Special Olympics - A time to celebrate

THE Special Olympics opened in China yesterday.

Shanghai is playing host to the Games, welcoming 7,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities from around the globe. It’s the second time the event will be held outside the United States and the first in Asia.

For so many of the participants, who have been denied so many of the opportunities we all take for granted, it is a time to celebrate their achievements and resilience.

The Special Olympics in Dublin were an uplifting and exemplary experience. So many of the athletes brought a determination and vigour to their participation that put many of our efforts in the ha’penny place.

This is also a time to honour the families and support groups who make participation in these Games possible. It will be an especially emotional experience for many of the athletes’ families.

So, let the Games begin and let us honour and celebrate human endeavour and achievement in all its varied and wonderful manifestations.