Heart, grit, and skill combine to make the Special Olympics Ireland Winter Games a success
The Special Olympics Ireland Winter Games 2024 featured over 200 athletes in action across South Lake Leisure Centre and Craigavon Golf & Ski Centre, as competition in the sports of floorball and alpine skiing proceeded in a spirit living up to the famous Special Olympics Athlete Oath: "Let me win, and if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt".
The opening ceremony was held on the evening of Friday 22nd March. The MC for the event, experienced broadcaster Gerry Kelly, began proceedings as each of the five regions - Ulster, Munster, Connaught, Leinster and Eastern Region - proudly paraded into the hall of South Lake Leisure Centre to the cheers of the assembled guests and dignitaries.
This was followed by speeches from Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council Lord Mayor Margaret Tinsley, Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA , and Special Olympics Ireland CEO Matt English.
The athletes and guests were shown video messages of support and good luck from athletes of the Belfast Giants ice hockey team, and the evening concluded with a rousing dance party helmed by the RUGS Rathfarnham Ukelele Group.
Saturday was the first day of sporting action. South Lake saw floorball teams battle it out across fast-paced and intense matches, with tenacious performances and vocal support from packed crowds of spectators across multiple courts.
The Craigavon ski slopes were host to truly impressive skiing, as athletes tackeld the slalom course with grace and skill. The weather varied, but spirits were not dampened and the benefits of preparation and training were apparent for all to see.
Sunday 24th March was the final day of the Games. Competitive and thrilling play at the South Lakes floorball courts for the final matches was mirrored by impressive displays of skiing skill at Craigavon. Medals and participation ribbons were finally awarded, and the Games officially concluded.
Away from the heat of competition, South Lake also hosted Young Athlete Come and Try sessions with over 40 children trying games and learning new skills, and our Healthy Athletes programme was active across the weekend offering consultations across various initiatives including Strong Minds, Fit Feet, FUNfitness and Health Promotion. Part of the health offering was provided by Blackberry Hearing Ireland with hearing health appointments being free to access for athletes.
The social scene was also busy, with an athlete disco being held on the Saturday evening. Reportedly, the dancefloor played host to impressive dance moves, and the action was wrapped up in time to give the athletes adequate rest before competition resumed the following day.
Throughout the Games, volunteers worked tirelessly to keep the Games running smoothly, and they proved once again that volunteers are the beating heart of our organisation.
We were delighted to welcome dignitaries and guests including Opening Ceremony MC Gerry Kelly, Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council Lord Mayor Margaret Tinsley, Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA , Ireland Minister for Sport Thomas Byrne TD, Sport NI and Sport Ireland, and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.
Photos
Images from the Games can be accessed here.
Results
Official results can be accessed here.
