Coppers for Limerick Special Olympics
IAN Gilvarry is a 22-year-old athlete with autism who, every year, has been raising hundreds of euro for Limerick City Special Olympics.
Ian accepts donations of copper coins throughout the year and by Christmas presents the money to his club.
On Sunday, December 17 Ian presented €870 at Limerick City Special Olympics' annual Christmas party.
Ian has autism and plays basketball and swims for Limerick City Special Olympics. “He gets so much from it, it's all volunteer led and it has meant so much for us and the family,” said Ian's mother, Ciara.
This is Ian's fourth year in a row collecting money for Limerick City Special Olympics.
Ciara was thrilled with the amount of donations received in aid of the cause. “There wasn't a day I didn't open up the porch door to find a little bag of coppers .”
Proud of her son's efforts, Ciara added: “Ian has autism and has difficulty communicating but he is the kindest, hardest working young man that I know and he is a shining light in his local Special Olympics club.”
Munster Rugby player Roman Salanoa was on hand to receive the cheque on behalf of the club. LCSO said they are delighted with the initiative shown by Ian, as a self funded club all money raised goes towards the running of the club.
Ian's mother is eager to get the ball rolling again on next year's collection. “We're not asking for much, just coppers!”