Special Olympics - The power of sport

Some 20,000 people turned out to witness the opening of the Special Olympics at Thomond Park, Limerick, last evening.

The event seeks to help people with intellectual disabilities by harnessing the power of sport to unite people in the spirit of acceptance and inclusion.

Over the years the games have been making a real difference to the lives of not only for those with intellectual disabilities, but also to their families, and their communities. Yesterday witnessed some extraordinary co-operation between the Garda Siochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

They have brought the problems of intellectual disability out of the shadows into the open, and the competitors are celebrated for their abilities.

Many have been helped to stand up for themselves and thereby demonstrate a real degree of independence. They can be the most articulate spokespeople for their own cause.

We can all learn from them as they demonstrate their particular talents in what is sport at its purest.