Offaly's Greg to abseil at GAA headquarters for Special Olympics

A committed volunteer is to abseil Croke Park on this Friday, May 12 in order to raise funds for Special Olympics Ireland in advance of the World Summer Games in June.

Greg Commins from Kilcormac is set to abseil GAA headquarters as part of a group raising money to send athletes to the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.

Greg, who is a volunteer extraordinaire and has helped other numerous good causes in the past, is looking forward to the challenge though he admits he'll be “outside his comfort zone.”

The Kilcormac man has been involved with Special Olympics Team Ireland for the past number of years and is a volunteer for the World Games. To qualify Greg has to reach a target of €3,800.

To date he was one of 200 people who took part in the polar plunge on Clogherhead Beach in county Louth.

“By supporting my fundraising, you will make a real difference in the lives of some of Ireland's most inspiring athletes and you will ensure that Team Ireland's participation at the World Summer Games 2023 leaves an everlasting impact, not only in Berlin but around the world,” outlined Greg.

The Special Olympics will take place in Berlin from Saturday, June 17 until Sunday, June 25.

Special Olympics Ireland is a sports organisation for people with an intellectual disability, but it provides athletes with far more than the physical benefits of sport. Through sport, athletes develop both physically and emotionally, they make new friends, realise their dreams, and know they can fit in.

Team Ireland plans to send 73 athletes to compete in twelve sports at this year's Special Olympics World Games in Berlin and they will be supported by a delegation of over 50 volunteers.