High achieving Special Olympics groups are honoured by council

MEMBERS OF Wexford’s Special Olympics teams, who competed at the Ireland Games earlier in the summer, were honoured with a Civic Reception at Wexford County Council’s headquarters.

Over 60 athletes took part in four days of competition with numerous Wexford athletes travelling home with medals and memories of a great occasion.

The group competed in a diverse range of sports and motor activities training such as athletics, aquatics, badminton, basketball, bocce, bowling, equestrian, football, golf, gymnastics, kayaking, pitch and putt, and table tennis.

Chairman of Wexford County Council, Cllr Keith Doyle welcomed the participating athletes from every part of Wexford to the Council’s headquarters and, on behalf of the people of Wexford, congratulated them on their success.

‘Wexford County Council is proud to bestow our highest honour on these wonderful athletes. With their boundless energy, enthusiasm and incredible commitment, these fantastic Wexford people show the true meaning of participation and courage, and are an example to sportsmen and women everywhere.’

Denise Dowling of Wexford Special Olympics Club thanked the council for the honour of a civic reception, describing it as ‘a fitting and deserved recognition of the commitment and effort shown by each and every one of Wexford’s Special Olympics athletes’.

It was, she added, an honour much valued and appreciated by the athletes, their coaches, mentors and families.

County Wexford members of the Leinster Special Olympics Team with their coaches and Wexford Co Council Chairman Keith Doyle at the civic reception in their honour.

Denise Dowling receives a presentation from council chairman Keith Doyle on behalf of the Wexford team members. Aidan Sinnott receives a presentation from the council chairman, Keith Doyle, on behalf of the New Ross team. Lisa Redmond, Wexford (artistic gymnastics), and John Doyle, Gorey (badminton), will represent Ireland at the World Games in Abu Dhabi in March next year.

Wexford Co Council Chairman Keith Doyle makes a presentation to Jim Byrne, Liam Treacy and Margaret Nolan representing the Enniscorthy team members.

Wexford Co Council Chairman Keith Doyle makes a presentation to Roisin Plinkett representing the Gorey team members.