Sky’s the limit for brave Laois trio after parachute jump from 10,000 feet

THREE Laois people are the first in Ireland to test an initiative that allows those with disabilities to parachute from a plane from 10,000 feet.

The Handitandem skydiving event was brought to Ireland by Portlaoise Rotary president Maeve Furey, who first learnt of it while on a visit to France through her contact with Club Rotary de Matha in Charente-Maritime, the originators of the idea.

Handitandem offers people with physical disabilities the chance to skydive in a tandem jump and on Friday 6 June, three local individuals took to the skies above the Irish Parachute Club’s HQ at Clonbullogue airfield in Co Offaly. The event was organised by Portlaoise and Naas Rotary Clubs.

Ms Furey said: “The aim of the project is simple: To offer people who, due to their physical disabilities, would not normally have the opportunity to do so, the chance to skydive in a tandem jump. I gather from those who have done it that a parachute jump is an exhilarating, never-to-be-forgotten experience.

“Our friends in Rotary de Matha have stories of disabled people who got weeks of pain relief after jumping due to the positive adrenaline effects on them. So we see great potential benefits for people both mentally and physically in this initiative.” The trio who took part in the inaugural Irish Handitandem were Kae Delaney, Ellen Coughlan and Jordan Percy.

Kae, who has cerebral palsy, is originally from the USA but lives in Portarlington. She thoroughly enjoyed the experience and said: “It was amazing. I never thought I would get the chance to do something like this with my disabilities, so to do something that was always on my bucket list is just incredible.” Asked would she do a jump again, she smiled and said: “Absolutely.” For Portlaoise woman Ellen Coughlan, who is visually impaired, skydiving was also one more thing off her bucket list.

She praised Rotary and the Irish Parachute Club and added: “Portlaoise Rotary Club are doing amazing work, creating opportunities for people with different levels of disabilities to be able to do things they may not normally get the chance to do, or think they are even able to do.

“Growing up with a visual impairment, there was always a multitude of things I didn’t think I’d ever get the privilege to do, but it’s so lovely to know there’s a group creating these options for people with disabilities. A big thanks to yhe Irish Parachute Club for making this possible.” Jordan Percy from Portlaoise, who also has a visual impartment, had a great sense of achievement after the jump.

He said: “To go skydiving has been like a dream of mine for a long time. But every time I went to do it, I was told you’re visually impaired. I’m not so sure about that with insurance, this, that and the other, but to actually do it, I just feel like I’ve achieved something.” Maeve, who saw how successful the inaugural event went, said: “This is just the start. We’re hoping to make Handitandem an annual event. The jump was such a positive experience for everyone involved. The Irish Wheelchair Association had three busloads of people there. I’m sure some of those may well be interested in jumping next time. RTÉ were there with their TV cameras. It was just brilliant.” She said: “Initiatives like this require funding. That’s why we are always looking for sponsors and support from the business community. If you would like more information about Handitandem or are interested in becoming a sponsor, please email portlaoiserotary@gmail.com”.

“With the launch of Handitandem, we’ve shown that for people with disabilities, the sky is the limit,” said Ms Furey.