2003 World Games Anniversary

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This June we are celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the 2003 World Summer Games held in Ireland which led to the Special Olympics Ireland that we have today. Since hosting the World Summer Games in Dublin in 2003, Special Olympics Ireland’s community club network has now grown to over 254 clubs, with 10,073 volunteers across the island of Ireland, offering the transformative power of sport to 8,435 athletes across 15 different sports. 

parkrun are extending an invitation to Special Olympics Ireland to join them in their celebratory parkruns across the island of Ireland! Weekly parkruns, like Special Olympics clubs, bring together people of all ages and abilities and we are delighted that parkrun have offered their Saturday events on 24 June to let us come together (to run, jog, or walk 5k) to celebrate!

With over 130 parkrun locations across the island, we hope you will join us in celebrating all your club has achieved and connect with your local community.

Whether you're a seasoned park runner, club athlete or a Special Olympics volunteer, the events on the 24 June promise to provide memorable experiences! 

There are a few simple steps we ask you to complete before you attend:

Register in advance for your local parkrun! To register and find your local parkrun please visit their website
home | parkrun Ireland / register | parkrun UK
Share the celebrations with you clubs network and on social media by using the hashtag #TogetherFor20 and tag Special Olympics Ireland @SpecialOlympicsIreland
Show up in your club gear, Special Olympics colours (red or white) or your 2003 gear!

Special Olympics Ireland will be hosting six flagship events with one in each of the 5 regions that we invite our clubs and volunteers, athletes and families to join us for. Alternatively, you can meet with your local Special Olympics club across the country in any local parkrun and create your own celebration!

Connaught Region - Sligo (Doorly Park) (For more information please email connaught@specialolympics.ie)
Eastern Region - (National Sports Campus) (For more information please email eastern.region@specialolympics.ie)
Eastern Region - (St. Anne's Park) (For more information please email eastern.region@specialolympics.ie)
Munster Region - (Ballincollig) (For more information please email so.munster@specialolympics.ie)
Ulster Region - (Stormont) (For more information please email so.ulster@specialolympics.ie)
Leinster Region - (Naas) (For more information please email so.leinster@specialolympics.ie)