Beyond Limits 2022 event for children with disabilities featuring Ellen Keane to take place Saturday, October 15

Beyond Limits 2022 event for children with disabilities – Pictured above is Paralympic Gold Medalist Ellen Keane who will presenting the event.

Ellen Keane and Dancing with the Stars coming to Limerick for children with disabilities event

The Ombudsman for Children’s Office is hosting Beyond Limits – an event for children with disabilities and their families taking place in Limerick Saturday, October 15.

The Ombudsman for Children’s Office is hosting Beyond Limits 2022 – an event for children with disabilities and their families taking place in Limerick this October. Beyond Limits will be presented by Paralympic Gold Medalist Ellen Keane and there will be a performance by John Nolan of Dancing with the Stars alongside children with disabilities. 

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Ellen Keane was Ireland’s youngest ever athlete when she swam in the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. At just 13 years old, she competed impressively, placing sixth in the 100m breaststroke. At the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, she made three finals and her best finish was in the 100m Butterfly final. In 2013, she progressed to reach her first major international podium when she claimed two bronze medals at the IPC World Championships in Montreal.

The festival style event will be packed full of speakers, activities, workshops and performances. Children and families will be inspired and motivated by the stories of children with disabilities, and some well-known faces. The GAA, the IRFU, the FAI and Gymnastics Ireland will be there showing children how they can get involved and there will be a silent disco, arts and craft, sensory stories, a gaming station, and yoga and mindfulness. 

Speakers and performers confirmed so far include:

Jack Kavanagh – In 2012 Jack suffered a life changing spinal cord injury leaving him with 15% muscle function, in the years since Jack has challenged the perceived limitations of his situation.

Dr Colman Noctor – Colman is a Psychotherapist, Assistant Professor of Mental Health, Author, Columnist and Broadcaster.

Mark Smith – Mark is an award winning actor and founding member of Run of the Mill Theatre.

Ian O’Connell – Presenter of Stand Out with Ian O’Connell on Radio Kerry.

Padraig O’Callaghan – Padraig was awarded Limerick Person of the Year after he inspired the local community during the pandemic with his weekly motivational videos called ‘Paudcast’.

Adam O’Brien – Adam is autistic, has Dyspraxia and a generalised anxiety disorder but he does not let his difficulties hold him back.

James Casserly- James is travelling the 32 counties of Ireland on public transport and you can follow him on Jimbo’s Accessible Adventures.

Dancing with the Stars – John Nolan from Dancing with the Stars will perform with some children with disabilities

Bluestack Choir – The Bluestack Choir is a fully-inclusive choir that celebrates all abilities through music. It is made up of young people who attend the Bluestack Foundation in Donegal Town.

Music Generation – Music Generation is a national partnership programme whose mission is to create inspiring experiences for children and young people through music.

Beyond Limits Youth Advisory Panel – A group of amazing young people of all abilities are helping to plan Beyond Limits. They are also going to be co-hosts and speakers at the events.

Beyond Limits 2022 will be taking place at The Sports Arena, University of Limerick on Saturday, October 15.

Tickets are free and can be accessed HERE

For other stories on disabilities, go HERE