An anniversary hoedown for club

An anniversary hoedown for club

1 February 2012 - by JOANNE FLEMING

DOWNPATRICK Sports and Recreation Club is celebrating 10 years providing sporting, social and recreational opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.

To mark the landmark achievement a country barn dance was held at the Russell Gaelic Union club on Friday night, with many of the 45 members and volunteers being present.

Downpatrick Sports and Recreation Club is linked with Mencap and registered with the South Education and Library Board but relies on donations and people donating their time.

Martin Burns explained that the club was set up after the Newcastle Gateway Club, which had been affiliated to Mencap, was shut down.

With the help of Cyril McKinney, Michelle Burns and Paddy Burns, and the experience they had in working with adults and children, the Downpatrick Sports and Recreation Club was formed.

“I work in day care for adults,” said Martin. “The club is all about volunteer workers giving up their time. The families also transport them independently to us.

“You see a member coming in quite withdrawn and through the year you see them develop their self esteem. It is quite remarkable.”

Among the activities on offer at the club are football, pool, golf, keep fit, arts and crafts, and singing and dancing.

“We have also gone on two trips to America and carried out aid work in Romania — building work and decorating work,” said Martin.

Several of its members have also been picked for the Northern Ireland team participating internationally in Football Clubs United.

“It is a light-hearted atmosphere in the club but there is also hard work and it is good to see the enjoyment they get out of it,” added Martin.

Among the upcoming activities for Downpatrick Sports and Recreation Club are an Easter Party on April 5 at Owenbeg Bowling Club, an ‘X-Factor’ final in the bowling club on May 3 and a formal in the Millbrook Lodge Hotel.

Downpatrick Sports and Recreation Club can be contacted on 07891 648937. Visit their website at www.downpatricksportsclub.org. Downpatrick Sports and Recreation Club can also be found on Facebook.