FitMinds camps to bring inclusive summer fun to 1,000 NI children

Linda McMillan, Chief People Officer for Fibrus Group with Ronan Conlon, Founder of FitMinds Coach, and FitMinds programme participants. 

Children of all abilities across Northern Ireland are set to take part in a major programme of inclusive summer activity camps after FitMinds Coach announced plans to welcome more than 1,000 young children to sessions across 20 locations this summer.

The one-day camps, designed for children aged three to six, will run throughout July and August and aim to break down barriers to participation in sport and play for children with additional needs and differing abilities.

Expansion brings camps to new communities

This year’s programme marks the third summer of the initiative and will see camps held in locations including Omagh, Antrim, Dungannon, Magherafelt and Cookstown, alongside several additional venues across Northern Ireland.

The expansion has been supported by full fibre broadband provider Fibrus, which is sponsoring the programme and helping FitMinds Coach reach new areas including Armagh and Toomebridge.

The camps have been developed around three key principles — engagement, inclusion and enjoyment — with organisers aiming to ensure every child feels welcomed, valued and supported through movement and play activities.

For many families of children with additional needs, access to inclusive activities during school holidays can be limited, making programmes like FitMinds increasingly important within local communities.

Created from personal experience

FitMinds Coach was founded by Inclusive Development Specialist Ronan Conlon, who said the initiative was inspired by his own family’s experience of living with additional needs and the belief that children should be able to thrive without barriers.

Since launching the programme, the camps have continued to grow in popularity, with organisers focusing on creating accessible environments where children can participate confidently regardless of ability.

Each summer, the camps adopt a creative theme designed to spark imagination while supporting early-years development through structured play.

Previous themes have included Superheroes and The Wild West, while this year’s camps will take children on a space-themed adventure aimed at encouraging curiosity, creativity and exploration.

Activities are carefully planned to support important developmental milestones while remaining accessible and enjoyable for all participants.

Every child to receive a camp jersey

As part of the partnership with Fibrus, every child attending this year’s camps will receive a camp jersey to take home, reinforcing the programme’s focus on confidence, belonging and inclusion.

Ronan Conlon said the camps were built around giving every child equal opportunities to participate and enjoy physical activity.

He said:

“Every single child deserves the opportunity to play and learn, no matter their ability and FitMinds Coach was created to provide just that.

“To see the smiles on the children’s faces and the pure enjoyment they get out of our workshops make it all so worthwhile and we are delighted to continue our mission.

“We are extremely thankful to Fibrus for supporting our ambition to reduce barriers to children’s participation in sport and physical activity and with their backing, we’ve been able to open our camps to more families than ever before, ensuring children of all abilities can take part on an equal footing.

“Inclusion has always been at the heart of FitMinds Coach, and this partnership helps us to create even more spaces across NI where children can feel proud of their abilities.”

Support aimed at strengthening communities

Fibrus said the partnership reflects its wider commitment to supporting children’s sport and strengthening community connections across Northern Ireland.

Linda McMillan, Chief People Officer at Fibrus, said the organisation was proud to help expand access to inclusive activities for children and families.

She said:

“We are proud to be supporting the FitMinds Coach summer camps this year.

“Ronan’s mission to remove barriers to participation and ensure every child can enjoy physical activity aligns closely with our long-standing commitment to investing in children’s sport, as we continue our mission of connecting communities across Northern Ireland.

“Initiatives like FitMinds Coach make a real difference where it matters most at the heart of local communities.

“We’re delighted to play a part in helping more children take part, feel included and build confidence through sport.”

How families can find out more

Families interested in securing a place at the summer camps are being encouraged to follow @fitmindscoach on Instagram for booking updates and further information ahead of registrations opening.

With demand expected to grow again this year, organisers say the continued expansion of the camps will help ensure more children across Northern Ireland can access inclusive play opportunities close to home.