Letterkenny Rugby Club will row in behind Autism – for 12 hours on Main Street!

AS PART OF Autism awareness month, Letterkenny Rugby Club members are holding a charity 12-hour row event on Saturday, April 9, from 12 noon till 12 midnight.

The event will take place at Lower Main Street, Letterkenny, outside Voodoo. They have teams signed up from the club who will take part and keep the rowing going for the 12 hours.

Photo caption: Launching the event were Sandra Streete, Karen Kirwan, Amanda Gamble from the Donegal Autism Family Support Group and Martin Mortimer from Letterkenny Rugby Club

Speaking on behalf of the club, Michael McGarvey, one of the organisers said: “ I am delighted to have had a great response to the event so far, we are looking forward to it. Letterkenny Rugby Club appreciate all the support and to do this in association with and help raise awareness and funds for the Donegal Autism Working Group, for the month that’s in it, is great for the club and for all involved. Please come out and support our club, our teams and our charities  on Saturday the 9th”.

The Autism Family Support Group was set up nine years ago by a small group of parents who came together to provide support, encouragement and information for those whose lives are affected by ASD by sharing information and experiences.

They all work on a voluntary basis and they have over 120 members. Parents often feel isolated when a child is diagnosed with Autism and this group offers an understanding environment and support both through social media and through monthly meetings where parents get together and discuss their difficulties and successes.

The children are also included and take part in a number of different activities in an autism friendly non-judgmental environment such as drama classes. They provide days out where each child is accepted for themselves. It is difficult for parents sometimes to take their children out in public due to people judging their parenting skills so when they all go out as a group it makes them all feel more confident.

Arthur McMahon from Donegal Oil Company has been actively involved in raising awareness and funds over the past few years for the Donegal Working Autism and is part of the organising committee.

“I have been involved in Letterkenny Rugby club for many years and when I was asked to help with this event and raise funds for our local working group as part of Autism Awareness month, I was delighted to,” he said. “It’s a great idea and promises to be a great event and the support has been amazing, do come out & support us on the day”.