camogie and hurling. This ignited the spark to work with Galway Autism Partnership on the charity sea swim as, together, they focus on the value of inclusion.
The proceeds GAP receive will go towards day-to-day activities including camps, clubs and vital therapeutic services for members and families.
“We are small charity, and this community effort means the world to us,” says Ní Chonghaile. “Sometimes our members don’t have the opportunity to avail of regular clubs and activities. To be linked to this fundraiser gives great opportunities to our participants.
Registration for the Maroon and White charity sea swim or splash in aid of the Rahoon Newcastle GAA and Galway Autism Partnership costs €25.
For registration or donations see rahoonnewcastle.ie/maroon-and-white-swim-2024/
