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Local runner Eamon Murphy is holding a quiz night in the Canal Court Hotel on the 6th of February to help raise funds for the Special Olympics.
It's only part of his fundraising mission for the charity and he hopes to reach £10,000 before he competes in the Great Wall of China Marathon taking place near Beijing China on May 17th.
Among many runs, Eamon has completed London Marathon twice for the Southern Area Hospice Services, he also organises the annual PIPS Newry & Mourne 10k run/walk event.
Being familiar with running for charities, Eamon saw the upcoming Special Olympics Ireland Games as a great opportunity to combine his passion for running with his interest in supporting local and regional charities.
“I am always open to new challenges, and it’s not difficult to become inspired. From Banjo Bannon to Ryan Cinnamond, Robbie Marsh and Padraig Mallon the area is full of everyday people doing extraordinary things. Running for me is just a great pastime, with a great social side to it. I also enjoy volunteering where I can for local charities, such as PIPS. So this challenge is my way of combining these passions”
Special Olympics Ulster is made up of approximately 96 clubs throughout the region. Over recent months the athletes have been chosen to participate in the Ireland Games, which take place in Limerick in June 2014. The costs of sending the Ulster team to Limerick are in excess of £40,000. Costs include travel, accommodation, food, equipment, coaches and helpers. Eamon is well on his way to reaching his target of £10,000 which goes entirely to Special Olympics Ulster’s team costs. Successful athletes will go on to represent Ireland at the World Games 2015 in L.A.
What are Special Olympics?
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. We give them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and share personal skills, gifts of spirit, and friendship with their families, their fellow Special Olympics athletes, and the world.
In all that we do, Special Olympics strive to awaken the world to the precious abilities and dignity of every human being.
“I would love to reach my £10,000 target as soon as possible, so I can concentrate fully on my training, which is going great with the Mourne Mountain’s on my doorstep. I hope people individually or collectively can help make it happen. I can even offer local business a great marketing opportunity if anyone wishes to become my principle sponsor. All of my training gear for the past year has been supplied by KMS Sports in Newry. If you would like to see your company name/logo on my gear on the Great Wall, then just make contact”
If you would like to support Eamon in achieving his fundraising target, you can by going directly to his online donation page www.specialolympics.ie/eamonmurphy If you wish to show support or follow Eamon’s progress simply visit his page at www.facebook.com/GreatWallMarathonForSpecialOlympicsIreland There is also a link to donation page here.
Eamons
