Play your part in Special Olympics Ireland

Don’t miss out on the largest sporting event in Ireland taking place Friday June 15-17.

Special Olympics Ireland are calling on you to support the Special Olympics Ireland Games which will take place this weekend, kicking off with the official Opening Ceremony taking place this evening at Tallaght Stadium, where President Michael D Higgins is set to officially open the Ireland Games.

1,600 Special Olympics athletes from across Ireland will compete in these Games, which are set to be the largest and most prestigious sporting event to take place in Ireland this year.

Matt English, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland said: “Our athletes are ready to take up the honour of representing their region on the National stage in Dublin. Final preparations are underway, but I want to thank all those who have been involved in the long build-up to the 2018 Games. From businesses getting behind our fundraising drive, to people signing up as volunteers, we sincerely thank you and hope to make these Games an amazing experience for our athletes. They are the reason we all do it.”

Tony Cluskey, Marketing & Ambient Trading Manager with Gala Retail, key sponsors of Special Olympics Team Ireland, added: “As a long-term supporter of Special Olympics Ireland, Gala Retail and our 200 stores are immensely proud to be supporting this year’s Ireland Games. As the largest Special Olympics event to take place in Ireland, we’re excited to be attending the event with actress, Aoibhín Garrihy, who will be capturing many #GalaSpecialMoments from the athletes, their family and friends, over the duration of the Games.”

Gala Retail donates 60,000 water bottles  to Special Olympics Ireland.
Picture Colm Mahady / Fennells – Copyright© Fennell Photography 2018.

Gala have been supporting Special Olympics Ireland for the past four years, since being involved in the Special Olympics World Games back in 2015. In 2016, Gala Retail extended its commitment by pledging to become a major supporter of Special Olympics Ireland for a further four years. In addition to its ongoing commitment, Gala is supporting the Special Olympics Ireland Games by keeping the athletes hydrated and donating 60,000 bottles of Gala water for the athletes.

The Games will take place over four days, with athletes competing from Friday 15th June to Sunday 17th June. The 1600 athletes are supported by a 600 coaches and official delegates and over 2,000 volunteers who are helping to run the Games.

The Special Olympics Ireland Games will take place in venues throughout Dublin with one venue in Meath and Kildare.

The Games are a free, family fun event and Special Olympics Ireland are calling on you to play your part and support these athletes as they take on the honour of representing their region. Plan your visit at www.irelandgames.ie or search online #PlayYourPart