Freedom for Kids with Autism
Wednesday, 15th August 2012
Congratulations to all those who participated in this year’s Surf2heal programme in Tramore, it was an amazing sight to see with over 24 autistic children and over 50 volunteers participating in this amazing event . People travelled from Wexford, Tipperary and Dublin to attend this event. Pam Butler, Waterford Area Co-ordinator would like to give a Big Thank You to all the volunteers who freely gave their time and energy to make this event happen, along with the support of Freedom Surf School , Waterford Sports Partnership, East Coast Surf Club, Swellseekers and Dooley’s Fish & Chips.
Many curious on-lookers were wondering exactly what was happening with all the colour and excitement in the water and on the beach in Tramore. This programme originated from Garretstown, Co. Cork where a mother Nollaig Hayes found the sea had huge benefit on her autistic son. She approached a local surf school and together they travelled to America to the Surfers Healing programme for autistic children where they found surfing acts as a form of therapy which improves autistic children’s spatial and body awareness, builds strength and increases self confidence. They brought this programme to Ireland and now has events all over the country. Freedom School partnered with Surf to Heal in 2009 to bring this non-profit event to Tramore.
Building on the success and demand from this event Freedom Surf School has developed a unique follow on programme where family members and friends of the autistic child are trained to assist their child in learning how to surf. This successful programme is now in its 3rd year and will continue to run in to late autumn
For more information on these programmes or if you would like to get involved contact Freedom Surf School on 051 386773 / 0863914908.
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