Honouring Legacy, Celebrating Hope
Today we marked a modest but deeply meaningful occasion at Special Olympics Ireland HQ — the unveiling of our Legacy Bench.
The bench stands as a symbol of remembrance and of hope: a tribute to all those who have passed, and a reminder of the enduring spirit that continues to inspire our community every day. A beautiful inscription reads "Take a seat and remember those who we have lost, we thank them for the gift of possibility and a legacy of hope."
Our heartfelt thanks go to the Athlete Leadership members who helped shape the concept, and to the staff committee who brought this beautiful idea to fruition. It was an honour to have Geraldine McKavanagh with us, representing families who commemorate loved ones. Geraldine’s brother, Michael, was a proud member of the Ripples Ten Pin Bowling Team, who meet every Saturday in Lurgan.
A special thank you also to our athlete Jackie Stewart, Athlete Leader & Young Athlete Coach, who continues to be an inspiring ambassador for the transformative power of sport, and to everyone who supports our mission with such dedication.
To mark the occasion, we released balloons six metres into the air — a symbolic gesture of the heights our athletes can reach with the right support, and of the great lengths families, supporters, volunteers, and clubs go to in helping them achieve their dreams.
The Legacy Bench now sits proudly as a place of reflection, celebration, and connection — a lasting reminder that while we honour the past, we continue to look forward with hope.