Special Olympics sets off for 2010 at UL

THE 2010 Special Olympics set off on a rousing warm-up lap yesterday at the University of Limerick (UL) where athletes and supports got a flavour of the magic which will descend on the college campus from June 9 to 13 next.

The games are already a bright beacon for tourism in Limerick with up to 7,000 visitors expected.

They will be made up of 1,900 Special Olympics athletes, 650 coaches and official delegates and more than 4,000 family members.

A team of 3,500 volunteers will be recruited from Limerick city, county and beyond over the next number of months.

Minister for Social and Family affairs, Mary Hanafin, addressing the ceremony in UL’s Concert Hall spoke of the Special Olympics founder.

“Mrs Kennedy Shriver showed energy, drive and dedication in improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Her legacy is that the power of Special Olympics today is such that the positive impact of the Games is felt not just by the athletes involved but by society as a whole,” she said.

Former Ireland, Lions and Munster rugby great Keith Wood will be the celebrity face of the games said the 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games.

He said: “Every one of these athletes will have worked extremely hard at club and regional level to reach these prestigious Games. It is now up to each and every one of us to show them the support they deserve. I call on all businesses in Munster to get behind these Games and support these fantastic athletes in every way they can.”

The athletes will compete in 13 sports in venues throughout Limerick. &&

This volunteer recruitment drive is being supported by Munster, Irish and Lions Rugby hero Paul O’Connell.

He said: “Getting involved as a volunteer at the 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games will be an unforgettable and rewarding experience. Your involvement is vital and is guaranteed to make a real difference.”