Towns welcome lifting of SARS ban

Towns around the country playing host to athletes taking part in the Special Olympics today welcomed the lifting of a ban on competitors attending due to the threat of the pneumonia-like illness SARS.

The Department of Health had decided that teams from areas hit by severe acute respiratory syndrome would not be able to travel to the games.

Last night the Government’s expert group on SARS repeated its advice that delegations from affected areas such as Beijing, Hong Kong and Taiwan should not travel to the competition.

But parts of China outside the capital Beijing have been exempted.

The lifting of the ban means that the Co Wicklow town of Bray will now be able to play host to a reduced Chinese team when they arrive later this month.

Pat Vance, chairman of Bray’s Special Olympics committee, said the people of the town were delighted.

“Before the expert group met we had no idea there was going to be a change of mind and certainly we weren’t looking forward to not hosting the delegation,” he told radio.

“So obviously from our point of view we are delighted that a reduced Chinese delegation is coming to Bray.

“But also we have to feel for the athletes that won’t be able to make it.”

Had said they had originally expected 124 visitors, then were told none could come as a precaution in light of the SARS outbreak.

Now Bray is expecting a group of around 64 athletes, coaches and family members.

“It is certainly 64 more than we were going to get before the meeting yesterday so we are delighted with that,” he added.

The Special Olympics’ committee welcomed the move but said it still questioned the decision not to allow others to travel.

Athletes with disabilities are due to arrive in Ireland on June 16 when they will stay with their host towns across the country.

They will then make their way to Dublin on June 20 ready for the opening ceremony the following day.