Team Ireland completed their adventure at the Special Olympics World Games at the weekend, bringing home a haul of 24 Gold, 23 Silver and 29 Bronze medals.
These included wins in the Men’s Football and the Women’s Basketball team events and no fewer than nine Gold medals in the Artistic Gymnastics category.
It is an incredible Games to be a part of and while we still inevitably judge the final tally in terms of medals it is actually worth so much more.
Paul O’ Flynn’s nightly reports into the RTÉ News will have brought a smile to everyone who saw them. It would be impossible not to be moved by the joy and the excitement of taking part on the faces of all the athletes who travelled to Berlin at the conclusion of a World Games cycle that was more challenging than any other as a result of Covid.
“I’m delighted to see that more and more with every four years that passes we have more athletes that are employed and are making a difference and are contributing to society,” said Special Olympics Ireland CEO Matt English.
“They certainly are inspiring so many people and are so much fun to be around.”
Perhaps the most important words though for those who have special needs or who care for them came from Siobhan Costello, mother of Emma who won Gold in the 400 metres, speaking to RTÉ.
“For anyone out there, if you’ve gotten a diagnosis. Just look at these highlights, see what our kids are capable of and don’t let anyone tell you won’t achieve because by God they do.”
Ireland will always have a special place in the Special Olympics history. It was the first host outside of the United States in a 2003 Games that still evokes strong positive memories around the country.
There is word coming out of these Games that Britain is considering a bid to host the next Games in 2027 or the ones after in 2031. If the opportunity ever arises to be a part of it as a volunteer or in whatever capacity, you really should grab it with both hands.
