Special Olympians waving goodbye at the Delta Centre before they set off for the Games in Limerick

A FANTASTIC weekend filled with medals and memories was enjoyed by 37 Carlow athletes at the Special Olympics Ireland Games 2014. The Carlow crew brought back a huge haul of medals, with some thrilling and exciting performances, delighting families, coaches and all involved in Special Olympics.

“It was an absolutely fantastic week – just brilliant,” enthused Derek Matthews of Carlow Special Olympics Club. “The athletes are exhausted but happy, with a huge number of medals won,” he added.

Derek described the incredible atmosphere enjoyed at all events over the weekend in Limerick, with many families travelling from Carlow to cheer on their loved ones.

Athletes hailed from Delta Centre, Carlow Special Olympics Club, St Laserian’s School and BEAM in Bagenalstown, with Carlow participants involved in almost all of the 14 disciplines featured at the Special Olympics.

A number of Carlovians also acted as volunteers over the weekend, including some former athletes.

“It was absolutely fantastic,” said Annette Codd, regional director for Leinster at the Special Olympics. “You’d nearly want to see it to believe it. The amount of family members there … and the atmosphere,” she added.

“It was a humongous weekend, when you think of it. It’s the biggest sporting event in the country this year,” Annette said.

Fingers are now crossed that some of the Carlow gold medallists will be selected to represent Ireland in the Special Olympics World Games next year in Los Angeles.