JACK Crowley has launched flagship fundraiser Challenge 21 in aid of Down Syndrome Centre Cork.
The Innishannon rugby star joined children from the centre at Páirc Uí Chaoimh to back the fifth year of the 21km annual fundraiser ahead of World Down Syndrome Day on Saturday March 21st.
The Munster and Ireland fly-half, who was one of the standout players in this year’s Six Nations, will join other participants who will walk, jog or run 21km from Haulbowline Island to Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday June 14th.
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‘I was lucky enough to spend some time with some of the kids from the Down Syndrome Centre Cork today and they’re just incredible,’ said Jack, who is this year’s Challenge 21 official Ambassador.
‘The centre does unbelievable work for families across Cork city and county, and they depend on events like Challenge 21 to keep going. It’s a 21k run along Cork Harbour on June 14th. I’d love to see as many people as possible sign up and get behind it. It’s for a brilliant cause.’
The number 21 is at the heart of everything the centre does. Down syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, known as Trisomy 21. World Down Syndrome Day falls on March 21st to reflect the three copies of chromosome 21, and Challenge 21 covers 21 kilometres in honour of this.
The Down Syndrome Centre Cork, based in Forge Hill, provides vital early intervention services to more than 180 children and their families across Cork city and county.
As a registered charity, the centre currently receives no government funding and relies entirely on public donations and fundraisers such as Challenge 21 to keep its doors open.
Cathy Halpin, chairperson of the Down Syndrome Centre Cork, said:
‘Having Jack Crowley here to launch Challenge 21 means the world to the children and families at the centre including my own son Finn, who has benefitted greatly from the early intervention services the centre offers.
‘Every euro raised through this event goes directly to providing the therapies and services that help our children thrive.’
Challenge 21 takes place on Sunday 14th of June 2026 and is sponsored by Hallmark Developments this year.
To register for Challenge 21 2026, either click the link - https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/challenge-21-half-marathon-2026-tickets-1983994529044 - or visit www.eventbrite.ie and search “Challenge 21 Half Marathon 2026”, or visit www.dscentrecork.ie for more information.
Those who cannot take part can support the Centre by donating directly at www.dscentrecork.ie/donate.
