Mobility trike donated to Holy Family School

The Holy Family School in Cootehill received a new special mobility trike as part of Variety the Children’s Charity’s ‘All Ireland Disability Cycling Partnership’.

Former Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern launched Ireland’s first All Island Disability Cycling Initiative for children with disabilities.

Twelve children’s disability groups from both sides of the border of Northern Ireland came together for the first time in The Omagh Memorial Park, where individual disability groups were presented with a special mobility trike by Mr Ahern on behalf of Variety.

This programme, which is the first of its kind to be ever introduced as a cross border initiative for children with disabilities, allows schools and disability groups with children with disabilities to create new cross border relationships where they can now meet up together with their children so they can enjoy cycling activities together.

Variety Ireland’s ‘All Ireland Disability Cycling Partnerships’ is designed to break down barriers within communities and unite children’s disability groups both north and south of Ireland.

Speaking at the event, Mr Ahern praised the initiative.

“Not only does their special mobility trikes support inclusion and equal access to cycling for children with disabilities which is good for their physical and mental well-being, but it also creates a new network for these groups to interact and develop long term relationships between themselves.

“This helps to promote greater understanding and reconciliation between families with children with disabilities from various backgrounds living in the north of Ireland and southern border counties. It’s simply fantastic,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer at Variety - the Children’s Charity of Ireland Derek O’Neill said it was “a proud day” for the charity to be able to launch “yet another” programme “that is going to benefit children and families within the disability communities”.