A very Special Olympics weekend

Memories made of special moments


REVIEW
Austin Garvin

WHEN Eunice Kennedy-Shriver started Camp Shriver in 1962 on her Maryland farm, a creation that evolved into the Special Olympics in 1968, little did she think of the effect her creation would have on people with disabilities across the world – and all associated with them.
Ireland hosted the World Games in 2003, one of the biggest and best events ever held in this country, and one that other countries have since endeavoured to replicate.
Limerick hosted the last two National Special Olympic Games, and the one held two weeks ago was even better than the 2010 event, if that was possible. The campus in UL is an ideal location, and the build-up before competition began was one of true joy, love and cheer. Thousands attended the huge parade held in Limerick city and no praise is sufficient for Limerick, its people, and people from all over the country for their input as hosts and volunteers.
Nothing was too much for them. They continually asked if everything was all right and constantly offered tea, coffee, sweets, minerals, sandwiches, biscuits and goodies in the family area. Everywhere you looked, there were smiling faces ready, willing and able to offer help and guidance.
Our family attended the kayaking, which is a relatively new event to the Special Olympics, and Team Connacht are well ahead of the other regions in this sport, as witnessed when the medals were handed out.
Garda Mick Fahy, a native of Roscommon, and based in Castlebar, is worthy of special praise for the time he puts in on Lough Lannagh with the Special Olympians. Martin Sammon, Sharon McGovern and many others also give of their time generously.
The goodwill and affection was palpable as competitors, coaches, and family members cheered each other on at the various events and embraced each other before and afterwards.
The Special Olympics emphasises the true meaning of sport. There’s nothing stage managed, no drugs involved.
What you get is sport in its truest sense, with love and affection around every corner. Family members make friends for life and cannot wait to meet up again.
Team Connacht did very well, with Mayo competitors enjoying huge success.
Claremorris woman Myra Merrick, the co-ordinator of Special Olympics in Connacht, was there to offer support at all the venues.
Teresa Ward of Western Care was also in attendance, and never ceases to amaze us with her capacity to recall everyone’s first name.
Claremorris native Terry McLoughlin and his family were there supporting their son who won gold and silver medals in kayaking.
Terry’s work takes him to the four corners of the globe and the Games gave him a chance to visit his mother Eileen on Convent Road.
MicheΡl Ó Muircheartaigh presided at the medal presentation ceremony and showed that retirement hasn’t dimmed his memory or his beautiful lilting voice.
We stopped on the way home in Ennis to check on how the bowling team had fared and once again the results were positive.
Four years seems a long time to the next National Games and please God we’ll be around to see it.

Austin’s daughter Deirdre won a silver medal in kayaking at the Special Olympics National Games.