Menu
18/02/2003
Irish Tenor appointed as Ambassador for Special Olympics
One of America’s favourite Irish tenors, Ronan Tynan, has linked up with Tourism Ireland in the US to undertake a special publicity campaign around the staging of the Special Olympics in Ireland.
Team USA, which comprises 1,000 athletes and 300 coaches, is scheduled to stay in Belfast for a four day rest and training period prior to the commencement of the games on June 20. It is anticipated that combined with family members and friends, the total number of people travelling with Team USA will exceed 3,500.
At the request of Tourism Ireland, Ronan has written a celebratory song for the Special Olympics ‘Ireland – This is the Hour’ which he has already been invited to perform at the Opening Ceremonies in Dublin.
Jim McGuigan, Tourism Ireland’s Head of North America said: “We are delighted that Ronan Tynan has joined our team to market the staging of the Special Olympics in Ireland. This is a prestigious international event with powerful appeal to all people of goodwill.
"Ronan is a wonderful example of how indomitable the human spirit can be. In addition to his other outstanding achievements, he has competed internationally as an athlete in track and field events and holds the world records in the discus, shotput, and long jump for bilateral amputees. We know that he will be an outstanding envoy for Ireland to these games.
“Visitors from America who will arrive to participate in and support these games will enjoy the warm hospitality they will receive first of all in Northern Ireland where they will stay to acclimatise before moving to the Greater Dublin area for the games themselves. This will be the largest event Ireland has ever hosted and the largest sporting event in the world in 2003."
Elsewhere, Education Minister Jane Kennedy has come out in support of the new 2003 Special Olympics World Games School Enrichment Programme, in Northern Ireland. The Programme is a specially designed course dealing with all aspects of disability awareness. Schools will be supplied with specifically designed resources to help children increase their knowledge and understanding about people with learning disabilities.
The Programme is being run both in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland at primary and post-primary levels to mark this year’s Special Olympics World Summer Games.
(MB)
Team USA, which comprises 1,000 athletes and 300 coaches, is scheduled to stay in Belfast for a four day rest and training period prior to the commencement of the games on June 20. It is anticipated that combined with family members and friends, the total number of people travelling with Team USA will exceed 3,500.
At the request of Tourism Ireland, Ronan has written a celebratory song for the Special Olympics ‘Ireland – This is the Hour’ which he has already been invited to perform at the Opening Ceremonies in Dublin.
Jim McGuigan, Tourism Ireland’s Head of North America said: “We are delighted that Ronan Tynan has joined our team to market the staging of the Special Olympics in Ireland. This is a prestigious international event with powerful appeal to all people of goodwill.
"Ronan is a wonderful example of how indomitable the human spirit can be. In addition to his other outstanding achievements, he has competed internationally as an athlete in track and field events and holds the world records in the discus, shotput, and long jump for bilateral amputees. We know that he will be an outstanding envoy for Ireland to these games.
“Visitors from America who will arrive to participate in and support these games will enjoy the warm hospitality they will receive first of all in Northern Ireland where they will stay to acclimatise before moving to the Greater Dublin area for the games themselves. This will be the largest event Ireland has ever hosted and the largest sporting event in the world in 2003."
Elsewhere, Education Minister Jane Kennedy has come out in support of the new 2003 Special Olympics World Games School Enrichment Programme, in Northern Ireland. The Programme is a specially designed course dealing with all aspects of disability awareness. Schools will be supplied with specifically designed resources to help children increase their knowledge and understanding about people with learning disabilities.
The Programme is being run both in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland at primary and post-primary levels to mark this year’s Special Olympics World Summer Games.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 June 2006
Special Olympics torch arrives in Belfast
The Special Olympics Ireland torch has arrived at Stormont on the eve of the Special Olympics Ireland Games.
Special Olympics torch arrives in Belfast
The Special Olympics Ireland torch has arrived at Stormont on the eve of the Special Olympics Ireland Games.
05 February 2020
Special Olympics Ireland Winter Games Launched
Some 23 Ulster athletes will represent Northern Ireland as the Special Olympics Ireland Winter Games comes north for the first time ever. The event was officially launched today by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA and Education Minister Peter Weir MLA.
Special Olympics Ireland Winter Games Launched
Some 23 Ulster athletes will represent Northern Ireland as the Special Olympics Ireland Winter Games comes north for the first time ever. The event was officially launched today by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA and Education Minister Peter Weir MLA.
20 May 2003
Olympic endorsement for Belfast
As preparations for the Special Olympics World Summer Games enter their final stages, the United States’ Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, Ambassador Richard Haass, is to give his personal endorsement to Belfast’s plans to welcome his country’s young sportsmen and women.
Olympic endorsement for Belfast
As preparations for the Special Olympics World Summer Games enter their final stages, the United States’ Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, Ambassador Richard Haass, is to give his personal endorsement to Belfast’s plans to welcome his country’s young sportsmen and women.
27 June 2022
First Special Olympics Ulster Event Held In Three Years
Communities Minister has welcomed the return of the first Special Olympics Ulster event in three years, with athletes 'going for gold' at Antrim Forum. More than 80 athletes competed in the two-day track and field events and were supported by a team of volunteers, coaches and family, who Minister Hargey thanked for their dedication.
First Special Olympics Ulster Event Held In Three Years
Communities Minister has welcomed the return of the first Special Olympics Ulster event in three years, with athletes 'going for gold' at Antrim Forum. More than 80 athletes competed in the two-day track and field events and were supported by a team of volunteers, coaches and family, who Minister Hargey thanked for their dedication.
28 February 2019
NI Athletes In Training For Abu Dhabi Special Olympics
A group of 21 athletes from Ulster are gearing up for the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi next month. The team will compete across 10 sports at the event from 14-21 March, accompanied by 15 volunteers.
NI Athletes In Training For Abu Dhabi Special Olympics
A group of 21 athletes from Ulster are gearing up for the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi next month. The team will compete across 10 sports at the event from 14-21 March, accompanied by 15 volunteers.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
