'You get 100 times more out of it than you put into it'

A coach who has been involved with the Special Olympics in Mullingar for the best past of three decades is this year's Westmeath winner of the Volunteer in Sport Award.

Nuala Lawlor was one of the founding members of the Shoot 'n Stars Special Olympics group in Mullingar back in 1997 and has been one of the driving forces in the club ever since.

In a press release announcing the county winners, the Federation of Irish Sport outlined why retired PE teacher Nuala is a worthy winner of this year's award.

“Nuala is a remarkable person who has dedicated three decades of her life to transforming the lives of people with disabilities. Having had a fulfilling career as a PE teacher, Nuala has been involved with Special Olympics in Mullingar since 1997. Nuala’s coaching style is focused on creating a positive and supportive environment where athletes feel valued and motivated to improve. Nuala’s coaching ideology is aligned with the vision of Special Olympics Ireland - 'Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt'.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, Nuala, who will receive her award at the national awards ceremony in Dublin on Thursday February 29, said that she is honoured to have been recognised by the Sports Federation.

While many of her fellow volunteers at Shoot 'n Stars have a son or daughter who are members of the club, Nuala said that she got involved because she always had a “huge interest” in the Special Olympics movement and was attracted by its ethos.

Working with the athletes who have passed through Shoot 'n Stars over the years has been deeply rewarding, she said.

“They are fantastic athletes and a pleasure to work with. They are incredible, you never get any back answering. They are so committed and so caring and so supportive of each other.

“You get so much out of it, you get 100 times more out of it than you put into it.”