By Jonathan Brown
TWO local sports clubs supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities are celebrating medal success following the recent Special Olympics Ireland Games, held in Dublin from 18 to 21 June.
Down Special Olympics Club members Jackie Stewart and Chris Craig both enjoyed success in bocce. The pair claimed gold in the Doubles competition, while Jackie also won silver in the Singles event and Chris took bronze.
Athletes from Shimna Stars Special Olympics Club also impressed, with CJ Hennessy, Patrick Hennessy, Emma Clendinning, Michelle Crawford and Tori Campbell representing the club. CJ and Patrick won silver as part of the Ulster men’s Basketball team, while Michelle, Tori and Emma secured bronze with the Ulster women’s team.
The County Down athletes were among a 222-strong Team Ulster squad that competed against teams from Leinster, Munster and Connacht.
Following the Games, Team Ulster athletes received a heroes’ welcome at Stormont Estate during a special homecoming celebration hosted by Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly Edwin Poots MLA. First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly also attended the event.
Thanks to their performances in Dublin, all seven local athletes are now in contention for selection to represent Ireland at next year’s Special Olympics World Games in Santiago, Chile.
Down Special Olympics Club chairman Frank Donnelly praised Jackie and Chris for their commitment.
“They work hard; they have to work hard if they want to achieve anything,” he said.
