4,000 volunteers will be scattered across the country today for the annual collection for Special Olympics Ireland.

The event is the biggest fundraising drive for the organisation, which looks after the training needs of athletes who have an intellectual disability.

Thousands of volunteers will be shaking buckets across 200 locations nationwide.

Last February, Team Ireland arrived home to a heroes welcome after bagging 12 medals in the World Winter Games in South Korea.

CEO of Special Olympics Ireland is Matt English:

The money raised will be used to develop the organisation and reach out to others who may be interested in getting involved.

Lorraine O'Halloran is a Special Olympics gold medalist - she explains what it's all about for her:

If you are not out and about today but would still like to make a donation you can simple text the word "SPECIAL" to 50300, and two euro will be given directly to the charity. 

For more information on the work which Special Olympics Ireland do, click here: