Ministers Martin and Byrne congratulate Team Ireland on return from Berlin Special Olympics World Games

“It is truly inspiring to see a team filled with an abundance of talent return with such success. I’d like to offer my thanks to the town and people of Bielefield in Germany for hosting our team in the run up to the games. I would also like to thank the coaches, background teams and families who have supported our athletes in their preparations for these Games. Our 73 athletes have competed at the highest levels of their sports. To come back from Berlin with 24 gold, 22 silver and 29 bronze medals across a diverse range of sports is a fantastic achievement, even above and beyond what reaching this international level represents. Of course, it’s not all about winning medals. Far from it. The number of our athletes who achieved personal bests is equally noteworthy and deserving of special acknowledgement. Their record performances and their success will certainly inspire future generations of athletes to qualify and compete at world level.”

“Just over a week ago, I had the honour of walking out with Team Ireland at the opening ceremony of the Games. It was wonderful to see the joy and pride of the team members as they joined with thousands of other athletes from all over the world. Today, we welcome the return of more than 100 people who went to Berlin as part of Team Ireland, whether as athletes, coaches or volunteers. They have truly done Ireland proud. This year, we mark the 20th anniversary of Ireland hosting the Games and since that time, the Special Olympics movement has gone from strength to strength. I’d like to thank the athletes and the teams of people behind the athletes, including their devoted family members and brilliant volunteers, for all of their effort and dedication. They are outstanding representatives of the sporting system that we want to achieve in this country, a system where sport is truly for all.”