Sky’s the limit for physically disabled in Laois to skydive
Pictured at the launch of 'Handitandem' at Clonbullogue Airfield were Derek Griffiths (Assistant Governor Rotary Ireland), Maeve Furey (President of Portlaoise Rotary Club), Seamus Parle (District Governor Rotary Ireland) and Colman Brouder (Irish Parachute Club).
AN initiative which offers people with physical disabilities the opportunity to skydive in a tandem jump from 10,000 feet was launched at the headquarters of the Irish Parachute Club in Offaly.
‘Handitandem’ was launched by members from the Portlaoise Rotary Club in conjunction with Naas Rotary Club at an event at Clonbullogue airfield on Wednesday 2 April.
The President of Portlaoise Rotary Maeve Furey said the club had learnt about the initiative from a Rotary club in France and was very excited to bring the initiative to Ireland for the first time.
She said: “I first learned about ‘Handitandem’ on a visit to France and through my contact with Club Rotary de Matha in Charente-Maritime, who are the originators of the idea. We then established a contact club relationship with them and invited them to Portlaoise. Once our members heard about the positive benefits the experience had on participants, they were determined to make it happen and now we’re doing that with the invaluable support of our friends in Naas Rotary.”
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, the chance to skydive in a tandem jump.
“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 District Governor of Rotary Ireland Seamus Parle said he hoped up to a dozen people would be able to take part in the jump.
Mr Parle said: “At the moment through the Irish Wheelchair Association we have about six people who are interested in jumping but we are also encouraging people with other disabilities to join us. Some people who are vision impaired have already expressed their interest so hopefully we can get the number of participants up to 12.”
He said: “Of course, initiatives like this require funding and that’s why we are looking for one main national sponsor as well as a number of local business sponsors who want to show their support for our skydivers. If you would like more information about ‘Handitandem’ or are interested in becoming a sponsor please email portlaoiserotary@gmail.com”
While the final date is weather dependant, organisers are targeting a day in late May for the jump.
