Thousands of volunteers are hitting the streets this morning collecting for the Special Olympics as part of their national fundraising day.

Special Olympics ambassador and Irish rugby captain Rory Best said, “I’ve been involved in sports probably most of my life, and I know how important and key sport is to building a team ethos and getting involved and really improving your confidence.

All the proceeds will go directly to over 9,000 athletes, in 360 clubs across the entire island of Ireland.

This year they are hoping to raise €600,000 in just 24 hours.

“I think for these guys to get the money to be able to do this and get it around Ireland is really important,” Best said.