Over 100 Special Olympics athletes from across Connaught and Westmeath competed at a two-day Bocce event, hosted in the Kingfisher gym, NUI Galway on the weekend of June 16 and 17.
The event was the first ever indoor Special Olympics Bocce advancement competition to be hosted in Galway. Speaking about the event, Special Olympics Regional Myra Merrick commented “It was fantastic to have such a good facility to host a high profile competition like this in Galway. We had six Bocce courts utilised at all times throughout the Saturday and Sunday of the two-day event. It was world class standard and showcased our Special Olympics athletes’ extensive abilities in this sport”.
It wouldn’t have been possible with the 45 volunteers from Galway who supported the running of the competition- which was a qualifying event for athletes to progress on to Special Olympics Regional competitions next year.
Longstanding Special Olympics volunteers, Michael Bindon, Kilcornan Centre, Clarinbridge and Jackie Moran, Skylark Centre, Athenry assumed the roles of Event Manager and Competition Manager for the weekend of activities.
“Michael and Jackie were a fantastic support for this event. They brought their extensive skills and expertise from volunteering at Special Olympics Ireland and World Games competitions to the event” said Regional development officer Michael Gilroy.
“They successfully managed and motivated volunteers across all roles over the entire weekend and ensured the clock-work running of the event”.
A number of local sports and business personalities were also on hand to present awards to athletes including Galway Hurling captain, Fergal Moore; former All Star Galway hurler Joe Connolly; Galway Rose, Anna de Paor; Proinsias Kitt, DHKN; Cathy Hynes, development officer, NUIG; Ita Regan, RSA Insurance, Ballybrit and Garda Paula O’Dowd, Oranmore
