On the 25th July, 7,000 athletes from over 177 countries gathered in Los Angeles for the Special Olympics World Games to demonstrate their incredible courage, unwavering determination and sheer joy by representing their country on the world stage. Special Olympics Ireland was represented at these iconic Games by 88 courageous athletes selected from across the country.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] On the 25th July, 7,000 athletes from over 177 countries gathered in Los Angeles for the Special Olympics World Games to demonstrate their incredible courage, unwavering determination and sheer joy by representing their country on the world stage. Special Olympics Ireland was represented at these iconic Games by 88 courageous athletes selected from across the country. Avolon took part in the Support an Athlete campaign which covered the cost of sending one of the athletes from Team Ireland to the competition. This cost covered everything including coaching, medical requirements, uniforms and accommodation. Team Ireland returned home to Dublin with an amazing 82 medals, which included 26 gold, 28 silver and 28 bronze medals. The team also received 41 placement ribbons and secured 31 personal bests. Special Olympics Ireland is a sports organisation for people with an intellectual disability, but it provides athletes with far more than the physical benefits of sport. Special Olympics changes lives. Through sport, athletes develop both physically and emotionally, they make new friends, realise their dreams, and know they can fit in. Special Olympics Ireland enables our athletes to achieve and win not only in sport but in life too. https://www.specialolympics.ie/[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type="image_grid" images="6154,6156,6155,6157,6153" img_size="130x87" el_class="jvGallery"][/vc_column][/vc_row]