AN INTERNATIONAL Hip Hop star who lost his leg to cancer will be in Limerick next week to host a workshop for kids with physical and mental limitations.
The event, which will take place at UL Sport Arena on Monday July 22 , will see American Tommy ‘Guns’ Ly address up to 200 children and young people.
The dancer, who spent his youth in foster care, rose to prominence as a dancer before his right leg was amputated after being diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 18. He went on to find an international group called ILL-Abilities that is made up of dancers with mixed physical limitations.
The Limerick workshop is organised by Paediatric Neurology Consultant Dr Elizabeth O’Mahony in conjunction with Enable Ireland and Limerick Hip Hop teacher Barry Burke.
Dr O’Mahony said that she has witnessed unbelievable transformation in young students through dance.
“The physical and mental benefits are endless including core strength, co-ordination, tone, and motor planning. The mental health benefits like confidence, elevating mood, relieving stress and social inclusion are so important particularly in working children who often have significant challenges.
“I hope to set classes up with Barry Burke in Limerick for children specifically with mixed abilities,” said the Canadian-born doctor whose family hail from Abbeyfeale.
The worskshop, which is free of charge, is part of the annual Make a Move Festival which runs from July 22 to 28. For more information see www.makeamove.ie
