News

Brian’s Special Olympics fundraising challenge to climax at Mayor’s swim on River Foyle

29 April 2026

Award winning volunteer and sports coach Brian McGuigan is planning a grand stand finish on the banks of the Foyle for his swimming challenge in aid of local Special Olympics athletes.
The County Derry man will join over 150 people in completing Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairí McHugh’s, River Foyle Challenge on Saturday May 16th which will represent the 30th consecutive day that he swims one mile.
His exploits aim to raise funds for four County Derry athletes from his club the Oak Leaf Lions, Ella Sandy from Derry City, Aoibheann Kearney from Swatragh, Michael O’Kane from Dungiven and Kilrea’s Bobby McGill who will complete for Team Ulster at the 2026 Special Olympics Ireland Games in Dublin.
Brian will also make a donation to Belfast clubs he has worked with Titanic Tigers, Lagan Lappers and Eager Belviors to help support their work in creating opportunities and life changing experiences for their athletes and their families.
Mayor McHugh is teaming up with Derry Ultra-Endurance Athlete and Mental Health and Wellbeing Campaigner Danny Quigley to host the open water swimming event to raise funds and awareness for the Mayor’s chosen charities for his year in office: PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland Charity and the Castlederg Patient Comfort and Terminally Ill Fund.

Brian’s ‘Making Waves for Special Olympics’ challenge began on Friday April 17th and aims to support the Special Olympics movement that has shaped much of his life for more than two decades.
What started with a chance opportunity to help at the Special Olympics Ireland Games in 2006 has taken him on an unforgettable journey that has included being part of the Team Ireland coaching team at the 2023 World Games in Berlin.
The highlight for him however has always been the opportunity to work with the inspirational athletes he coaches in Belfast and his native Dungiven - seeing their progress and sharing in their joy of participation.
“I got involved in Special Olympics by chance,” he recalls. “I was working as a Swimming teacher in Queen’s PEC in 2006 and swimming legend Frank Stephens from Swim Ulster asked me to give him a hand at the Ireland Games.
“The experience knocked me off my feet and it was truly life‑changing.
“It was the best week I will ever have, seeing the athletes given a platform to express themselves and fulfil their potential.

“Witnessing the impact this had on their families, who for much of their child’s early life were told what they could never do things and now their child were competing at a national games— was incredibly powerful.
“The last 20 years have been a journey of coaching and volunteering, creating lifelong friendships in every corner of Ireland, and making memories with some of the most inspiring people I have ever met.”
While Brian’s Special Olympics Journey has taken him to the World Games as a volunteer in Los Angeles and as a coach in Berlin, it is the weekly sessions the clubs host with athletes in Belfast and Dungiven that have been the highlight.
In 2019 he was a founder member of the Titanic Tigers in Belfast and in 2020 he formed the Oak Leaf Lions in County Derry with former Derry GAA dual player Liam Hinphey which created the opportunity for scores of people with intellectual disability to take part in sport.
The Oakleaf Lions committee and volunteer coaches coordinated five weekly sessions for young athletes, alongside athletics and swimming sessions and GAA training as part of the GAA All Star Initiative which enabled young people to participate in events at Croke Park and during Ulster Championship games.

The club also recently helped facilitate bowling at Brunswick Moviebowl on Tuesday nights, with approximately 20 athletes taking part.

 "I get to coach and spend time with the incredible athletes four times a week across various sports.

“Those sessions — the effort, the progress, the joy — are the heartbeat of why I do what I do.

“They’re the reason this challenge matters so deeply."

“Our doors are always open to new athletes of all ages with intellectual difficulty, from young children aged four right through to adults of any age.

“We are always in need of volunteers too, no sporting skills are required — just enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved.

“Give us an hour and you’ll leave with smiles, memories, and a feeling that will stay with you all week.”
His daily one‑mile swim challenge has already taken him through local pools such as the Foyle Arena and Roe Valley Leisure Centre, with further swims planned in Omagh, Cork and Galway alongside athletes and fellow coaches from the Special Olympics team Ireland who competed in Berlin in 2023.
The journey will culminate in the Mayor’s River Foyle Challenge event, beginning at Prehen Boathouse and finishing on the pontoon at the Council Offices on Strand Road.

The Mayor’s event aims to highlight and promote the critical support available to those in distress or experiencing suicidal thoughts and to celebrate the positivity of the river which has been the source of heartache for too many families over the years.

As a former volunteer with Foyle Search and Rescue, Brian is acutely aware of the critical service they provide on the river.
“I’ve had the privilege of serving as Treasurer and Director with Foyle Search and Rescue, as well as being part of their shore, boat and swift water rescue team.

“When I saw the Mayor’s Challenge advertised, I knew I had to be involved. I’ve spent so much time on the River Foyle during very sad and tragic moments, so to now see it being used for something positive, bringing people together and raising vital funds for the Mayor’s nominated charities is deeply meaningful.
“I’m feeling really good so far, and the support I’ve received has truly spurred me on.
“Knowing that this challenge will make a real difference for the athletes means everything to me.

“It will help athletes in Team Ulster at the Games in Dublin and provide new equipment for athletes across the clubs — ensuring more opportunities, better experiences, and lasting impact long after the challenge is complete.
“I just want to thank everyone for their generosity, it means the world and anyone who wants to join me for a swim between now and May 16th is more than welcome.”
You can support Brian’s fundraising efforts on his Go Fund Me page at https://gofund.me/ba1d06352.
The Mayor’s Foyle Challenge is hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Foyle Search and Rescue, the Lighthouse Project and the Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum.
For further information on the Mayor’s Charities and how to donate visit derrystrabane.com/mayor.