A chara, – As a very grateful parent, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all who helped to make the Ireland Special Olympic Games held in Dublin last weekend such a huge success.
To the dedicated coaches who give of their time on a voluntary basis each week training our athletes and preparing them for various sporting events, I would like to say a huge thank you.
These same coaches travelled to and from the games with our athletes, looked after them right through from early Thursday morning to Sunday night and were with them for each event, encouraging them all the way.
Such dedication and commitment are truly admirable.
To the many volunteers who devoted this past weekend giving of their time from early morning to late evening and helping to ensure that the games ran smoothly, we would like you to know that we deeply appreciate your kindness and hard work.
Last but not least, congratulations to the fantastic athletes who participated in the games and, indeed, to those who did not make it to the games.
You all continue to do us proud time and again and are a credit to your clubs, your parents and your country.
Special Olympics has opened up a whole new world to people with intellectual disabilities.
With all the bad news out there, I think it is important to celebrate all that is good and wonderful in our society.
Gura fada buan sibh.
Ar aghaidh linn, le chéile. – Is mise,
BRÍD O’DONNELL,
Ballincollig,
Co Cork.