Welcome to Killester Special Olympics Basketball Programme
Killester Special Olympics Basketball programme was set up in 2003, following the World Games in Dublin. It has gone from strength to strength in recent years, with now over 50 athletes attending team training and skills level.
Killester Special Olympics Basketball Programme is an integral part of Killester Basketball Club
Killester Special Olympics Basketball Programme is an integral part of Killester Basketball Club
Upcoming Match Fixtures
Coaches will contact team athletes to confirm match dates and times
Ashwin's article for his ALPS Bronze Medal
Killester Special Olympics basketball
How Basketball moulded me as an Individual with Abilities ?
Introduction
My name is Ashwin Maliyakal. I was born in India and I came to Ireland when I was 3 years old. I started to play Basketball when I was 7 years old through Killester Special Olympics Basketball club, which was my first sports club. Sports is my passion now and where I proved my ABILITIES.
Killester Special Olympics Basketball Club
The club was set up in 2003, following the World Games in Dublin. It has gone from strength to strength in recent years, with now over 50 athletes attending team training and skills level. The club has a developmental Squad, Ladies Team, Men’s C , B and A teams. Training of teams takes place on Friday’s from 7pm at the Bay side school , Killester. Each team has dedicated coaches and volunteers who always want each member of the team to have fun
My Journey with Killester Special Olympics Basketball Club
I started first in the Kids squad (Developmental squad) when I was 7 years old and basketball was my first sport to play for Special Olympics. As I started training, I started to really like the club because I got to learn new skills, meet new friends ,teammates and have really good coaches to train the team and have fun. Every Friday with the team I got better and better and our team was getting better too. We played league matches when we were older and in 2015 we won the league tournament of Special Olympics. I was very happy for our team because everyone put in hard work and great basketball play. Thanks to the coaches too they were amazing.
That year, 2015 , when I was 12 years old, I got the “player of the year” award. I was delighted because the coaches were praising me and said I scored loads of baskets and being such a great team player and member.
When I was 16 the coach said why don’t you try for the men C team and I said yes because the coach knew I was too good for this team and it was in my opinion and coaches opinion too easy for me so the coach suggested to play for the men’s B and A team to see which is best for you. I really liked both teams and started with the B team but soon progressed to the A team when I was 17 years old. Both the teams were right level for me but I took my time learning the game as well as listening to the coaches and progressed onto the c A team. I liked the new Team mates and some same team Mates from the past teams. I liked the challenge and the intensity sometimes it is hard work but it was really worth every effort. The coach was very nice and funny and always get the best out of us at the same time have good fun too. We played few League matches in 2019/early 2020 we won all the games even though I didn’t score I always make great passes and good defending and our team was amazing to be part of. I also liked the Christmas parties when Santa used to come and give presents. The presents were always thoughtful like drinking water bottle, shoulder bag, caps etc that we could use over the year. End of the year get together at the Beachcombers was always fun to get time with family members as well as music and have fun…. but then……….
Covid Hits….
When covid hit in March 2020 The Basketball club was shut down and it was sad for me because basketball was one of my favourite sports and we were destined to win the league. It was really depressing. Thankfully the coaches innovatively through Zoom started new virtual training sessions. We were doing zooms session for a least a year. We were using tennis balls and bucket to exercise. It was fun but time after time it was not the same as basketball and we were all talking in zoom will we ever come back to basketball ever Again?
Post Covid
Once the covid restrictions were lifted and slowly sporting clubs opening up , the club started back training in June 2021 but in a different way. Instead of being indoors we were playing outdoors keeping distance as well as following all covid precautions. Our family members could not watch the training nor be around us. We had to sanitise our sporting equipment’s as well as use face masks for covid reasons. It was nice to play but you need to have good weather to train which thankfully for most sessions we had good weather. Basketball was never the same as there was always the fear of Covid.
But in 2022 we were back to indoor training and it was great to be back indoors because we don’t need to worry about the weather at all.
