Forget São Paulo, for unforgottable sporting opening ceremonies, Limerick was the place to be tonight as the city opened its arms to welcome Special Olympic athletes.
Crowds basked in glorious sunshine as 1,500 athletes representing every county in Ireland paraded through Limerick city centre led by the 40 strong Special Olympics Torch Run team.
The athletes were cheered by thousands of people who lined the parade route along O’Connell Street as it made its way up to the scenic People’s Park for the official opening ceremony of the Special Olympic Ireland Games 2014.
Some 7,000 people attended the ceremony in the transformed People’s Park where parade participants were welcomed to their seats by the Munster Rugby Choir who performed on a giant stage especially erected for the occasion.
The singers aptly chose to kick start the celebration with their version of Black Eyed Pea’s hit I’ve got a Feeling.
As crowds danced and sang to the lyrics “tonights goin a be a good night” it seemed everyone was in the mood to party.
Teams from the Eastern region and Leinster were first to arrive into the seated area followed by teams from Munster, Connacht and Ulster who were all greeted with deafening applause.
Singer Paddy Casey joined the Shannon Gospel Choir on stage as part of the entertainment which featured spectacular performances by Samba dancers, Drummers, Fire Breathers, and Irish band Kila.
The main Olympic flag was brought to the flag pole by a representative from each team and raised by Irish and Lions rugby star David Wallace and Christine Delaney, athlete and Face of the Games.
Proud families were among those cheering loudly from the grassy verges of the People’s Park while athletes occupied the premier positions in front of the giant stage.
“I think my son Jonathan was first to arrive to the seated area. He is dancing for the camera’s and having a ball,” laughed mum Dorothy Kilpatrick from Dublin, as her 28-year-old son arrived with Team Eastern.
“He’s been playing basketball since he was eight and will be competing in the basketball competition this weekend. The Special Olympics is fantastic for them all , it’s their social life as well their sporting life.”
Grandmother Maeve Murphy was cheering for her 14-year old granddaughter Dearbhail Savage who is competing in the Equestrian competition with The Saddle and Reins Equestrian Club from Newry.
Dearbhail’s mum Karen Savage was also there along with Mairead Robb who’s 14-year-old daughter Maeve is also competing in the horse riding contest.
Speaking to the crowd, Special Olympics chief executive Matt English said the organisation was “thrilled” to be back in Limerick.
“I look out and I see 1500 celebrities and you all have a great story to tell.”
“The people of Limerick have shown extraordinary support to our athletes during the long build up to the 2014 Games. Every single call to action has been answered from volunteers to financial support, and for that we are truly grateful.”
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin told the 7,000 strong crowd: "Special Olympics changes lives in so many different ways, enabling people with an intellectual disability to achieve and win not only in sport but in life too. These athletes are supported by their families and a team of 25,000 volunteers who give endless hours of their time and without them the Special Olympics would not be the success that it is."
Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and Tourism Michael Ring took part in an on-stage interview with Caral Ni Chuilin, Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure with the Northern Ireland Executive, demonstrating Special Olympics all-Island make-up.
Speaking at the event, MC Will Leahy said: “Four years ago this city fell in love with some of this country’s most amazing and inspiring athletes. Now we have the unique opportunity to welcome 1,500 athletes, their 500 coaches, management teams, families and supporters back to Limerick. That’s not to mention the 3000 volunteers without whom this superb event would not happen.”
The opening ceremony officially marks the start of the Special Olympics Ireland Games 2014, which run until Sunday.
In excess of 10,000 people are expected to attend the games over the course of the weekend making it one of the biggest sporting events in the country this summer.
Over the course of the games, 1,500 athletes will compete in 14 sports in venues throughout Limerick. As well as being the main hub residential centre, the University of Limerick will also host the athletics, aquatics, basketball, football, gymnastics, kayaking competitions, and the non-competitive motor activities training programme.
Across the city, the Tailteann Sports Centre at Mary Immaculate College will host badminton, and table tennis while the Delta Sports Dome will host Bocce.
The equestrian competition will take place in Clonshire Equestrian Centre. Ennis Leisure World in Co Clare will host the tenpin bowling while Murroe Pitch and Putt and Ballykisteen Golf Club in Tipperary will host the pitch and putt and golf competitions respectively.
Mr Ring told the crowd: “Special Olympics does a wonderful job in giving people with an intellectual disability the opportunity to participate in sport, lead active and healthy lifestyles, be part of a team and make new friends.
“It deserves both our congratulations and sincere gratitude. We are all very proud of our Special Olympics athletes and I would like to wish them all every success at the Special Olympics Ireland Games in Limerick.”
