Cyclists of varying ability are being asked to take part in the Wicklow Peaks cycling event which takes place on July 3, starting out from Naas Town Hall at 9:30 for the 120K and 50k with the 15K starting at 12 noon.

The Saplings School for Children with Autism in Kill, Co. Kildare are the recipients of all funds

raised in the upcoming Wicklow Peaks Cycling Challenge and hope that the forthcoming cycle event will raise E10,000.

 

 

Saplings needs to raise about E60,000 each year for the specialised school to help bridge the gap between what is needed and what is provided by the Department of Education and Science.

There are 32 pupils at the school but there is a 40 strong waiting list of children seeking to get into the school.

The school is constantly fundraising to provided a service to the children and they have been boosted by the appointment of a teacher principal to the school and it is hoped that another teacher will be appointed this year.

It is also hoped that the school will move into the old Kill primary school building once that school moves into the new building in September although this has yet to be confirmed.

If this move materialises the school will be able to take in more pupils and it will make up for the disappointment of failing to secure a unit at the Piper’s Hill complex, outside Naas.

Saplings was established from very small beginnings when four sets of parents set up in one in their homes in Newbridge and subsequently the school moved to pre-fab accommodation in 2002 in Kilwarden, Kill.

Saplings provides an education called ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) together with life skills, and our Tutors work on a one-to-one basis with the children.

Last year the parents raised E8,000 which went towards a sensory room and much needed equipment to the life skills room to support independent living for the children.

The cycle takes place over three routes – 120km, 50km and 15km to cater for cyclists of all abilities. The 15km event is a family cycle over canal bridges. The main route takes in large parts of County Wicklow.

Registration online at www.wicklowpeaks.com or on the morning of cycle. Participants will sign on for the event at the Town Hall in Naas at 8am and start times are 9.30am for the 120 and 50km routes and 12noon for the family cycle.

The cost of taking part is E26.50 online (E25 on the day) and a refreshment stop as well as a support vehicle, showers and post cycle food are provided.

http://www.wicklowpeaks.com/Site/

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