But the few changes I noticed is some of our players are not in the team anymore, some teams in the leagues don’t have players anymore.
In the 2022/2023 league season we started to be back in tournaments and started to play brilliant . Very soon we climbed up the ladder and are currently on top of the league. It was wonderful to play as a team coached by a brilliant coach who wanted us to have fun. It was nice to see other teams come down and play matches. Our team started playing basketball with good team spirit and I am glad to be part of the TEAM.
Ahead My Dreams
I would like to play Basketball as long as I can. As I move up in my life studying in colleges as well as taking a training or a job, it is going to be difficult to maintain the time as well as energy to play the game I love from my heart. Thankfully the colleges were I am planning to study ahead does have a basketball team.
I would also love to watch a NBA game in USA
It would be my ultimate dream to play and represent Ireland in a Special Olympics world games. I note that when I was born in 2003, the world games was in Dublin / Ireland. In 2006 I came to Ireland and since then part of the country that has welcomed me with my ABILITIES forgetting my (dis)ability. It will be a moment of PRIDE to represent Ireland.
I would also like to be a volunteer and help / train an individual like me to play and have fun with their abilities and forget their (dis)ability.
As Special Olympics taught me in the athlete oath “let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt”.
Ashwin Maliyakal
Killester Ladies Team V Swords Ladies Team
Friday 3rd March
Killester ladies team hosted Swords for a league game last Friday in front of a sizeable crowd who made plenty of noise! It was a fast paced game of high quality and high effort throughout, with a very strong Swords team coming out on top.
Killester's full squad of 12 players was on hand and every player acquitted themselves well. Special mentions for Aoibhe, who did really well in what was her first competitive game for Killester, and for Natasha, who showed fantastic energy throughout and had to come off near the end after being it in the face by the ball.
The first quarter was nip and tuck with both teams scoring some excellent baskets. The second and third quarters were tight and low scoring for both sides and the fourth quarter was again very high scoring and exciting, with Swords maintaining the edge throughout.
With thanks for the match report to Eugene
Killester's full squad of 12 players was on hand and every player acquitted themselves well. Special mentions for Aoibhe, who did really well in what was her first competitive game for Killester, and for Natasha, who showed fantastic energy throughout and had to come off near the end after being it in the face by the ball.
The first quarter was nip and tuck with both teams scoring some excellent baskets. The second and third quarters were tight and low scoring for both sides and the fourth quarter was again very high scoring and exciting, with Swords maintaining the edge throughout.
With thanks for the match report to Eugene
Killester Special Olympics Christmas Party 2022
Our first Christmas Party since 2019 was a great success thanks to so many athletes who turned-up from our skills athletes all through our womens and mens teams.
We also had 5 basketball players from the Killester Superleague Ladies Team and four from the Killester Superleague Mens Team. Between them they gave all our teams a great workout. In saying that, our teams from the two Ladies teams to the Mens C, B and A teams gave the Super League players a run for their money! All matches compered by Mens Superleague Coach, Brian.
To cap the evening off, Santa arrived to great excitement. Each athlete got a backpack with Killester Special Olympics on it and a goodie bag as well.
Everyone went home having had a great night.
The committee would like to thank the athletes and their families for such a great season, the hall committee
and Karl, the caretaker, the Superleague mens and womens players for coming along and playing the matches and, of course, Santa.
We also had 5 basketball players from the Killester Superleague Ladies Team and four from the Killester Superleague Mens Team. Between them they gave all our teams a great workout. In saying that, our teams from the two Ladies teams to the Mens C, B and A teams gave the Super League players a run for their money! All matches compered by Mens Superleague Coach, Brian.
To cap the evening off, Santa arrived to great excitement. Each athlete got a backpack with Killester Special Olympics on it and a goodie bag as well.
Everyone went home having had a great night.
The committee would like to thank the athletes and their families for such a great season, the hall committee
and Karl, the caretaker, the Superleague mens and womens players for coming along and playing the matches and, of course, Santa.
