Learning through the FUNdamentals of sport
Have fun
Fun is the main focus of our training sessions. Lively music, games and stimulating equipment compliments the fun environment.
Make new friends
The social aspect is just as important as the sports aspect. Friendships are created and teamwork is encouraged.
Learn sports skills
Introducing the FUNdamental movement skills such as agility, balance and coordination through play activities.
Friendly support team
Nikky - Chairperson
Paul - Secretary
Simon - Club Sports Officer
Liz - Safeguarding officer
Sharon - Treasurer
About Us
Rebel Rockets Special Olympics Sports Club, based in Cork, is an affiliated club of Special Olympics Ireland. We are a community based club. Rebel Rockets was established in 2018 and was the first stand-alone club in Ireland to implement the Young Athlete Programme. The club was established in response to the need for a local club for young athletes in the area. Our club was officially launched on 30th September 2018 by two Ireland Games Gold Medalists, Daniel Desmond and Katie Maloney, and world champion rower Sanita Puspure.
Rebel Rockets operates from different venues in the local and surrounding areas depending on the sport being provided and amenities required. The club relies on the generosity of volunteers in providing their time weekly to coach and support the club.
Our club not only teaches sport skills to our athletes but also provides important social interaction between our athletes enabling friendships to be formed. These social interactions and friendships are not only between our athletes but also with family members. We are proud of the supportive and friendly network our family members have created with each other
Ollie has found Rebel Rockets to be a social environment that he is very comfortable in outside of school which is hugely important for us as parents.
The facilities, the coaching and the friendliness of all involved are superb.
Dave Spratt
Cork
Tadhg and Liam joined Rebel Rockets Young Athletes in 2018. It’s a real pleasure to see the boys actively take part with their peers and see them making friends. They look forward to putting on their Rebel Rockets tops every week. It’s great fun, the group is so inclusive and they are made feel so welcome by all the volunteers.
Regina Kelly
Cork
Rebel Rockets is an amazing, safe, fun environment for my son to go that helps him develop without any pressure. The enthusiasm and support from the coaches really is great. There is nothing else even close to this for our young kids in Cork. Simon and Nikky are extraordinary in giving their time to develop Rebel Rockets.
Jason Pierce
Cork
Since the first day we brought Finn to Young Athlete’s, we felt like we were welcomed into a new family. Nikky and Simon have created and fostered a lovely inclusive environment within the club and that feeds down to all the coaches who show such caring and patience when dealing with all the children. Finn’s gross motor skills have really come on since he started. As his parents, we have also found it great to meet the other parents and it is so vital to have that support network.
I am so pleased we joined Rebel Rockets and couldn’t recommend it highly enough!
Una Dardis
Cork
Our son, Darragh, is a member of Rebel Rockets for the past few years. The kindness, dedication and love the coaches show for our kids is incomprehensible.
The coaches greet all athletes with a smile and cater for all abilities. It has really helped him with his confidence and the activities are a great source of physio and occupational therapy.
Through Rebel Rockets Darragh partakes in basketball and swimming and has made loads of friends. I could not recommend it highly enough to any parents of kids with special needs.
Adrian O'Neil
Cork
Since my son joined Rebel Rockets I’ve seen a huge improvement in his participation, waiting and sharing which he always found hard to do. I love that we finally belong to a sports group that suits Keane’s needs and abilities. Not only is our group beneficial to Keane but I’ve also made lovely contacts and supports from other parents and their children.
We are beyond lucky to be part of such a fantastic group but it wouldn’t be what it is only for the work from all the volunteers but hats off to Nikky & Simon for the work they put in to make Rebel Rockets what it is.