IRELAND’S SPECIAL Olympics athletes were given a hero’s welcome at Dublin airport yesterday on their return home from competition in Poland.
The 34 athletes – who between them amassed a medal tally of 10 gold, eight silver and 11 bronze medals – were greeted by cheers from loved ones and supporters who turned out to applaud their outstanding performance at the games.
Matt English, chief executive of Special Olympics Ireland, congratulated the athletes on their achievement and paid tribute to the dedication each has shown while representing their country.
Minister for Sport Mary Hanafin was also at the airport for the return. She said the athletes embody “everything that’s great about our country”.
Team Ireland competed in five different sports: athletics, badminton, bowling, football and table tennis. A significant number of personal bests were achieved on the track, while the table tennis and badminton teams exceeded all expectations.
The bowling team brought home gold and the women’s football team played some outstanding matches demonstrating exceptional skill at this level of competition.
A total of over 1,600 athletes from 58 countries participated at the Games in Warsaw, which ended on Thursday.