Lions roared as Nicole showcased IWA sporting talent in Paris
Portarlington swimmer Nicole Turner who is part of the Paralympics Ireland team competing in France. Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile.
LAOIS Lions and Clonaslee sports clubs were among the supporters cheering on Portarlington swimmer Nicole Turner, as she competed at the Paralympic Games in Paris.
Nicole became an Irish Wheelchair Association-Sport member at a young age and first tried out Para Athletics in IWA before finding Para Swimming.
Laois Lions and Clonaslee are some of IWA-Sport's sport clubs which offer people with a physical disability the opportunity to try a variety of para sports allowing members to find their strength and a sport they enjoy.
Nicole pictured alongside her Irish teammates Ellen Coyne and Róisín Ní Riain.
Paralympian and IWA-Sport Ambassador Mary Fitzgerald, who will compete for Ireland in the Para Athletics, Shot Put event, spoke recently at the annual IWA-Sport Para Athletics, 2024 Grand Prix highlighting the importance of Para Sport clubs such as Laois Lions and Clonaslee for people with disabilities.
She said: “You just have to focus on the positives of what sport can bring. It keeps you fit and healthy. It allows you to meet such fabulous people along the way. I have lifelong friends that I will have for my whole life that I've made through sport.
“There are so many opportunities, so many sports available as well. It's not just track and field.... there's Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby. There are options out there, and the opportunities to try sports are available. If you're inspired and you want to go out there and start.... go out and find your local multi-sport club.”
According to Nicky Hamill, Director of IWA-Sport:
Check out www.iwa.ie/sport for more on IWA-Sport athletes and their progress in Paris or for information on joining a club.
