JP McManus charity gives €250k to Special Olympics

THE charitable foundation set up by Limerick millionaire JP McManus has given €250,000 to the Special Olympics, which take place in Limerick from June 9 to June 13.

The games will involve 1,900 athletes, 3,000 volunteers and will attract a further 4,000 family members.

Gerry Boland, a director of the JP McManus Foundation, said the decision to make the donation was taken by the foundation and the McManus family due to the scale of the games and the huge numbers it will involve.

“It is a big event in the lives of the athletes and it does need support and we are there as a foundation to assist special events such as this,” he said.

The chief executive of the Special Olympics, Matt English, said they were overwhelmed by the support the games have received in Limerick and were particularly grateful for the huge donation from the JP McManus Foundation.

He said: “Their very generous donation to the Special Olympics really made a difference and kick-started us off – it really gave us the confidence to put on what will be the best Ireland games ever held.”