Rebel Wheelers (Sports Club for children and adolescents with physical disabilities) was officially launched by Kathleen Lynch T.D. Minister of State for Disability, Equality and Mental Health, on Saturday June 11th at 1.30pm in Cope Foundation Sports Complex, Montenotte. Lord Mayor Michael O’Connell and his wife the Lady Mayoress Catherine O’Connell both attended the launch.
Minister Kathleen Lynch officially cut the ribbon after brief speeches which praised Rebel Wheelers Members, volunteers and supporters and also offered huge encouragement for the club’s future. After the official speeches the sun beckoned the crowd outside. Both the Minister and the Lord Mayor experimented with a spin on hand-cycles. The day was a resounding success.
The fantastic crowd was compiled of the club’s members, athletes, family, friends and staunch supporters of the club.
Also in attendance was medal-winning Irish Paralympic Athlete, Orla Barry. Orla is from Ladysbridge, County Cork and has strong ties to the Rebel Wheelers Club. Orla is a very dedicated, full-time athlete. We are extremely lucky and grateful to Orla for her input to and encouragement of the club.
Some of the other esteemed guests included: Brenda Green, Hon. Secretary of Paralympics Ireland, with her husband Leo Green. The IWA were well represented by Eileen O’Mahony, Fiona McSweeney and Paul Ryan. Michael Crowley and Aisling Drea from Cork Sports Partnership were in attendance. Tim and Mary Nation were present for the Irish Scouts. Brian Toomey of Irish Wheelchair Karate and Jim Condon from Fermoy Karate Club attended. Both of whom are regular guest instructors at Saturday Club sessions.
Jean Daly, formerly of IWA Cork, was unable to attend due to prior commitments. Jean was heavily involved in founding the club. She was represented by her mother Jennifer Daly and her brother.
Rebel Wheelers was founded in 2008 to provide sports inclusion for those aged between 5 -18 with a physical disability. The club started with 5 youngsters attending on a weekly basis; this has expanded to 25 current members. This year they have achieved many accolades including Cork Sports Partnership Club of the year award, Patrick’s Days Parade – Best Sporting Club and at National level they have athletes who have achieved great heights including Alan Dineen who won IWA – Junior Sports Person of the year.
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