HOST TOWN PROGRAMME

The Host Town programme will be an integral part of the games, where local communities throughout the island of Ireland will host all participating teams. Each international team will have an opportunity to relax, acclimatise and train before moving to their Games accommodation on June 20th. 168 cities and town across Ireland have been selected to become Host Towns.

One of the aims of the Host Town Programme is to promote an understanding in the community of the culture, customs and traditions of the visiting delegations, with particular emphasis on the gifts and talents of people with a learning disability.

Each Host Town will accommodate and entertain a team between June 16 – 20, 2003 and provide sporting facilities allowing them to train before the Games. The project is supported by Bank of Ireland as part of their Premier Sponsorship of the World Games, and management and staff of Bank of Ireland throughout the island of Ireland have played a vital role.

Northern Ireland will play a significant role during the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games. One of the official 2003 World Games’ sports, roller-skating, will take place in the King’s Hall, Belfast. A total of 23 international delegations will be hosted by communities across Northern Ireland for the four days prior to competition as part of the Host Town Programme.

DERRY/LONDONDERRY

Derry has been allocated the Argentinean team, which is made up of 30 athletes, 10 coaches and a medical doctor. Welcoming the Argentinean team to Derry, Mayor Councillor Shaun Gallagher said that the expectation and excitement for the arrival of the team had been building up for weeks.

“We were honoured that Derry was included in the Olympic Flame journey and by hosting Argentinian team it is a privilege for the City to be part of this unparalleled sporting and cultural experience.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the Argentinian athletes to Derry city and I’m sure that everyone is looking forward to meeting them and making their stay with us as memorable as possible.”

The Host Town Committee for Derry has been formed bringing together representatives from Derry City Council, Bank of Ireland, Business Sector, Chamber of Commerce and Special Olympics’ officials. The committee is tasked with hosting the Argentina delegation for the four days prior to the Games. This involves catering, accommodation, transport, entertainment, training and fundraising.