RETURN TO TRAINING - FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 23RD
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We are delighted to announce that the maintenance issue in the hall has been rectified and that we will be in a position to resume training this Friday, September 23rd, with sessions as previously mentioned. Please see below for information regarding payment of club subs this year. We would appreciate digital/online payments for the year to reduce bank fees. Please contact your session coach if you would like to discuss alternative payment options. The committee and coaches are looking forward to welcoming everyone back for the season ahead.
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A Team v Killester Basketball Mens Social team
Thursday, 1/12/2022
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Last Thursday the Mens A Team took part in a second game against Killester Basketball Mens Social Team. Unfortunately, illness, injury and transport problems struck a few of the A Team players on the day, so they were supplemented by Hugh from the Mens B Team and three players from the Social Team group. Nevertheless, it was an excellent game, Mens A fell behind in the first two quarters but came back very strongly, to be pipped at the end on a 39-38 scoreline. These games against the Killester Social Team have been a great opportunity for Mens A to play against a higher standard of opposition than they meet in Special Olympics competition and show the significant benefit from being part of the larger Killester Basketball Club.
Report kindly written by Eugene |
Two Friendly Matches
Killester Ladies team V Blue Dolphins Ladies Team and
Killester Mens B Team V Blue Dolphins Mens Team
Friday, 25/11/2022
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The Ladies match tipped off at 8pm and right from the beginning was a fast-paced game going from one end of the court to the other. Both teams gave their all and, in the end, the bigger and stronger Blue Dolphins came out the winner. However, the Killester Ladies Team played with great energy right to the end and did the club proud. Well done to both teams.
Next, the Mens match got off to a flying start at 9pm. Once again, it was a fast-paced game going from end-to-end at lightning speed. the Mens B Team had the help of David from the A Team who was a welcome addition. Once again, in a close game where defences were very strong, it came down to narrow margins to decide the game which went to Blue Dolphins. However, it was a very entertaining match to watch and played in a great spirit. |
The New Season 2022
It was great to see the turnout of athletes on Friday night from the Skills athletes and all our teams, coaches and volunteers.
The skills and C team were on first with warm-ups and then lots of practicing of dribbling with the ball, passing and shooting. The C team round off their session with a short match at the end.
Next, the Ladies Team took to the floor and, after a strenuous warm-up they went through a series of drills practicing their basketball skills where they put all this hard work to a match at the end of their session.
Finally we had the Mens A and B Teams who train at the same time. they do a warm-up together and then both teams use a half a court each to do practice sessions with their coaches. Before the training session comes to an end, the teams come together for a game to finish things off.
And, so, the first session for this season comes to an end with many tired athletes not to mention coaches and volunteers!
The skills and C team were on first with warm-ups and then lots of practicing of dribbling with the ball, passing and shooting. The C team round off their session with a short match at the end.
Next, the Ladies Team took to the floor and, after a strenuous warm-up they went through a series of drills practicing their basketball skills where they put all this hard work to a match at the end of their session.
Finally we had the Mens A and B Teams who train at the same time. they do a warm-up together and then both teams use a half a court each to do practice sessions with their coaches. Before the training session comes to an end, the teams come together for a game to finish things off.
And, so, the first session for this season comes to an end with many tired athletes not to mention coaches and volunteers!
Return to Training - September 2022
Basketball training will resume for the new season on Friday, September 9th, at the following times:
7 - 7.50pm Skills & C Team
8 - 8.50pm Ladies Team
9 - 9.50pm Mens A & B Teams
Please do not attend training if you feel unwell.
We currently have a number of people on our waiting lists, so please to do not attend with a new athlete before making contact with a member of the committee to ensure there is space available.
7 - 7.50pm Skills & C Team
8 - 8.50pm Ladies Team
9 - 9.50pm Mens A & B Teams
Please do not attend training if you feel unwell.
We currently have a number of people on our waiting lists, so please to do not attend with a new athlete before making contact with a member of the committee to ensure there is space available.
