Ireland to become global ambassadors for Special Olympics

The Republic of Ireland will be the first national team to become Global Team Ambassadors for the Special Olympics Global Football Initiative, the FAI announced today.

"Within this role the Republic of Ireland Senior International team will use the power of football to promote respect, acceptance and inclusion of young people and adults with intellectual disabilities as part of the Special Olympics Global Football initiative," according to an FAI statement.

“We are committed to using our fan base across the world to promote inclusion in sport for people with intellectual disabilities and raise the profile of Special Olympics," said FAI Chief Executive John Delaney

Other global ambassadors for the Special Olympics movement include Spurs, Inter Milan and Corinthians FC of Brazil.