Offaly athletes feature at Special Olympics games

Three Special Olympics athletes and one volunteer from county Offaly represented the Leinster region at the 2026 Ireland Summer Games in Dublin from June 18-21.

Special Olympics Tullamore pair, Moira Scott and Aidan Bryant, competed at the four-day sporting spectacle with Moira winning a gold and two bronze medals in her respective kayaking sprint race events. This was Moira's third appearance at the national games.

Speaking to Special Olympics Ireland, Moira said she finds strength and confidence through sport.

"My sports help me grow as a person. I challenge myself, keep going, and encourage others. I love motivating my friends. If I can do it, so can you," she shared.

Also featuring for Special Olympics Tullamore at the 2026 Ireland Summer Games was Aidan Bryant, who competed in the 15 metre swimming kick event, winning a gold medal. This was a proud moment for Aidan, who was making his first appearance at the national games.

The club said Aidan's journey to the games was a "testament to the encouragement, opportunity and community spirit that continues to strengthen participation at all levels".

Representing South Offaly Special Olympics, Nikita Dunican also represented her provincial region at the 2026 Ireland Summer Games.

Nikita competed in the 50m freestyle swimming competition, at the National Aquatic Centre on the Sport Ireland Campus.

Katie Troy, a coach with Special Olympics Tullamore, was also selected to support in a volunteer capacity at the national games.

This was the first hosting of the Special Olympics Summer Games in eight years and saw over 1,200 athletes compete in 12 sports over four days.