SARS fears - Government must respond to threat

THE confidence expressed

Wed, 23 Apr, 2003 - 01:00

Special Olympics chief executive Mary Davies that the games will go ahead irrespective of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndome (SARS) threat might be mirrored the general public but for the serious fears set out the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO).

Ms Davies may have been hinting that countries affected by the virus might not participate in the world event in Dublin next June which, at the moment, would mean more than 20 of the 165 countries due to take part would be missing.

It would be unfortunate if the games were in any way weakened as they represent the biggest sporting event ever to be seen in Ireland and the largest in the world this year.