Remarks by President McAleese at the final leg of the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
Remarks by President McAleese at the final leg of the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run Westmanstown Sports Centre
Dia dhíbh a chairde. Tá an-áthas orm bheith i bhur measc anseo ar an ócáid speisialta seo.
Four years ago, I had the pleasure of greeting the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run as it arrived in Ireland to mark the start of what was without doubt the most memorable occasion in my time as President - when Ireland hosted the Special Olympics World Summer Games. Now our athletes are off to Shanghai where we know they will excel and bring great pride to Ireland. So it is with huge pleasure that I welcome the arrival in Westmanstown of the “Flame of Hope”.
The Flame and the Torch Run Team have been on a long, thrilling journey throughout the island of Ireland. Everywhere they have gone they have put the Special Olympics on the map and raised funds which help Ireland’s special athletes to aim for gold. They have also given great witness to the power of partnership, for An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland are joint Guardians of the Flame of Hope, a role they have shown tremendous commitment to. I thank them for all they have done to make sure the athletes who represent the island of Ireland know they have the support of the whole island.
Our athletes have had to work and train very hard to earn their right to be on the road to Shanghai. We admire them for their talent, their determination and their spirit. We know that Shanghai is going to love Team Ireland. On the 5000 mile journey will be coaches, trainers, physios, medics, families, supporters and an army of voluntary helpers from nurses to bag carriers. Every one of them makes us proud. We know Ireland has a formidable team of ambassadors on the way to China.
Eircom’s sponsorship of Special Olympics Ireland is a crucial part of the massive effort behind our team’s participation in Shanghai. I thank Eircom and all those who have gathered the considerable funding that allows our special athletes to compete locally, nationally and internationally.
Opening the first ever Special Olympics in 1968, Eunice Shriver quoted the gladiators’ prayer from Roman times, using words which have since been adopted as the Athlete Oath, ‘Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.’ We know you will be brave. We hope you will win. Have a brilliant time in Shanghai. We are proud of you already.
Good luck, safe journey, and thank you.