Medal-laden Team Ireland returned home to a heroes’ welcome yesterday following a spectacular performance at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles.

THERE are few things as inspiring, as uplifting as the sight of an indomitable human spirit defying the odds to realise a long-held dream.

Team Ireland has now won a total of 22 medals at the Special Olympics World summer games in Los Angeles.

Team Ireland’s remarkable achievement at the Special Olympics World Summer Games is testament not just to the athletes’ talents and hard work but also to the indomitable human spirit within each one of us to overcome adversity — even in the most straitened circumstances.

HEARTIEST congratulations to three Irish swimmers who claimed the country’s first medals at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. Perhaps they were spurred on by the words of encouragement for the Irish team from actor Colin Farrell and footballer Robbie Keane. It is heartening to see Irish celebrities taking such an interest the games.