Athletes fly the Irish flag proudly at Special Olympics
By Laura Lyne: THERE were rapturous celebrations in Dublin Airport on Tuesday as the athletes who competed in the Special Olympics World Games returned from Los Angeles victorious after picking up 82 medals at the competition.
11 local athletes flew the Irish flag in the games, which opened on July 25, and were joined by their family, friends, coaches and teammates as they jetted off to Los Angeles two weeks ago.
They were greeted to by a hero’s welcome from hundreds of supporters as they made their way through Terminal 2 of Dublin Airport upon their arrival.
Michelle Stynes who plays for Palmerstown Wildcats Basketball club and is from Tallaght, represented Team Ireland and was awarded a gold medal along with her Wildcats teammate Sarah Byrne from Clondalkin.
Michelle’s sister Laura told The Echo: “Michelle is thrilled, she worked very hard throughout her training and her and the team deserve every bit of their success.
“The team gelled so well, and obviously they wouldn’t have been able to do it without their coaches. Michelle enjoyed the whole experience – it was a fantastic trip and she made a lot of new friends.”
Thomas Caulfield from Ballyfermot also saw success and won a bronze medal as part of the 11-a-side soccer squad that also included David Carrig from Lucan and Francis Bilardi and Mark Duffy from Tallaght – they all represented Cheeverstown House.
Thomas’ mother Teresa spoke to The Echo about the team’s success: “Thomas, and everyone, is over the moon with the bronze medal. When they came home they were all buzzing, and there was a big celebration afterward.
“Thomas worked very hard training and there were hundreds of people there to greet them on their return.”
Local swimmers also saw great success, with Keith Butler from Limekiln winning gold in the 800m freestyle swim, and Gary McEnroe winning bronze in the 25m backstroke.
Rathfarnham equestrian athlete Elizabeth Mair also had big success at the games, winning gold in the working trails and the English equitation.
Stephen Joyce from Lucan and Omer Teko from Greenpark also represented Team Ireland as part of the 5-a-side soccer squad, receiving a ribbon and placing fifth overall.
