Team Ireland is on its way to the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles and Dublin Airport was abuzz yesterday morning as they began the last leg of a journey that for many has lasted a lifetime already.
The team consists of 88 athletes and team sponsor Aer Lingus was on hand to make sure that everything went smoothly.
“We are very proud to welcome Special Olympics’ Team Ireland on their way to the World Games in Los Angeles,” said Aer Lingus CEO Stephen Kavanagh.
“On behalf of Aer Lingus, I would like to extend best wishes to all for an enjoyable and successful games. We will be supporting these inspiring athletes in their endeavours and look forward to Team Irelands success and a triumphant return.”
A 40-strong coaching and management team will support the athletes in Los Angeles and there will also be 155 Irish volunteers travelling to work at the Games. Over 300 family members are also making the trip to the World Games, which take place in L.A. from 25th July until 2nd August 2015.
The athletes will spend the first few days of their Los Angeles adventure in the city of Downey in southeast Los Angeles County as part of the Host Town programme. On Saturday (July 25th) the 2015 World Summer Games (LA2015) will be officially opened at a star-studded Opening Ceremony at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, site of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics Games.
The event will feature performances by Stevie Wonder, Avril Lavigne and Nicole Scherzinger with appearances by First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, Jimmy Kimmel, actress Eva Longoria, and Olympic star Michael Phelps among many others. Team Ireland will be led out by Irish Sports Council CEO John Treacy, who won a silver medal at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984, actor Colin Farrell, and Claudine Keane, wife of football star Robbie Keane.
The World Games run until August 2nd. Team Ireland will compete in 12 different Olympic style sports at the World Games, with a total of 24 counties around Ireland represented on the all-island Team Ireland.
“I am so proud of every one of our athletes who will be representing their country and communities at the Games,” said Matt English, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland.
“Each of these athletes has shown great motivation, discipline and tremendous skill in getting this far and it is worthy of real celebration. They are all winners and it is a truly remarkable achievement for all our athletes, their coaches, their families and Special Olympics volunteers. I know the entire country will be cheering on Team Ireland during the Games and I am really looking forward to being in Los Angeles to enjoy and share the experience with our athletes and their families.”
The Irish Sports Council, Eircom, convenience retail chain Gala, and Sport NI, have also pledged funds to help cover the cost of sending Team Ireland to the Games in Los Angeles
“It goes without saying that as a charity Special Olympics Ireland relies on the support of corporate partners and statutory sports agencies, without whom this Team Ireland journey would not be possible,” added English
You can follow Team Ireland at the World Games:
Twiter: @SOIreland – use the hashtags, #TeamIreland #LA2015 & #SupportanAthlete
Facebook: Special Olympics Ireland
Website: specialolympics.ie
Special Olympics, Aer Lingus, Eircom and the Irish Sports Council are among more than 120 organisations that are full members of our Sport for Business network of leaders. Find out how we can help your organisation build business through sport
