Company saluted for Special Olympics support

Special Olympics Ireland last night saluted a multinational firm and its workers in Cork and Limerick for their support over the past 10 years and for the upcoming national games to be held in Limerick.

In addition to financial support over 300 Johnson & Johnson employees from Vistakon (Limerick), Janssen (Cork) and DePuy Synthes (Cork) along with family and friends, members of the Johnson & Johnson Special Achievers Club, volunteer their time and expertise each year to organise sporting events for up to 800 Special Olympic athletes in the Munster region. The club was formed after the World Special Olympics Summer Games in 2003 to ensure that the spirit of Special Olympics continues to grow and develop in the Munster region.

Limerick County Council chairman, Cllr John Sheahan, said: “Vistakon has been in operation here in Limerick since 1996 and has a long history of community involvement. It is very heartening to see such a large company give back to the local communities in which it operates.”

Speaking at the event, a local athlete, Emma Brett from Bruff All Stars Special Olympics Club said: “On behalf of my fellow athletes, I would like to thank the Special Achievers Club for its fantastic support over the last 10 years. We are excited about the upcoming programme of events for 2014 and it’s great to know we have over 300 friends supporting and encouraging us every step of the way.”

Matt English, CEO Special Olympics Ireland, said: “Johnson & Johnson has been a stalwart supporter of Special Olympics Munster over the years. This support has been hugely important in helping us deliver quality sporting events and in raising awareness of the Special Olympics movement. The volunteers’ effort and dedication is key to the continued success of Special Olympics in Munster and I want to acknowledge their wonderful support.

“In June 2014, Limerick will host the Special Olympics Ireland Games with 1,500 athletes, competing in 13 sports over three days of competition as well as a Motor Activities Training Programme. Volunteers from Johnson & Johnson will play an important role in providing support to this milestone event.”

Barry O’Sullivan, Vistakon Ireland plant manager, said: “The Special Olympics movement occupies a very special place in the hearts and minds of all our 2,000 employees in Ireland. We are inspired by the commitment and resolve of these athletes — working with them is indeed a privilege.”