Despite the ravages of war, chronic food shortages and an almost non-existent transport system, the Iraqi Special Olympics team is due to make its way to the games next month.
The British government yesterday announced it would fund the team's journey to the host town of Larne, Co Antrim.
But the biggest obstacle facing the trip now seems to be making contact with the athletes.
The Northern Ireland Office Minister, Mr Des Browne, who made the announcement yesterday, said they had yet to communicate the news to the team and make the necessary logistical arrangements.
Local politicians welcomed the decision and said the six-strong team would receive a warm welcome when they arrived.
Ulster Unionist MP Mr Roy Beggs said: "As a frequent critic of the government, I am only too happy to give it credit when it has done the right thing."
One of the key individuals responsible for yesterday's decision was the Mayor of Larne, Mr Bobby McKee, who has lobbied the government to facilitate the trip since the outbreak of war cancelled the team's visit.
Mr McKee had said it was "devastating news" that the team was unable to travel to the North and wrote to British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, seeking assistance.
"These children have suffered enough. They have prepared so hard for the games and it is the least we and our government can do to give them back that opportunity," Mr McKee said in a recent interview.
A spokeswoman for the Northern Ireland Office said the decision to fund the trip followed hard work with a number of government departments and agencies.
"We've been working hard with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, we secured the necessary funding and are trying to make contact with them [the team]," the spokeswoman said.
However, Larne's status as a host town for the Iraqi team sparked controversy earlier this year after objections to a sign advertising the arrival of the team.
A Special Olympics sign reading "Larne - Host Town to Iraq" was removed after it was daubed with graffiti and residents objected to its wording. A spokesperson for Larne Borough Council said at the time of the graffiti: "Should the team arrive as planned we will offer the same hospitality as we do any other visitor. As yet we have received no confirmation as to whether they will be coming or not."
