Special Olympics Team visit Leinster House before heading to Winter Games in South Korea Photos show Special Olympic athlete Gary Burton and representative of the Garda Síochana and the PSNI torchbearers. In advance of their departure tomorrow for the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Senator Mary Moran welcomed athlete Gary Burton and members of Special Olympics Ireland to Leinster House today. The team briefed Oireachtas members on the forthcoming games and future planned events for 2013. Garda Assistant Commissioner, John Twomey, and Matt English, CEO Special Olympics Ireland also addressed the audience. The 14 Irish athletes along with their eight coaches and chaperones will be part of a group of 3,300 athletes and coaches representing 112 countries from all around the world who will travel to the Special Olympics World Winter Games in South Korea. “I was delighted to welcome Gary and Special Olympics’ representatives to Leinster House today. These games are the 10th Special Olympics World Winter Games to be held, and will include eight Olympic-type sports including; alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, short track speed skating, figure skating, floor hockey and floor ball demonstration. “Six athletes from Ireland will compete in alpine skiing and eight athletes will represent Ireland in the floorball event. This is the first time for Ireland to be represented at a World Games in floorball and is such a wonderful opportunity for the athletes. I would also like to pay tribute to the thousands of volunteers and families throughout the country who dedicate their time and services to all the athletes. It is a wonderful achievement to represent your country in any activity and I know our athletes will do us proud in South Korea. “Preparation for the event began today, when Gary Burton, accompanied by members of an Garda Síochana and the PSNI, did a torch run from Store St Garda St to Leinster House. “I would like to take this opportunity to wish Team Ireland the very best of luck in the Winter Games, and congratulate all involved with the preparation for this momentous journey.
Posted on: Fri, 13 Sep 2013 18:28:17 +0000
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