ee Newry City Afc Special Olympic Club Trustees Annual Report and Receipts and Payments Accounts for the year: 31° August 2025. NIC: 102526 EEE Charity Name: Newry City Afc Special Olympic Club Charity Registration Number: NIC: 102526 Registered Office: 5 Liska Villas Newry Co Down BT35 8TN ## Trustees The following served as charity trustees during the year and up to the date ofthis report Christopher Cooke (Chairperson) James Byrne (Vice Chairperson) Esther King (Secretary) Helen McKee (Treasurer) James Fox Bankers: Ulster Bank 11-16 Donegal Square East Belfast BT15UB 3|Page Newry City Afc Special Olympic Club Trustees Report — Year Ended 31°t August 2025. NIC: 102526 OT Objectives and Activities: Newry City Afc Special Olympic Club objectives are:- To promote Special Olympics as an athlete-centered movement, in which athletes with intellectual disabilities are the central focus of each training, competition or events, and in which athletes are provided meaningful opportunities to participate in additional activities that support Special Olympics programming; To develop the physical, social, psychological, intellectual and spiritual qualities and capabilities of each athlete; To promote the spirit of sportsmanship and a love of Participation in sports for its own sake, by stressing and celebrating the importance of, and the personal achievement associated with, each athlete’s participation and personal effort in Special Olympics, regardless of that athlete’s comparative level of ability or the results of a particular competition; encourage athletes to reach their highest level of athletic achievement ina particular sport, by providing Opportunities for them to do so and by helping their coaches and families provide them with increased support and encouragement and increase public awareness of the needs and Capabilities of persons with intellectual disabilities and increasing public support for Special Olympics. Our club provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in aquatics, bowling, floorball, kayaking, open water swimming and stand-up paddle boarding for children and adults with intellectual disabilities by giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Our club operates within the Newry and Mourne area. Coaching activities leads to inclusive sports competition at the Special Olympic Games providing all athletes of all abilities with Opportunities to compete and progress at local, regional, national and international levels competing at the Special Olympics World Games if they qualify which is a four year cycle. We encourage athletes to compete and participate for the fun of it, rather than focus on winning. Some ofour athletes chose not to take part in the competitions and train and participate in our range of sports on a recreational basis. Our club currently has 79 members with intellectual disabilities - Down’s syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities and physical disabilities. This is made up of 53 members aged eight to twenty five and 26 members aged over twenty six. Athletes are supported by 29 volunteers and coaches. 4|Page Newry City Afc Special Olympic Club Trustees Report — Year Ended 31* August 2025 NIC: 102526 TT a ## Report of the Trustees The 2024-2025 year has been one of renewed momentum for Newry City AFC Special Olympic Club. Although we have continued to navigate some of the challenges carried over from previous seasons, the resilience of our athletes and the dedication of our coaches and volunteers has once again driven the club forward. ## Club Activities and Progress Our athletes and coaches have continued to demonstrate remarkable commitment and dedication. They have continued to embrace all the Opportunities within the club. Additional equipment— purchased thanks to support from various charitable funders—enabled us to expand participation in football, bowling, and floorball. This diversification not only kept athletes active but also strengthened social connections and confidence within the group. ## Achievements and Highlights A major highlight of this year was the exceptional representation of Ulster our club at the Special Olympics Games. Our athletes showcased our club with pride and distinction. - Three of our athletes subsequently qualified to compete at the forthcoming Ireland Games in Dublin—two in kayaking and one in swimming. - Our coaches were recognised at national level: Esther was selected as Assistant Delegation Lead across all sports, and Helen was appointed Head Coach for Ten-Pin Bowling. - Chris and Nadelle will also serve as Athlete Chaperones, reflecting the high regard in which they are held within Special Olympics. These appointments and the athlete selections are major individual achievements and also a great honour not only for the individuals involved but for our entire club community. ## Funding and Development We continued to benefit from the generosity of funders who supported equipment upgrades, facility hire, and the expansion of our multisport programme. This financial stability allowed us to plan ahead with greater confidence and maintain structured, reliable training schedules across the year. 5|Page Newry City Afc Special Olympic Club Trustees Report — Year Ended 31° August 2025. NIC: 102526 ## Club Outlook The club remains in a strong position. Athlete numbers, volunteer engagement, and coaching leadership all remain steady. The energy across sessions has been positive, and the commitment shown by everyone involved gives us great optimism for the year ahead. ## Financial Review Total Receipts this year was £21,530.86 compared to £30,611.04 the previous year. Total Expenditure this year was £17,701.83 compared to £26,269.85 the previous year. Approved by the Trustees on 27" September 2025 and signed on their behalf by Christopher Cooke (Chairperson) 6|Page