For the first time in Ireland, people with physical disabilities have been given the chance to skydive from 10,000 feet in a tandem jump. The initiative, named Handitandem, was organized by the Portlaoise and Naas Rotary Clubs. It took place last Friday at the Irish Parachute Club’s headquarters at Clonbullogue airfield in Offaly.
Portlaoise Rotary President Maeve Furey first discovered Handitandem during a visit to France through her connection with Club Rotary de Matha in Charente-Maritime, the program’s originators. Following that, the two clubs established a “contact club” relationship and invited the French team to Portlaoise.
“The aim of the project is simple,” Furey told RTE Midlands Correspondent Sinead Hussey. “It offers people, who due to physical disabilities would not normally have the opportunity, the chance to skydive in a tandem jump.”
Furey added that those who have participated describe parachute jumping as an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. She also highlighted stories from the French Rotary club of disabled participants experiencing weeks of pain relief after jumping, thanks to the adrenaline’s positive effects.
Three people with disabilities took part in the inaugural Irish Handitandem event: Kae Delaney, who has cerebral palsy, and Ellen Coughlan and Jordan Percy, both of whom have visual impairments.
Delaney, originally from the United States but now living in Portarlington, said the experience was amazing. “I never thought I would get the chance to do something like this with my disabilities. To do something that was always on my bucket list is just incredible,” she said. When asked if she would skydive again, she smiled and said, “Absolutely.”
Coughlan also checked skydiving off her bucket list. In a social media post, she praised Rotary and the Irish Parachute Club for creating opportunities for people with disabilities. “Growing up with a visual impairment, there were many things I thought I would never get to do,” she said. “It’s so lovely to know there’s a group creating options for people like me. A big thanks to The Irish Parachute Club for making this possible.”
Percy, also from Portlaoise, expressed a strong sense of achievement. “Going skydiving has been a dream of mine for a long time,” he said. “I was often told it might not be possible due to my visual impairment and insurance issues. But doing it now makes me feel like I’ve really accomplished something.”
Furey said last Friday’s jump was only the beginning, with hopes to make Handitandem an annual event. The Irish Wheelchair Association sent three busloads of people to watch, and some may be interested in future jumps. RTE covered the event on television, which Furey described as “brilliant.”
She also noted the importance of funding for initiatives like this and said the organizers are seeking sponsors and support from the business community to keep the program running.