Munster captain Paul calls for Limerick volunteers to get behind Special Olympics
THE people of Limerick need to get behind the Special Olympics for the event to be a success, according to Munster captain Paul O'Connell who is encouraging people to sign up to the volunteer recruitment drive.
"I think for the event to run smoothly and for it to be a success, the people of Limerick need to get behind it. I think anyone who does get involved will find it's the most incredibly positive thing you could ever do."
Special Olympics Ireland hope to recruit the remaining 3,500 volunteers from across Limerick and the Mid-West in the next month, in advance of the event which takes place from June 9 to 13.
The rugby player has attended the Special Olympics to cheer on his aunt who won a bronze medal at the event.
The excitement it brought to her and brought to our family was incredible," said Paul.
He said the Games offered a memorable experience for athletes and volunteers, "and the people of Limerick should get behind it as much as we can and make it a massive event and a massive success".
The professional athlete said success in his sport was defined by winning and losing, "and maybe that is wrong, but the Special Olympics, even though it is incredibly competitive, it's about so much more than that".
The joy and happiness that athletes got from participating at the Special Olympics was very moving, he said.
"It's an incredible thing to see," he said. "I think sport, played the way it is in the Special Olympics, is something very special."
Volunteers will be involved in running every aspect of the Games and will play an important role in welcoming and assisting the 1,900 athletes, their 650 coaches and official delegates, as well as over 4,000 family members and friends to Limerick.
Volunteers who sign up in the coming weeks will be required to work the five days of the Games, which begin on June 9, and to take part in job specific training for the role beforehand. People do not need to be qualified in a specific area to volunteer.
"There will be a role for everyone," said Matt English, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland. "and I would encourage everyone to come along to one of our volunteer information sessions in February to hear how they can play a part".
Further details are available on www.specialolympics.ie or by emailing limerick2010@specialolympics.ie
Volunteering information sessions which will take place on the following dates:
Saturday, February 6: Jean Monnet theatre, UL. 10.30am
Saturday, February 13: The Strand Hotel, Limerick, 10.30am
Monday, February 15: The Strand Hotel, Limerick, 7pm
Wednesday, February 17: Castletroy Park Hotel, Limerick, 7pm
Saturday, February 20: Jean Monnet theatre, University of Limerick, 10.30am / 1pm
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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