Special Olympics 2003
From 21st - 29th June 2003 the whole island of Ireland played host to the Special Olympics World Summer Games, the largest sports and multicultural event in the world. It was the first time the Games were held outside the United States and they provided us with the largest international sporting event in our island's history.
There were some 7,000 athletes, 3,000 coaches/delegates and 28,000 families and friends at the Games. It is estimated that over 40,000 international visitors came to Ireland specifically for the Games and that the event brought in the order of €35 million into the Irish economy as well as placing Ireland in the centre of the world's gaze for ten memorable days in June.
The Games were organised by 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games Ltd. The Government committed some €14m million to the project, with the EU committing a further €6.35 million. The Games Organising Committee, (GOC) under the Chairmanship of Mr. Denis O'Brien organised, planned, financed and executed the Games in traditional Olympic style, tradition and pageantry. In order to ensure the most successful and spectacular of events the GOC had a number of different sub-groups (business operations, marketing and communications, fundraising, sports and competition, special events, international operations, ceremonies, support and volunteers) to work towards a successful Games.
177 towns and villages around the country (both North and South) became part of this unique event by hosting one of the delegations prior to the Games. The Host Town Programme was a positive and life-enriching experience for all concerned, full of laughter and learning. Lasting friendships were made and the Games the nation an opportunity to learn more about international cultures, intercultural communication and the abilities and achievements of those with a learning disability.
2003 was also the European Year of Disabled People and a number of major events were held around the Games to ensure that awareness of disability was raised.
Full details on the Special Olympics World Games 2003 are available at the company's Website at www.2003specialolympics.com
Information and Contact Details
2003 Special Olympics World Games
3rd Floor, Park House,
North Circular Road,
Dublin 7, IrelandTel: (353 1) 8691666
Fax: (353 1) 8687203
Email: info@2003worldgames.com