Winter Games Athlete - Kicks off College Football at the Aviva
This weekend, the Aer Lingus American College Football Classic was a sold-out sensation, filling a total of 50,000 seats at the Aviva Stadium. The air buzzed with anticipation as everyone awaited the start of this momentous game. The opening ceremony did not disappoint, the crowd were treated to an unforgettable spectacle. The opening of the game was a dazzling display of marching bands, cheerleaders, and fireworks. But the most heartwarming moment came when Special Olympics Ireland Winter Games athlete Caolán McConville took centre stage, honoured with the privilege of presenting the game ball.
Caolán, who is no stranger to the spotlight after winning silver and bronze medals in skiing at the 2017 Winter Olympics, confidently waved to the cheering crowd, who responded with thunderous applause.
This incredible moment was made possible by the event's sponsor, Aer Lingus, which has a longstanding partnership with Special Olympics Ireland. Aer Lingus has been a staunch advocate for equality and inclusion in sports, passionately promoting the vital work of the Special Olympics in empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities.
During a timeout, sports broadcaster Phoebe Schecter interviewed Aer Lingus' Chief People Officer, Ann Kiely, and Special Olympics Ireland CEO, Matt English. Ann proudly reflected on the partnership, saying, "Our journey together began in 2003 when Dublin hosted the World Summer Games. Since then, we've proudly flown Team Ireland to numerous World Summer and Winter Games. We’re eagerly looking forward to flying the team to Turin, Italy, in March for the 2025 Winter Games."
Flying Team Ireland to the Special Olympics Winter Games is no small feat, and Ann offered a glimpse into how deeply Aer Lingus is involved: "It means so much to our employees and involves tremendous support across the organization—from our ground staff, cabin crew, and pilots to our engineers and office teams. Everyone at Aer Lingus rallies behind the Special Olympics Team Ireland. The athletes' dedication continues to inspire us. Their oath, 'Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,' resonates with us deeply, and we can't wait to support them and their coaches for the Winter Games."
Matt English, Special Olympics CEO, and athlete Caolán McConville had the honour of meeting Aer Lingus CEO Lynn Embleton, CFO Elizabeth Haun, CCO Susanne Carberry, and several other Aer Lingus team members. They also had the chance to chat with the Minister of State for Sport, Thomas Byrne, and Minister of Finance, Jack Chambers.
For the rest of the game, Caolán and his father, Peadar, were treated to a VIP experience, soaking in every thrilling moment of the nail-biting game between Georgia Tech and Florida State. Peadar McConville described the experience as "unforgettable" and said they cherished every second.
Speaking about Caolán, Matt English shared, "Caolán McConville is one of our top skiing competitors. He's an exceptional athlete, dedicated to his sport, with his sights set on gold this time. Caolán and the rest of the athletes are training intensely, and we have high hopes of bringing home medals. But most importantly, we're certain they'll have the time of their lives!"
The Special Olympics Winter Games will take place from March 8th to 16th, 2025.
Learn more about Team Ireland, at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Torino 2025
Follow Team Ireland @specialolympicsireland on Instagram and Facebook or on Twitter @SOIreland.
