Council launches festival for people with disabilities

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is launching ‘ican fest’, a disability festival to celebrate the ability of people with disabilities in the district. Through funding from the Public Health Agency (PHA), the Council and a range of partners are running a programme of fun and exciting events from Thursday 29 February to Saturday 30 March 2024.

Throughout the festival, children, young people and adults with disabilities will be able to attend various activities, including watercolours, ceramics, felt art, yoga and much more.

As well as Council run activities, other partnering organisations including, Angel Eyes NI, Mae Murray Foundation, Now Group, Disability Sport NI and Southwest Storm WBC have arranged various events.

On Saturday 23 March, Angel Eyes NI has organised a Family Day at Omagh Leisure Complex. This event is open to all children with a vision impairment/and additional need, and their siblings to enjoy music, movement, and craft activities.

The Now Group has also arranged two drop-in sessions at their Now Group Hives in Omagh and Enniskillen for adults aged 18 years old and above.

SouthWest Storm WBC has organised ‘Come and Try Wheelchair Basketball’ events in Omagh and Enniskillen.

The Mae Murray Foundation is hosting an information session on Wednesday 13 March, for parents to learn more about the ‘Inclusive Beaches’ Project to help families to enjoy the water when at the beach.

Commenting on the ican fest, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cllr Thomas O’Reilly, said,

“This initiative helps to provide an opportunity for people with disabilities to get out to socialise and have some fun.

As nearly 1 in 5 people within our district has a disability, it is important for us to promote inclusion within society. This festival goes some way towards providing people with disabilities a chance to explore different activities, which we hope they will want to continue participating in.

We all must recognise the importance of social inclusion and participation in activities on both people’s physical and mental health.

I ask you all to support the initiative and take part in as many activities as possible, and to have fun!”

To find out more information, please download the ican fest programme of events by visiting www.fermanaghomagh.com/your-council/policies/equality/icanfest24/, telephoning 0300 303 1777 or emailing disability@fermanaghomagh.com.