2023 World Games Daily Roundup: Tuesday 20 June

Athletics  

The final day of athletics divisioning took place today with Katie active in shot put and Ryan and Grace in mini javelin. Valid throws were recorded by all athletes to everyone's delight. Family members were out in force cheering them on in anticipation of much tougher competition in the next few days.  

Even though competition was postponed for an hour and a half due to torrential rain, it didn't dampen anyone's spirits and energy levels were high all day. A meet-up with family at the end of the day further enhanced that spirit, and everyone went home happy and excited for what the rest of the Games will bring. 

Bowling 

The second day of bowling action at the Games also functioned as the team finals day. It turned out to be a fantastic day for the team of Angela Cleary, Michelle Kenny, Andrew Bergin, and Keith Doyle. The determination and concentration showed on all their faces!   

The team was boosted by strong support from Special Olympics Ireland representatives like CEO Matt English and Director of Sport Karen Coventry. Family support was as steadfast and heartfelt as ever, and included Special Olympics veterans like Michelle Kenny's dad Oliver, who was co-founder of Carlow Special Olympics Club. 

Football 

The final divisioning match for the Team Ireland footballers was against Hong Kong. Weather conditions before kick-off were wet to say the least. A torrential downpour made sweltering Berlin seem more like damp Dublin for a while - perhaps this played in the Ireland team's favour as veterans of similar weather! 

The match kicked off at 2pm and Ireland were 1-up early on from a great strike by Eamon Quinn who celebrated in style.  The second and third goals were scored by Daryl Gahan, who said before the match that he knew it would be tough for now on but that the team would do their best - which is an approach they've taken throughout a successful Games so far.    

Hong Kong were not short of opportunities but as usual the Irish defence played their roles well and goalkeeper Omer Teko made a number of crucial saves. The fourth goal on the scoreboard for Team Ireland come from the boot of Raymond Singleton and was quickly followed by a goal from team captain Stephen O’Leary.  

Thankfully the rain stayed away for the rest of the match and allowed for proceedings to finish with the Berlin sun shining brightly on Team Ireland. When the referee's whistle blew to end the match, this marked the end of three divisioning matches in which Team Ireland scored 21 goals in total for three clean sheets - a very impressive showing, with more to come.  Good luck to the football team in the action to come!