As one sports event came to an end for Irish supporters in the Phoenix Park this week, another one opened in Parnell Park last night.
The Special Olympics National Games were opened by the President, Mrs McAleese, after the "Flame of Hope" was carried into Parnell Park by a garda and a PSNI officer.
More than 2,000 athletes from the island of Ireland will take part in the national event which is being held in 12 venues in the greater Dublin area. It is the biggest national Special Olympics event to date.
Almost 400 athletes from 20 European delegations will also take part. Mr Cyril Freaney, Special Olympics Ireland chairman, said he hoped this would be a foretaste for the Special Olympics World Games which are being held in Ireland next summer.
Some 7,000 athletes from 160 countries are expected to attend the international event.
This week, the athletes will compete in 14 sports, including football, kayaking, bowling, cycling, athletics and gymnastics.
The Special Olympics torch was accompanied from Belfast to Dublin by more than 500 gardaí and PSNI officers this week.
The Garda Sub Aqua Club carried the torch across the River Liffey on the final leg to Parnell Park.
After the flame was lit, Mrs McAleese said she hoped the games would "bring fulfilment, fun, friendship, along with a deep pride in self and in the team".
"Whether you win, lose, or draw, may you leave these games with the most joyful memories of a day when you did your very very best and won the respect of all, even if not the medal."
Mrs McAleese praised the thousands of volunteers who worked on the event and said she expected the world games would be generously supported by volunteers, whether in hosting families or providing sponsorship.
Thousands of people crowded into Parnell Park for the colourful opening ceremony.
Athlete Mr Thomas Campbell from Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo read the Special Olympics oath - "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
The competitions get underway this morning at the RDS, the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght and Kill Equestrian Centre.
The sailing event will be held at the Royal St George Yacht Club in Dún Laoghaire tomorrow and Saturday while the cycling competitions will be run in the Phoenix Park over the same period.
The power-lifting competitions get under way today at the Simmonscourt Pavilion in the RDS.
The tennis competitions will be held at the Riverview Club tomorrow and Saturday while kayaking will get underway at Leixlip tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the National Show Centre at Dublin Airport will host the handball competitions.
The Special Olympics National Games will come to a close on Sunday in the RDS at 1 p.m.
For more information on the events, visit the website:
www.specialolympics.ie
