Team Ireland received a heartfelt homecoming at Dublin Airport following their remarkable achievements at the Special Olympics in Berlin.
A group of Aer Lingus staff formed a dignified guard of honour, guiding the athletes into the arrivals hall. The 73 athletes and 36 members of coaching and management returned to Ireland with 75 medals.
𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗻, 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁
73 athletes will represent #TeamIreland at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, 17th - 25th June.
Learn more at 🏆https://t.co/h1uCOepG3I pic.twitter.com/D79bGuKAp4— Special Olympics Ireland (@SOIreland) June 12, 2023
The Special Olympics World Games is the largest inclusive sports event, with over 190 countries represented at the games. This year, the games took place in Berlin, Germany from 17-25 June. In total, Ireland secured an impressive collection of 24 gold, 22 silver, and 29 bronze medals across the athletics, badminton, basketball, bocce, bowling, equestrian, football, golf, gymnastics, kayaking, swimming and table tennis events.
“Unreal!” There wasn't a dry eye at @DublinAirport at the @SOIreland homecoming with crowds 10 deep. #TeamIreland brought back 75 medals in Gold, Silver & Bronze. @AntonSavageShow for @kierancuddihy @TheHardShoulder 6pm. @SpecialOlympics @SOWG_Berlin2023 pic.twitter.com/i26Q1bNZoK
— Henry McKean (@HenryMcKean) June 26, 2023
Special Olympics Ireland was founded in 1978 and is a sports organisation for people with an intellectual disability from the age of 4 years old with no upper age limit. Currently almost 8,000 athletes from across Ireland participate in 15 different sports through Special Olympics.
Special Olympics Ireland also offer sports, health and leadership programmes helping the athletes to become physically, mentally and emotionally fit - allowing them to learn new skills, increase confidence and get to experience the joy of sport.
Matt English, Special Olympics Ireland chief executive commended the incredible Irish performances at this years games: "I am absolutely ecstatic. I couldn't be any prouder of all the athletes they did absolutely brilliant. The coaches, they trained them all so well. Everyone is tired now, but we are full of joy and memories that will last a lifetime."
