Team Ireland’s Special Olympics got off to a fine start with three medals being won in the pool as the games got underway on Sunday.

22-year-old Sean Coleman was the pick of the Irish swimmers at the University of Southern California, picking up a silver medal in the 25m backstroke.

There was a bronze medal for 20-year-old Dubliner Gary McEnroe after his third spot in the 25m backstroke, while 35-year-old Sarah Jane Johnstone also collected bronze in the 100m backstroke.

It was a successful day all round for Team Ireland, with seven personal bests recorded in preliminary athletics and aquatics heats.

Among the Irish in action on Monday are the 5-a-side football team, as well as representatives in athletics and gymnastics.