The
summer of 2003 saw the Special Olympics held outside of America
for the first time in its history. Around 7000 athletes with
special needs made their way to various towns around the country
north and south.
Balbriggan was
proud to welcome the delegation from Pakistan, and what a
fantastic experience it turned out to be. The host town committee
under chairperson, Therese Fingleton called for volunteers
to look after the very special visitors to our town and the
response was phenomenal. The volunteers came from all walks
of life and what a great group of people they turned out to
be.
The day arrived
and our coach left Balbriggan at 11.45am to collect the first
group of athletes from Dublin airport. After four trips with
the last collection at 2am the next morning, the last of the
athletes and delegation were taken to Balbriggan by police
escort to their home in sunshine house. I couldn't start to
thank all those who were involved in looking after our very
special friends from Pakistan. Sunshine house with TJ, Mags,
Mick, Alan and staff, you were all wonderful. The delegation
and the athletes loved every minute of their stay in your
beautiful caring home. |
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| The schools also
opened their doors to the delegation and athletes with visits
from Ronak. Sairih, Sunita and Mahfooz to name but a few, where
the pupils could see the various teams training for the games
ahead. Our primary schools also played their part when children
wrote poems relating to the visit of the Special Olympics. A
book of these poems was published and on leaving Balbriggan
each member of the Pakistan delegation and athletes received
their copy to keep as a momento. Well done teachers, pupils
and all concerned. |
A
visit to the Seamus Ennis centre in Naul was another wonderful
experience for the athletes. When we arrived in Naul hundreds
of people came in force to welcome this very special group from
Pakistan and what an emotional welcome we received. The delegation
got their first taste of Irish music, song and dance. It was
a joy to see the athletes up dancing Irish traditional sets
and having a fantastic time. A big thank you once again Naul.
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| Functions
were also held during the week in the beautiful surroundings
of the Bracken Court Hotel in Balbriggan. One of the most memorable
nights for all involved was the final night held in the hotel
to say farewell to our special guests which was attended by
her excellency Mrs Rifat Iqbal and Mr & Mrs Mukadam and
guests. Ronak, the assistant head of delegation, thanked the
host town committee and the people of Balbriggan in an emotional
speech, which described Balbriggan as their second home. The
evening continued with a fantastic display of Irish dancing
from Scoil Rince Cualann dancers, followed by traditional dance
performed by some of the Special Olympic athletes themselves,
all in full traditional dress. A fantastic night was had by
all. |
Sadly the day
came for their departure to Dublin. During the game they performed
with great courage and won a total of 88 medals. That's not
all they won, they won the hearts of all those who were privileged
to be involved with the host town volunteer group. Before
the delegation left Balbriggan, I had the pleasure of presenting
them with a number of videos, which captured their stay in
Balbriggan so they can relive the time they had in Ireland
2003.
As the theme song
for the Special Olympics goes "May we never say goodbye".
We said our farewells but will never forget you all.
I would like to
thank Tony Healy for including this on his website and the
time we spent putting together this short history of the Special
Olympics in Balbriggan. |
Martin Fanning
Nov 03
All Photos
©Martin Fanning
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