WITH only weeks to go before the Special Olympics officially kicks off in Shanghai, there was a treat for the boys and girls of Knockavoe School on Tuesday, with the arrival of the Olympic torch.
The Garda and PSNI began four Olympic torch runs on Monday from Killarney, Sligo, Dungarvan and Donegal town. The journey's touched on almost every county before finishing in Dublin yesterday (Wednesday).
A team of 143 Irish athletes will participate in 11 competitions at the World Summer Games in China next month.
A reception in the Westmanstown Sports Centre in Lucan yesterday marked the formal departure of the athletes to the Olympics.
While there is no local involvement at the games this year, chairperson of Special Olympics in Derry, Donegal and Tyrone, Bill McIntyre said the Strabane club was already looking to the Athens games in 2011.
"While unfortunately none of our Strabane athletes are involved in the games this year, it was lovely that the youngsters at Knockavoe School got to see the torch before it headed for China. The PSNI also presented us with an Endeavour Award on the day, so it was nice for the athletes to have their efforts recognised.
"The next games in four years are in Athens but qualifying begins in January so we are already looking forward to that. We hope to get the athletes training hard over the winter months and get a good start next year on our Athens qualifying campaign," Mr McIntyre said.
Meanwhile, speaking on Tuesday, PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland said they were honoured to be able to show their support for the Irish squad.
"The Police Service of Northern Ireland are proud to support the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run with our colleagues in An Garda Siochana. Through the Law Enforcement Torch Run we show our support for our special athletes who are heading off to compete in Shanghai in the Special Olympics World Games.
"The Special Olympics movement reminds us above all that there is a place for everyone and that commitment, hard work and effort prevail. Our aim today and tomorrow is to raise awareness of this invaluable movement and raise funds for our local athletes to continue to train and compete," he said.
