Galway’s Maroon and White swim or splash returns to Ladies Beach, Salthill next Sunday, 14 April at 10am.
The challenge is to dip, dash or plunge into the sea to raise vital funds for the Rahoon Newcastle GAA club and Galway Autism Partnership (GAP).
Salthill will be awash with the Galway colours as both organisations continue to promote inclusion and participation in sport and other healthy outdoor activities.
For Rahoon Newcastle GAA member Tony Óg Regan, this sense of inclusion is vital.
“We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with Galway Autism Partnership for the second Maroon and White Swim or Splash,” he said.
“Last year’s event brought such joy and created a wonderful sense of togetherness and inclusion in our community. We are so excited to have this event to continue to create an inclusive and accepting community.”
April is autism acceptance and awareness month and proceeds from the Maroon and White sea swim or splash will also benefit the work of Galway Autism Partnership, a community-based charity dedicated to providing services and support to autistic people and their families living in Galway city and county.
Máire Bríd Ní Chonghaile, General Manager of Galway Autism Partnership, said that the charity event “means the world to us.”
“It’s absolutely fantastic to partner with Rahoon/Newcastle GAA for the second Maroon and White Swim or Splash,” she said
“Last year’s event was filled with fun, energy and a wonderful sense of inclusivity in the community. All at GAP are looking forward to a great day again on April 14th and it’s a fantastic way to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month.”
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.
Tony Óg Regan said the Maroon and White swim is a chance to provide essential funds for the club and to continue their many programmes for families throughout the year.
One such initiative – the 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 they focus on the value of inclusion.
Registration to the Maroon and White charity sea swim or splash in aid of the Rahoon Newcastle GAA club and Galway Autism Partnership is €25.
For more information on how to register or make a donation visit:
https://rahoonnewcastle.ie/maroon-and-white-swim-2024/
