Recruitment drive seeks 3,500 volunteers for 2011 Special Olympics
This is the number of volunteers who will be needed to help run the Special Olympics which take place in Limerick next June.
Anne Marie Butler of Special Olympics Ireland said: “Sport comes naturally in Limerick and the stage is set for a real exciting games. We’ve had a fantastic response to our appeals for volunteers and we have been inundated with calls, emails and people coming to the recruiting sessions from all walks of life. The scale of the operation is huge.”
Almost 2,000 athletes will be taking part in the games, which will be primarily centred on the University of Limerick campus and the local tourism industry is expecting an influx of up to 4,000 families and supporters for the games, which take place between June 9 and 13.
Neil Carney, the games operations manager, said their task has been made easier due to the quality of the infrastructure of existing sports venues in the city.
He said: “Limerick was considered an ideal location to host Ireland’s Special Olympics 2011 because of the standard of its sports facilities.”
The games will cost €2.5 million and the organisers have already secured €1.2m and are appealing for more companies to come on board as sponsors.
Ms Butler said: “There are lots of ways that local businesses can show their support. Anybody wishing to join us as sponsors can do so by contacting 01 882 3972 of by emailing info@specialolympmics.ie.”
Rugby international Paul O’Connell yesterday joined in an appeal for volunteers.
He said: “It’s a big thing that we get the number of volunteers. To have the number of volunteers needed is very important to get it running smoothly. My aunt has Down’s Syndrome and has competed in the Special Olympics and through that I have developed a big interest and have been a volunteer in smaller events.
“It is the most incredibly fulfilling experience, a most positive experience. People who volunteer don’t know how fabulous experience it will be. It is an event so full of joy for everyone. It is all about winning what we do in rugby and there is a little bit of that in the Special Olympics as well, but it is mainly about fun and enjoyment and as it is incredibly fulfilling experience for the competitors, but also for anyone who gets involved on a volunteer basis.”
