Athletes 'disappointed' by SARS games ban

Athletes training for the Special Olympics from countries hit by the SARS virus were coming to terms today with the news that they are no longer welcome in Ireland.

The Government revealed it was asking teams from China, Chinese Taipei, Singapore, Hong Kong and Philippines not to travel to the competition in June. They were among 7,000 athletes with learning disabilities from around the world who were to take part in the games.