Special Olympics 2003

"Let me win but if I cannot win let be be brave in the attempt" - Special Olympics Oath

Welcome - Fáilte - Willkommen - Beinvenido - Benvenuto - Bienvenue

Bienvenidos Argentina!!!

Press Release - 16th June 2003

After months of preparation the Special Olympics Argentinian team have finally arrived to Derry ~ Londonderry ~ Doire to rest and acclimatise in the run up to the Special Olympics World Games 2003 which commences in Dublin this Saturday with a star studded opening ceremony featuring Nelson Mandela, Mohammad Ali, U2 amongst many others.

Mayor Councillor Shaun Gallagher said that the expectation and excitement for the arrival of the team has been building for weeks.

“The arrival of the Olympic Flame of Hope to the City on Saturday really brought home what the event is all about. Over 1,000 people welcomed the Flame of Hope to Derry along with athletes and guests from throughout the country, bringing something incredibly special to the City.”

“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”.

Guildhall Square was thronged with well-wishers on Saturday afternoon for the arrival of the Olympic Flame of Hope. Earlier in the afternoon the crowd were entertained by the Lilliput Theatre Company, Big Electric Ceili Band, Q102 Roadshow and a number of Street Entertainers who added to the carnival atmosphere. Over 400 people also participated in the Fun Run~Walk from St Columb’s Park Leisure Centre to the Square.

Soon afterwards the atmosphere turned electric, as word came that the Olympic Flame of Hope had arrived. The International Torch Run team were greeted with rapturous applause as it made it’s way down Shipquay Street where they were met by Derry’s own Special Olympics Athlete David McCauley who had the honour of leading the team into a packed Guildhall Square for the welcoming reception, which was attended by Mayor, Councillor Shaun Gallagher, Denis O’Brien - Chairman of the Special Olympics World Games, Special Olympics athlete John Lynch from Derry, John Hume Foyle MP MEP, Co-Chairmen of the Host Town Committee Jim Herron (Bank of Ireland) and Tony Evans (Derry City Council) .

Members of the Host Town Committee have worked tirelessly over the past number of months in preparation of the arrival of the Argentinian Team and Paula Armstrong, Project Co-ordinator of the Host Town Committee said that the city has pulled out the stops to ensure that they receive the best possible welcome:

“We are delighted with the generosity, response and support we have received to date and we have a great week planned for the team which includes a balance between preparing for their main event at the weekend and some hospitality and fun while they are relaxing the city. It’s a great honour for us to be part of this event and we are very proud to be hosting the Argentinian team.”

Their itinerary this week includes a Welcome party hosted by the Mayor, Councillor Shaun Gallagher, City Tours, Aromatherapy session, Ten Pin Bowling, Sports Training and a farewell Barbecue on the evening before they depart.

The Argentinian team of 30 athletes, 10 coaches and a medical doctor will use their 5-day stay as an opportunity to relax, acclimatise and train before moving to their Special Olympics World Games accommodation on June 20th.

For more information please contact Sinéad Glynn on (028) 71 376504 or sinead.glynn@derrycity.gov.uk


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	Welcome - Fáilte - Willkommen - Beinvenido - Benvenuto - Bienvenue Bienvenidos Argentina!!! Press Release - 16th June 2003 After months of preparation the Special Olympics Argentinian team have finally arrived to Derry ~ Londonderry ~ Doire to rest and acclimatise in the run up to the Special Olympics World Games 2003 which commences in Dublin this Saturday with a star studded opening ceremony featuring Nelson Mandela, Mohammad Ali, U2 amongst many others. Mayor Councillor Shaun Gallagher said that the expectation and excitement for the arrival of the team has been building for weeks. “The arrival of the Olympic Flame of Hope to the City on Saturday really brought home what the event is all about. Over 1,000 people welcomed the Flame of Hope to Derry along with athletes and guests from throughout the country, bringing something incredibly special to the City.” “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”. Guildhall Square was thronged with well-wishers on Saturday afternoon for the arrival of the Olympic Flame of Hope. Earlier in the afternoon the crowd were entertained by the Lilliput Theatre Company, Big Electric Ceili Band, Q102 Roadshow and a number of Street Entertainers who added to the carnival atmosphere. Over 400 people also participated in the Fun Run~Walk from St Columb’s Park Leisure Centre to the Square. Soon afterwards the atmosphere turned electric, as word came that the Olympic Flame of Hope had arrived. The International Torch Run team were greeted with rapturous applause as it made it’s way down Shipquay Street where they were met by Derry’s own Special Olympics Athlete David McCauley who had the honour of leading the team into a packed Guildhall Square for the welcoming reception, which was attended by Mayor, Councillor Shaun Gallagher, Denis O’Brien - Chairman of the Special Olympics World Games, Special Olympics athlete John Lynch from Derry, John Hume Foyle MP MEP, Co-Chairmen of the Host Town Committee Jim Herron (Bank of Ireland) and Tony Evans (Derry City Council) . Members of the Host Town Committee have worked tirelessly over the past number of months in preparation of the arrival of the Argentinian Team and Paula Armstrong, Project Co-ordinator of the Host Town Committee said that the city has pulled out the stops to ensure that they receive the best possible welcome: “We are delighted with the generosity, response and support we have received to date and we have a great week planned for the team which includes a balance between preparing for their main event at the weekend and some hospitality and fun while they are relaxing the city. It’s a great honour for us to be part of this event and we are very proud to be hosting the Argentinian team.” Their itinerary this week includes a Welcome party hosted by the Mayor, Councillor Shaun Gallagher, City Tours, Aromatherapy session, Ten Pin Bowling, Sports Training and a farewell Barbecue on the evening before they depart. The Argentinian team of 30 athletes, 10 coaches and a medical doctor will use their 5-day stay as an opportunity to relax, acclimatise and train before moving to their Special Olympics World Games accommodation on June 20th. For more information please contact Sinéad Glynn on (028) 71 376504 or sinead.glynn@derrycity.gov.uk
Project Coordinator: Paula Armstrong Tel: 028 71 289200 Email: Paula.Armstrong@derrycity.gov.uk