Diabetes Ireland’s Teen Activity Day was held on Friday 13th of July in 3 adventure centres around the country- Ballyhass Lakes, Mallow, Co. Cork, Dunmore East Activity Centre Co. Waterford and Lilliput Adventure Centre, Co. Westmeath.
The Teen Day was open to children living with type 1 diabetes between the ages of 10-16. Diabetes Ireland run these events to support and empower young people. Events like this give young people a chance to meet other teens living with the condition in a fun relaxed environment.
Our three centres played host to a day filled with fun, laughter and a whole lot of muck! The teens who headed to Lilliput Adventure Centre took part in a number of activities including, rock climbing, canoeing, orienteering and the highlight of the day bog jumping! These activities encouraged the teens to work together and communicate with one another, especially when they had to pull each other out of the bog!!
Sinead Powell, Senior Dietitian was on hand for the day and said “It was great to hear the teens talk so openly about their diabetes and enjoy a fun carefree day out!”
Dunmore East as always, was a fabulous location, the teens got to enjoy a variety of different activities – Water trampoline, climbing frames, canoeing and archery to name a few! Each teen got the opportunity to enjoy each activity and to build new friendships! There was a very tired bus heading home after fun packed day in Dunmore East!
Down in Cork, Charlotte Pearson of Diabetes Ireland headed to Ballyhass Lakes with a group of 20 very eager teens excited for the day. They took part in a number of activities including canoeing – which was a big hit! The teens also had the opportunity to take part in a number of games on dry land before they headed in to the water. The day was enjoyed by all of the teens and volunteers alike!
Charlotte Pearson, Diabetes Ireland said “We had a great day, the staff of Ballyhass couldn’t do enough to ensure the teens had the best day possible. Thank you to the volunteers Mary, Niamh and Rosaleen, these days are not possible without them. The children are incredible and they should be very proud of how they all are able to take ownership of their condition.”
Ashley Daly, event organiser, quoted “To have an annual event where teens can come together and talk about their diabetes and in a fun, exciting environment is really special. I feel it is an amazing event to be involved with and it is really great to see all the teens enjoy themselves and take new friendships away from the day!”
As always, our events would not run without the help of our amazing volunteers, who give up their time to help at centres around the country. Diabetes Ireland would like to extend the biggest thank you to them all. If you would like to volunteer at any of our upcoming events, you can contact us at the details below.
Missed Our Teen Day?
Diabetes Ireland will hold a National Diabetes Soccer Cup on the 25th of August 2018 to encourage young people with diabetes and their families to have fun through physical activity and meeting new friends.
To register visit: https://www.diabetes.ie/event/national-diabetes-junior-cup-2018/
or call us on 01 842 8118
Website: www.diabetes.ie
Email: [email protected]
Western Regional Office: 071 914 6001
Southern Regional Office: 021 427 4229
Some pictures from the day below – more to come! Don’t forget to tag us in any pictures you have!
