Pictures: Cork hildren compete at Lá Spraoi held at Cork's MTU campus

More than 100 children with additional needs took part in a special Cork primary school sports event yesterday at Munster Technological University (MTU).

The event, now in its third year, entitled Lá Spraoi, took place from 10am to 11.30am at the athletics track at MTU in Bishopstown.

The annual inclusive sports event is aimed at children with disabilities or additional needs and is part of the wider Lúthchleasa Bhunscoileanna Chorcaí programme, which has been running since 1924.

This year, 110 children with additional needs participated in the event, which featured a range of activities including races for children with mobility aids and/or personal assistants, children requiring verbal or visual prompts, and competitors using manual or powered wheelchairs.

Speaking to The Echo, public relations officer for Lúthchleasa Bhunscoileanna Chorcaí, Gearóid Ó Murchú, said that the event gives children with disabilities “a platform” to be a part of a wider sports event, in which they traditionally would not be catered for.

“For these children, their parents and their families, it’s a fantastic opportunity and a memorable day out,” said Mr Ó Murchú.

“It’s a wonderful achievement for the children, and you can see the pride on their parents faces when they’re taking part in the event.

“It’s a very special day,” Mr Ó Murchú said.

“We’re mindful of including everybody. Before, children with physical needs may not have taken part in general sports, but this gives them a platform to take part in a sporting event.

“There are so many stewards involved, it’s organised by primary school teachers across Cork on a voluntary basis [and they] make the event happen.

“The organising committee want to thank MTU for the use of their facility, the stewards, and the participants, for making it such a wonderful day.”

For more information on the Lúthchleasa Bhunscoileanna Chorcaí programme, visit: lbchorcai.ie.