Strokestown Park to host ‘Steps to Wellness’ event

Hundreds of families and people with additional needs and disabilities from across the country will visit Strokestown Park tomorrow, Saturday, to enjoy an event aimed at promoting outdoor accessibility.

The ‘Steps to Wellness’ event is being organised by the Shamrock Squad, an organisation aimed at breaking down barriers to accessibility by offering pre-planned walks, workshops, and events primarily designed for families with children with disabilities.

The Shamrock Squad’s goal is to foster inclusion, promote health, and create unforgettable outdoor experiences.

The ‘Steps to Wellness’ event will host a range of events at Strokestown Park tomorrow, including a guided nature trail, inclusive wheelchair-friendly wellness workshops, sensory-aware zones and signage.

Families will also be able to access information on local supports at the expo zones. Friendly volunteers will be available throughout the day to assist at the free admission event.

Vika Gailite, who lives in Ballaghaderreen, and Alina Barone, who is based in Limerick, are co-founders and directors of the Shamrock Squad.

“Everyone is invited to Steps to Wellness and already there are families all over the country who can’t wait to come. We have previously organised similar events nationwide but this will be largest to date,” said Vika.

She pointed out that there were constant challenges for those facing accessibility issues. “Lots of times, families with children with additional need and people with disabilities self-isolate because it is hard. You have lots of judgement, you have lots of staring and lots of places are just not accessible.

“This can lead to a lot of physical and mental health problems but it is getting better and hopefully it will improve. Whether it’s tourism or just a park or whether it’s a museum, it doesn’t really matter. Everyone who has additional needs, we are still the same people,” said Vika.

The ‘Steps to Wellness’ event will include wheelchair céilí dancing and a beauty room, which will have simple makeup and nail care tutorials by Ballaghaderreen-Ukrainian beauty artists. 

Roscommon Sports Partnership will also talk about inclusive physical activity.

The event, supported by Strokestown Park, Healthy Roscommon, the Roscommon Volunteer Centre and Roscommon PPN, takes place between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m..

Further information can be accessed at the following link: www.shamrock-squad.com/events/steps-to-wellness