Ulster athletes set for Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi

Q Newsdesk

A send-off reception has been held in Belfast for the Ulster athletes taking part in the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi.

21 athletes from Special Olympics Ulster will compete across 10 sports at the Games which take place from 14 – 21 March. Supporting the Ulster team will be 15 volunteers. 

A reception is taking place in Belfast to celebrate the 21 Ulster athletes taking part in the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi on 14th-21st March pic.twitter.com/2bE27iZwGM

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) 25 February 2019

This year’s annual funding for Special Olympics Ulster is shared with the Department for Communities, the Department of Health and the Department of Education and amounts to £610,000.

Speaking at the reception Department for Communities Permanent Secretary Tracy Meharg said:

“The 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games provide a unique opportunity for competition at the very highest level for our Special Olympics athletes, giving them the opportunity to compete as well as meet and form new friendships and to enjoy new life experiences.

“The Department continues to support the excellent work that Special OIympics Ulster does to improve the quality of the Sports Programme it offers, to develop and promote opportunities for engagement and involvement of athletes and to continue with its holistic approach to growing its Health and Wellbeing Programme with the athletes. They help promote social inclusivity, to support athlete participation in sport and society, together with the optimisation of the volunteering aspect of local operations.

“I would like to commend those have worked so hard to make the participation of local athletes at the Games a reality. That includes those athletes, coaches, volunteers and supporters who dedicate their time week after week to ensure the Special Olympics flame remains alight.”

Team Ireland will consist of 91 Special Olympics Ireland competitors, which includes the 21 athletes from Special Olympics Ulster. 

Matt English, CEO Special Olympics Ireland said: 

“2019 is shaping up to be a huge year for our athletes having worked so hard over the past three years to qualify for these Games. The support we receive from the Department for Communities, the Department of Health and the Department of Education through Sport NI is invaluable, in supporting these athletes and thousands of others that participate in the year-round Special Olympics programme in the Ulster region.”

Shaun Cassidy, Regional Director of Special Olympics Ulster added:

“It is a great honour for each and every Ulster athlete that has been selected for Team Ireland, having worked so hard over the past three years to qualify for these Games and to compete at international level and represent Team Ireland in Abu Dhabi. As the countdown continues, excitement is mounting, and we would encourage everyone to put their support behind these dedicated athletes.”

Some of the athletes have been speaking to Q Radio:

Swimmer Peadar Connolly tells us how many lengths he’ll have to do. He also says he’s been practicing 4 days a week ahead of the competition pic.twitter.com/vg6vAJGWg3

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) 25 February 2019

‘We’re normal people at the end of the day and we’re there to show what we’re made of’ says 19 year old Badminton player Sarah Louise Rea pic.twitter.com/BysFGSHFLu

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) 25 February 2019