Social Night 2022
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It was a wonderful occasion to be joined by our athletes and their families on May 27th, for our end of season Social Night. Glad rags were donned and shoes were polished to celebrate a great season of finally being all back together and playing the game we love.
We were thrilled to have some awards to present too, as our Ladies team had finished 3rd in the recent regional advancemment event in Gormanston. The night gave everyone the opportunity to catch up with their friends from other sessions, as we'd dilligently stuck to our pods throughout the season. As a special treat, we had some finger food and a very special cake for dessert. There wasn't a crumb left! The coaches have now signed off for the summer, but will be in touch in September with return dates for the new season. Happy holidays everyone! |
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Notice of Annual General Meeting
The Committee of Killester Special Olympics will hold their AGM on June 1st at 8pm. This meeting will take place over Zoom. All athletes, families and volunteers are invited to attend and participate. Session coaches will be in contact with further details and a link to access the meeting in the coming weeks.
Basketball 4 Ukraine
Killester SO selection participate in Social Basketball Fundraiser
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Our Mens and ladies selection were delighted to participate in the Social Basketball Marathon Fundraising event in Bayside on Saturday April 2nd. It was such a well organised event, and our athletes really enjoyed the opportunity to play against many social teams.
We were delighted to be joined by our friends Finn, Se and Luke for the matches. Such a worthy cause, and as of Monday, April 4th, close to €10,000 has been raised for 3 charities involved in humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Well done to the organisers of the event and all those who contributed. |
Game, Set, Match
Ladies and Mens B welcome their Wicklow friends for the first time in 2 years
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All roads led to Bayside on March 25th for the first matches since our return to activities. Our Ladies and Mens B sides welcomed their friends from Blue Dolphins in Wicklow to mark the joyous occasion.
Our Ladies side got the proceedings underway, by dusting off the cobwebs of the backboard with some excellent baskets early in the first quarter. Blue Dolphins brought their best and were not left pointless for long. It really was an excellent game and a great way to get back in the swing of match play. Our Mens B were up next against another strong Blue Dolphins team, who really kept our Men on their toes for a thrilling match. It was a wonderful occasion to welcome spectators back to Bayside for the first time too. All left well entertained after the dazzling Double Header. There will be no rest for the wicked for the next few weeks in Killester while we knuckle down to training for the upcoming Regional events in May. |
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Return to Activities Update
February 2022
The Committee have recently received updated guidelines from Special Olympics, which reflect guidelines issued by Sport Ireland regarding the reopening of Sporting Activities. We have considered the guidelines and would like to make all athletes and their families aware of their procedure going forward.
From February 18th, It will no longer be a requirement to present a digital covid certificate, providing evidence of vaccination, to attend training with us.
Athletes attending training for the first time or attending again since our return to Bayside are required to fill out a new self declaration form and a covid code of conduct form and return them prior to training.
Each week, we will continue to train in our established training bubbles, as below:
Skills, Mens C: 7.00 to 7.45
Ladies : 8.00 to 8.45
Mens A, Mens B: 9.00 to 9.45
We ask that you continue to respect these times and do not attend early. We will continue to ensure the hall is ventilated, while training materials will be sanitized regularly.
Athletes are asked to wear masks entering and leaving, and sanitize their hands regularly.
Coaches will wear masks throughout the session.
As with all elements of returning to activities, it is important for each family to make decisions which are best for them. We would ask however, that if athletes experience any symptoms related to COVID 19, that they would not attend training. Each week, our session lead Coach will continue to check in with each athlete to ensure they are feeling well at the beginning of each session.
The Committee will continue to monitor these arrangements, and further updates will be issued if needs be. Should you have any questions, please contact your session coach. Further information on the updated guidance from Special Olympics can be viewed here
It has been wonderful to see training happening again within this new normal. The Killester Committee and Coaches are looking forward to a bright season ahead for all of our Athletes.
From February 18th, It will no longer be a requirement to present a digital covid certificate, providing evidence of vaccination, to attend training with us.
