Yesterday was a day of raw emotion, pride, and unforgettable achievement for Team Ireland at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin.
With families watching on in tears of joy, Ireland’s athletes performed breathtakingly, winning five medals in Alpine Skiing and celebrating a hard-fought victory in Floorball.
The scale of their success was matched only by the spirit they brought to competition — fearless, passionate, and brave in the face of some hairy conditions on the slope and impressively tough competition from athletes in their groupings.
Giant Slalom Finals Results:
Novice Category:
Lucy Best – Gold
Maire Connelly – Gold
Clive Healy – Bronze
Intermediate Category:
Donal Brennan – Silver
Advanced Category:
Caolan McConville – Gold (Making history as the first Special Olympics Ireland athlete to reach the advanced level)
“Winning gold at this level is unbelievable,” said Caolan McConville.
“A lot of hard work was put into this, a lot of training, but yes, absolutely delighted, and hopefully we can go on and win more tomorrow.”
“I feel great, I hoped I would be somewhere in the top 3; let’s hope I do well in the next two races, added Dional Brennan.”
“This has exceeded our expectations of what we thought Donal could achieve,” said his Mum, Irene.
“I wish I had half his energy, motivation, and strength. We have all learned so much from him, and I am delighted by how he approaches life and overcomes all those challenges!”
“It’s been an amazing day,” said Head Coach Jill Sloan.
“Team Ireland has done so well. They don’t train on snow. A few here have never been to the games before. I am thrilled.”
“Words cannot explain it’s been a fantastic day,” Assistant Coach Glyn Williamson added.
“They have trained hard for today, had a great time, and the medals are just the icing on the cake. They are full of confidence now, so we are looking forward. It’s another day, a different type of competition; it’s a faster one, but yes, I believe they are full of confidence, feeling good. There could be more medals, fingers crossed.”
Meanwhile, back in the City, in a match with spectators on the edge of their seats, Team Ireland’s Floorball squad, captained by Frank O’Dwyer, battled their way to a 2-1 triumph over Mexico.
Gavin Bourke and Joe-Joe Sheehan found the net in a performance that epitomised teamwork and sheer will to win.
“The energy and excitement surrounding these games are unmatched,” said O’Dwyer. We’re having the time of our lives out here.”
Further Reading for Sport for Business Members: The Simple Special Power of Volunteering
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
The celebrations were about more than medals. They were about the journey, the sacrifices, the pride felt by their families and supporters, and the pride of representing their nation.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
Today, the Irish floorball team continues in action, playing Switzerland at 12:15 Irish Time and China five hours later. Our Ski team will all be in action again at the SuperG events from 13:15.
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