Basketball bliss in Gormanston as teams compete for glory
Athletes battled across the basketball courts of Gormanston on Day 2 of the Games with determination, teamwork and passion.
The levels of focus on display were remarkable, and athletes were prepared for a strong contest.
Vicki McGill, an Ulster basketballer, is a Games regular having played for Team Ireland at the 2023 Berlin Games and for Ireland Games in the past. “And I hope I get to go to Chile next year!”
Vicki added that while the training was tough, she was helped by her coach Patricia, and the Games were “very good, meeting new people and getting out and enjoying yourself. Meeting other people, meeting other players, just having fun. It’s absolutely lovely to come and join and have fun with all my teammates and all the supporters.”
Vicki is definitely keeping an eye on the scoreboard as well as enjoying the fun of the Games, however: “Yesterday we won in two matches, and we drew in our second match. I think our team will do well as long as we focus and get on with and everybody will be happy!”
From veteran of multiple Games to first-timers, there are a range of perspectives and experiences shared on the basketball court. A great example of this is Ryan Doyle, a Leinster basketballer who is competing in a Games for the very first time.
“The Games are really good at the moment. I'm really enjoying it. It's great being around all these wonderful people here in Gormanston Park. I'm really enjoying myself here. It's my first Games I've competed in, and I am thrilled to be here.”
“The training would be tough enough. We train once a month with our team, but we also have club training on a Monday night, and we just have to keep working hard to get better. I can't wait for our match. We're playing Munster, and we're going to give our best shot!”
Ryan summed up the experience well when he said “Special Olympics means to me: the people around me encouraging one another to become better, and that's what it's all about, because it’s great to be in a community with wonderful people”.