Team Ireland still going strong at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games
Jun29Written by:
29/06/2011 17:36 
 |
|
Equestrian gold medal winner Steven Yetman with his parents & coach Caroline Brennan |
Team Ireland put in another day of strong performances at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens.
In the men’s doubles bowling competition Paul Bridgman (Cobh, Co. Cork) and Michael Hardiman (Tallaght, Co. Dublin) put in a great display earning them a gold medal. Meanwhile in another division of the men’s doubles bowling, Ciaran Mallon (Newry, Co. Down) and Jonathon Griffin (Ballinasloe, Co. Galway) also earned gold for their efforts.
It was another exciting day in gymnastics with Laura Rumball (Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin) winning one silver and two bronze medals for her Artistic gymnastics display. Fellow gymnastics team mate, Carole Ryan (Newtown, Co. Wexford) took two gold medals following her Artistic gymnastics routine.
Our equestrian athletes were also in action today. John Loughane (Ballinasloe, Co. Galway) came fourth in his event while Conor MacGearailt (Athy, Co. Kildare) won silver for equitation, Pamela Collins (Kanturk, Co. Cork) won silver for her event, Sally Duffy won silver and Steven Yetman (Donaghadee, Co. Down) won gold.
In football the men’s 11-a-side team put in a winning performance against India securing them a 5 – 1 victory. Meanwhile in the 5-a-side competition the men’s team beat Finland 2 – 0.
The medal tally at the end of day four of the Games stands at 34 (10 Gold; 19 Silver; 5 Bronze). Speaking about Team Ireland’s performance so far Matt English, CEO Special Olympics Ireland said “We are so proud of Team Ireland. They are representing us all so well here in Athens. I would also like to pay tribute to them their coaches and the volunteers who helped to prepare them so well for the Games and who are here supporting and cheering them on – it’s been a fantastic team effort!”
Team Ireland will be in action once again tomorrow. To follow their progress, or to leave a message of support, please visit www.specialolympics.ie/athens. You can also download a free iPhone App from the Apple iStore which will enable you to track your local athlete while on the go. Team Ireland are proudly supported by eircom.