Local Athletes aim for Gold at Special Olympics 2018

June 6, 2018

Local athletes from the Lisburn & Castlereagh area will compete for gold in the upcoming Special Olympics 2018.

This year, the games will kick off on Thursday 14th 2018 June running until Sunday 17th June 2018 where participants from across the Isle of Ireland will compete in a range of activities throughout Dublin. Approximately 1,600 athletes are expected to compete for a place on the podium across 15 disciplines. An additional 2,500 volunteers will also be on site to ensure the games run smoothly.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council had the honour of hosting a reception for local athletes from Lisburn 2Gether Special Olympics Club before they embarked on their journey for medal success as part of a 277 man squad representing Team Ulster.

Hopeful 2018 medallists from Lisburn & Castlereagh included local badminton players; Adam Smyth, Sarah- Louise Rea and Ben Hayward along with their coach Terry Conroy and Head Coach Willie McMillan, Bocce athletes; Claire O’Neill, Theresa McMahon, Chris Parker and Oliver Magee, along with their coach Noreen Kavanagh, football players; Joe McVarnock and Daniel Tennenson and 10 Pin Bowling athlete Matthew Emerson.

Speaking about the reception in honour of these athletes, Councillor Tim Morrow, Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council commented; “Lisburn 2Gether Special Olympics Club is a fantastic organisation that allows athletes to compete at both a recreational and competitive level across a range of sports. Since launching, the Club has already enriched the lives of many people within the Council area. It has worked with athletes to improve their health and wellbeing, build confidence, develop social skills and most importantly, nurture long standing friendships.

He continued; “It has been a delight to host this reception at Lagan Valley Island for this group of talented individuals and I wish them every success at the upcoming games in Dublin. It would be great to see our athletes return home with silverware in hand.” 

To find out more about the Special Olympics 2018 as well as available volunteering opportunities, visit www.irelandgames.ie