i-PLAY

First established in the Autumn of 2011, i-PLAY (or Imrím) is a weekly physical activity program designed for children, youth, and young people (ages 5-21) with disabilities and special needs.  The program is delivered at the department of Physical Education & Sports Science (PESS) here at the University of Limerick. Led by faculty members Daniel Tindall, Brigitte Moody, and Seán Healy, 3^rd and 4^th year PE students participate in the i-PLAY experience as part of the PY4165 – Adapted Physical Activity & Physical Education and PY4118 - Physical Activity Behaviour, Promotion, & Health modules. Offered in both the Autumn and Spring semesters, the main goal of this weekly program is to engage participants in various physical activities (dance, games, health-related activities, fundamental movement skills, etc.) throughout the term. As part of this service learning experience, each participant is paired with one of our pre-service Physical Education students receiving individual attention, support, and encouragement. The focus of the program is on promoting physical activity for young people; incorporating it into their daily lives (i.e., in school, after school, and at home). Ultimately, the main goals of the program are:

• To provide children and young people with disabilities and special needs the opportunity to play and interact socially with peers,
• To provide pre-service Physical Education teachers with the opportunity to gain experience in planning and assisting youth with disabilities and special needs as it relates to the physical activity setting, and
• To provide families an opportunity to connect with one another as a way to support each other and their children with disabilities and special needs.

Listen to the 2016 Blog Post on YouTube

Important Information:

When: Thursdays from 4:30-5:30pm throughout the UL Autumn and Spring semesters.

Where: All sessions will take place in the PESS Building (Building #19 on the UL Campus Map)

Fee: A registration fee of €20 (cash preferred) is required prior to participation in the sessions. 

Session Dates:

1. February 13^th
2. February 20^th
3. February 27^th
4. March 6^th
5. March 13^th
6. March 20^th
7. March 27^th
8. April 3^rd
9. April 10^th - TBD (Student Race Day - Limerick Race Course)
10. April 17^th - CANCELLED (Easter Break UL)

How to apply?

To inquire about space on the program, please contact Daniel Tindall via email at Daniel.Tindall@ul.ie

Availability: 

Unfortunately, we are at full capacity for the 5-10 year old age group but do have a waiting list. and would be happy to add your child to it. Currently, however, there are a number of children on the list with about 1-2 taken per semester. Slow, we realize, but just wanted to be sure to let you know that it might be awhile before we could offer a place to your child.