Special Olympians do North Cork pround
‘THE ATHLETES DID THEIR LOCAL CLUBS, THE MUNSTER TEAM AND THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS PROUD’
IT has been quite some week for local athletes who competed under the Munster banner at the 2018 Special Olympics Ireland Games, which took place over four glorious days in Dublin.
The games saw 1,600 athletes from across Ireland, including 381 from Munster, their coaches and volunteers descend on the capital last Thursday for the opening ceremony at the Tallaght Stadium in the presence of Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael D Higgins.
The spectacular ceremony featured performances by Irish fold duo Hudson Taylor, singer Jake Carter, the Xquisite dance group and Irish DJ and producer John Gibbons who raised the roof with a ‘Decades Disco’ celebrating 40 years of Special Olympics Ireland.
Two athletes from each region were selected as torch and flag bearers as they led the procession into the stadium, with Michael Broderick from Doneraile taking on the role of torch bearer, marching proudly at the head of the Munster team.
Earlier that day athletes from the north Cork area were given a rousing send-off to Dublin by family, friends and supporters at a lively gathering in the Arches Bar, Mallow.
Geraldine Buckley, co-ordinator of North Cork Special Olympics, said it was a joy and privilege to be part of such a happy and memorable occasion.
They returned to the same venue on Sunday evening, where they were given a heroes welcome by supporters and well-wishers.
“It was amazing to see the crowds lined-up in the car park to welcome them home. The athletes did their local clubs, the Munster team and their families and friends proud, returning with an impressive clutch of gold, silver and bronze medals,” said Geraldine.
“It had been a long four-year journey to get to the games and we will be starting the journey all over again in September when the athletes go back to training. In the meantime all of us involved in Special Olympics would like to say well done to them all,” she added.