Final day of 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games celebrated with applause and hugs
(Sunday, 13th June 2010) The 1,900 Special Olympics athletes bid farewell to Limerick today after four days of sporting competition. The 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games opened on Wednesday with a spectacular opening ceremony in Thomond Park, Limerick. From Thursday to Sunday the athletes competed in 13 sports as well as the non-competitive Motor Activities Training Programme.
Closing ceremonies took place in each of the sports venues with athletes and volunteers applauding each other for putting on a fantastic four days of sport in sunny Limerick. Keith Wood, Paul O' Connell, John Hayes, RTE's Emma O' Driscoll, Limerick Senior Hurling Stars, Kamal, Willie O'Dea, Chairman of Limerick City Council were in attendance.In an emotional address to the assembled audience in the UL Arena Keith Wood, Face of the Games spoke of the joy that abounded every element of the Games. "I have been so lucky to get the chance to meet so many of the amazing athletes here over the past four days. Everyone has a smile on their face and hugs are the currency of these Games. The volunteers have been phenomenal and the athletes true sporting heroes".
Before closing the Games, Matt English, CEO Special Olympics Ireland said "When we set out on these Games we had hoped that they would be fantastic. They have been fantastic, they have been amazing and more importantly they have been a celebration of true sporting achievement. I would like to thank the people of Limerick, our sponsors, particularly eircom, the volunteers and especially the athletes for making these Games the extraordinary experience they have been for everyone".
'Dr Vincent Cunnane CEO of Shannon Development, (the Regional Tourism Organisation) said "The 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games have been a tremendous success for Limerick. We wish to pay tribute and extend our thanks to Special Olympics Ireland for bringing the Games to Limerick. We also wish to congratulate all of the Special Olympics athletes on their great achievements in Limerick this week.'
The Games may be over but the memories can be re-lived through www.specialolympics.ie/2010games<http://www.specialolympics.ie/2010games>
