Closing Ceremony
Final day of 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games celebrated with applause and hugs
The 1,900 Special Olympics athletes bid farewell to Limerick today after four days of sporting competition. Closing ceremonies took place in each of the sports venues with athletes and volunteers applauding each other for putting on a fantastic four days of sport in sunny Limerick. Keith Wood, Paul O’ Connell, John Hayes, RTE’s Emma O’ Driscoll, Limerick Senior Hurling Stars, Kamal, Willie O’Dea, Chairman of Limerick City Council were in attendance.
In an emotional address to the assembled audience in the UL Arena Keith Wood, Face of the Games spoke of the joy that abounded every element of the Games. “I have been so lucky to get the chance to meet so many of the amazing athletes here over the past four days. Everyone has a smile on their face and hugs are the currency of these Games. The volunteers have been phenomenal and the athletes true sporting heroes”.
Before closing the Games, Matt English, CEO Special Olympics Ireland said “When we set out on these Games we had hoped that they would be fantastic. They have been fantastic, they have been amazing and more importantly they have been a celebration of true sporting achievement. I would like to thank the people of Limerick, our sponsors, particularly eircom, the volunteers and especially the athletes for making these Games the extraordinary experience they have been for everyone”.
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