Castlewellan summer sports camp a success

A FANTASTIC group of 28 young people from across Slieve Croob and The Mournes District Electoral Areas took part in a two-week Neurodivergent Sports Camp, hosted in Castlewellan Community Centre over the summer.

The camp ran from 28–30 July and 18–20 August, culminating in a special celebration event on Wednesday 20 August.

With a strong focus on inclusion and participation, the camp provided tailored sporting activities designed to support young people with neurodivergent needs. Participants developed skills, built confidence, and most importantly enjoyed taking part in a safe and supportive environment.

The camp was led by coach Gareth Keown, supported by assistant coaches Laura Mullen, Barry Dagen, Therese McClean, Aoife Hanna and Emily Rice, who worked closely with participants to ensure that activities were both engaging and accessible.

At the closing celebration, young people proudly received certificates marking their achievements, joined by some of their coaches and programme funders including Cllr Alan Lewis, Chair of Slieve Croob DEA, Priscilla McAlinden, Slieve Croob DEA Co-ordinator, and representatives from County Down Rural Community Network and Housing for All partners — Laura Young (Radius), Ashleigh Shaw (Clanmil) and Stephen Harland (Ark).

The initiative was funded by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Slieve Croob and The Mournes DEAs, in partnership with the County Down Rural Community Network and Housing for All, highlighting a strong collaborative effort to deliver inclusive opportunities for young people in the district.