Special Olympics - A Message from Mary McAleese, President of Ireland
Áras an Uachtaráin, 21st May 2003
Welcome to the island of Ireland and to the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games. We are proud to host the first World Games ever held outside of the USA and the largest sporting event anywhere in the world this year.
Sport is an important part of Irish life. The chance to host a nine-day event featuring 21 different sports is a thrill for everyone who loves to watch the drama of sporting competition. I know that behind the 7,000 competitors will be thousands of sports fans lending their support to those who have come here to achieve their personal best.
For several years now, people all over the island of Ireland – both North and South - have been preparing for the arrival of the athletes, their coaches and their families. To the organisers of the Games and to the host towns, host families, sponsors, fundraisers and volunteers who are making these Games possible, I thank you.
To the athletes, coaches and families who have travelled here from some 160 countries, I hope that your stay in Ireland is a memorable one and that you have a chance to experience the warmth of our people and the beauty of our land.
Good luck and let the Games begin.
Le gach dea-ghuí,