North East Thunder wheelchair basketball is welcoming new members aged five and over from across Louth, Meath, Cavan and north Dublin as the new season gets underway.
The club has launched a recruitment drive for young people with physical disabilities who would like to get involved in sport this winter.
North East Thunder is affiliated with IWA-Sport and is listed as a junior wheelchair basketball club for young people aged five to 17. IWA-Sport also lists the club at Dundalk Sports Centre in Muirhevnamore.
Training takes place on Fridays from 7pm to 8.30pm at Dundalk Sports Centre, Muirhevnamore.
The club runs teams, activities and social events throughout the season, with opportunities for members to continue into senior wheelchair basketball as they get older.
‘A real sense of belonging’
Ten-year-old Oscar Hamilton is one of the club’s junior players.
His mother, Munny Hamilton, said joining North East Thunder had made a major difference to Oscar and to the family.
“One of the most important things has been giving Oscar the opportunity to meet and play alongside other disabled children. Seeing children like himself having fun, taking part in sport, and just being kids has given him a real sense of belonging and confidence,” she said.
“For us as parents, it’s been incredibly fulfilling to watch him discover what is possible rather than focusing on limitations.
“Through North East Thunder and IWA-Sport, Oscar has had access to sports and activities that we never imagined would be available to him. We have watched him build new skills, confidence, and independence. As a family, it has introduced us to a supportive community and has shown us the opportunities that exist when the right support and inclusive environments are in place.”
Oscar said he is looking forward to getting back to his teammates this season.
“I love when we all get together for basketball and athletics because we get to compete against other teams, support each other and have fun. It makes me feel happy, excited and it doesn’t feel like a competition,” he said.
Oscar Hamilton (10) from Dundalk, is looking forward to a new season with North East Thunder Wheelchair Basketball team.
Wheelchair basketball season underway
The North East Thunder wheelchair basketball programme gives young players the chance to train weekly, compete in IWA-Sport events, and progress into senior teams as they get older.
IWA-Sport’s Junior Wheelchair Basketball Blitz Series runs from October to May and is open to players aged five to 15. North East Thunder is due to host one of the rounds at Dundalk Sports Centre in January 2027.
The club also competes at senior level, with North East Thunder included in IWA-Sport’s 2026/27 Senior Wheelchair Basketball League.
Paul Ryan, IWA-Sport National Operations Manager, said sport can have wide-ranging benefits for children.
“We know that sports help children’s self-esteem, emotional functioning, strength, mobility and physical health,” he said.
“Sport is also important to help prevent health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure. We know sport and games are an important part of every child’s development and children with disabilities are no different.”
He added:
“IWA-Sports clubs work across Ireland linking in with local HSE services and sports partnerships to support children with disabilities and their families to get involved locally with sport. We know the benefits for young children are tremendous, and they have loads of fun too. We hope to encourage more parents of children with disabilities in the north east to get in touch and get involved.”
Anyone interested in North East Thunder can contact local volunteer Katie on 085 870 4288 or register through IWA-Sport.
