Special Olympics’ €5m fundraiser out of the blocks

SPECIAL Olympics Ireland hopes to kickstart its Support an Athlete campaign by raising €5 million.

The body, backed by celebrities including actor Colin Farrell, is raising funds for its programme, which caters for 11,000 athletes, 18,000 volunteers, 2,500 family members and 402 clubs.

Chief executive of Special Olympics Ireland Mary Davis, said: “It is four years since the World Games were held here in Ireland, and, in that time, Special Olympics has introduced a further 4,000 people with a learning disability to the joy and benefits of participation in sport.