Athletes attending training for the first time or attending again since our return to Bayside are required to fill out a new self declaration form and a covid code of conduct form and return them prior to training.
Each week, we will continue to train in our established training bubbles, as below:
Skills, Mens C: 7.00 to 7.45
Ladies : 8.00 to 8.45
Mens A, Mens B: 9.00 to 9.45
We ask that you continue to respect these times and do not attend early. We will continue to ensure the hall is ventilated, while training materials will be sanitized regularly.
Athletes are asked to wear masks entering and leaving, and sanitize their hands regularly.
Coaches will wear masks throughout the session.
As with all elements of returning to activities, it is important for each family to make decisions which are best for them. We would ask however, that if athletes experience any symptoms related to COVID 19, that they would not attend training. Each week, our session lead Coach will continue to check in with each athlete to ensure they are feeling well at the beginning of each session.
The Committee will continue to monitor these arrangements, and further updates will be issued if needs be. Should you have any questions, please contact your session coach. Further information on the updated guidance from Special Olympics can be viewed here
It has been wonderful to see training happening again within this new normal. The Killester Committee and Coaches are looking forward to a bright season ahead for all of our Athletes.
If you would like to join us for the first time, click here for our contact details.
Back to where we belong...on the court!
⭐ Our Killester stars shine as brightly as the sun ⭐
during our first training session outdoors
You could not dampen the smiles of our Killester athletes, as they returned to training for the first time in 14 long months on Saturday, May 29th at our new outdoor home in Holy Faith, Clontarf. The Committee have been working hard behind the scenes, to ensure a safe return to training, and with the help and cooperation of our wonderful athletes, we pulled it off! Even the weather was on our side, with the best sun shining day anyone could ask for.
Our Mens teams trained first in their pods, under the guidance of Coaches Martin, Eugene and John. They got straight to work on shooting, passing and dribbling drills. Our Ladies followed, getting back into the swing of things, with fundamental movement, passing and shooting drills. As you can see from the photos, everyone had a blast and were delighted to be reunited with their teams.
The Committee is so thankful for the effort of our athletes and their families, following COVID protocols and maintaining distance on the court to develop a new normal of training. Huge appreciation must also be expressed to Holy Faith, who have given us a new temporary home for our return to training. It is such a beautiful facility, we are very lucky to have the use of it for the next few weeks.
Our Mens teams trained first in their pods, under the guidance of Coaches Martin, Eugene and John. They got straight to work on shooting, passing and dribbling drills. Our Ladies followed, getting back into the swing of things, with fundamental movement, passing and shooting drills. As you can see from the photos, everyone had a blast and were delighted to be reunited with their teams.
The Committee is so thankful for the effort of our athletes and their families, following COVID protocols and maintaining distance on the court to develop a new normal of training. Huge appreciation must also be expressed to Holy Faith, who have given us a new temporary home for our return to training. It is such a beautiful facility, we are very lucky to have the use of it for the next few weeks.
While we are not in a position to welcome all of our athletes back just yet, we are hopeful, that with the consistent easing of restrictions, we will all be back together soon. For now, we will continue to schedule zoom sessions on Fridays for those who cannot return before the summer.
Return to Activities Update
May 19th, 2021
We are delighted to announce that we will be in a position to return to a limited schedule of activities outdoors under strict Special Olympics and Government Guidelines. Coaches have been in contact with all teams who can be facilitated at present with details.
For return to activities information, please click here
For return to activities information, please click here
🥳🎂
Our Mens C Athlete Philip celebrated a very special birthday during lockdown
Click here to read all about it
Skills Athletes In Training
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Our Skills Athletes work every bit as hard on improving their basketball skills as do our teams. From dribbling to passing the to shooting are all practiced on Friday nights from 7pm to 7.45pm.
Some athletes go one-on-one with the coaches and some take part in the C Team training and, by the end of the season, they all make great progress. It is from this group that athletes progress on to teams which is always great to see. |
Killester Special Olympics is affiliated to Special Olympics Ireland Eastern Region
