Team Leinster launch into the Special Olympics Ireland Winter Games

The event was a celebration of the athletes, coaches and volunteers who will represent their region with pride in Craigavon from 22nd to 24th March. 

The launch event featured informative presentations, good luck messages, and a question-and-answer session with Irish hockey star Aisling Naughton, who stayed on afterwards to appear in photographs and share conversation and competition advice with athletes. 

Jamie Reilly, aged 24, has been a member of Navan Arch Club since 2018, active in floorball and tenpin bowling. The Longwood, Co. Meath native‘s enthusiasm shines through: “I was very excited when I heard I was selected to compete in floorball at the Winter Games, and we’ve trained very hard for it – our chaperones and coaches have been very helpful. We're all friends on the team and it’s a good atmosphere.”  

“My advice would be to keep calm on the court, and if you get tired – tell your coach! And for our supporters, try to keep quiet so we can concentrate – but if we’re winning, keep shouting for us!” For my fellow athletes, I’d say to them to just go out, play well, be happy and do your best!” 

Clare Murphy, aged 27 from Athy, Co. Kildare has been a member of KARE Club since 2016 , active across basketball and floorball: "Special Olympics is great craic, I love training. Our coach Ken is always messing with us...but sometimes he takes it very seriously! We do a lot of training, but I love the social aspect of it as well.” 

“The Winter Games training has been very hard. I train three days a week. When I found out I was selected, I was pretty much in shock, but also very, very proud – and now, I feel ready. I do feel a bit nervous, but overall I’m ready to perform well. My advice to my fellow athletes is to just keep it up, keep training. Push through the nerves and you’ll be fine.”  

Coach Paddy Slattery, of Naas Special Olympics Club, has been active as in Special Olympics for 13 years, and began coaching floorball 4 years ago. He is positive about the developments he has witnessed over that time: “When you look at it from when I started first to now, the progression in athlete and coach development has been fantastic. With the athletes, you can see the fun and enjoyment for them, which is paramount, and the inclusive nature of the programme.” 

“There’s been a real improvement in coaching standards and skills which allows the players to further develop their own skills and potential. You can see the improvement and the impact upon our athletes in each training session, which is great.” 

“There’s a public perception that Special Olympics happens every four years when the World Games are on – but there’s local clubs in every county active every week for all our athletes.”  

Louise Duffy, Regional Director Leinster, highlighted the goodwill, excitement and positive energy surrounding the Leinster delegation: “The athletes, coaches and entire delegation are very excited to be representing Leinster at the Games. So much preparation, planning has gone into this, and a lot of hard training.”  

“We’d like to thank Eir for the use of their HQ building to host this launch event, which has had a great atmosphere of anticipation and positivity. I’d also like to thank TTM Healthcare Recruitment for kindly sponsoring the event. I can’t wait to cheer on our teams as they do Leinster proud.” 

The Leinster Region will be counting down the days until the games, knowing they have trained hard and have the support of all their family, friends, and clubs behind them.  
 
The Ireland Winter Games is a qualifying competition for the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025, which will take place in Turin, Italy.

You can view photos of the launch here.