The countdown to the Special Olympics Ireland Games 2018 has begun for hundreds of athletes, as Team Ulster was launched in Belfast.
277 Ulster athletes now officially begin their preparations to compete on a national stage at the Ireland Games, which take place in Dublin from 14-17 June 2018.
Athletes will train in local clubs across the Ulster region for the next nine months, supported by a network of local volunteer coaches and the Games management team.
The Ireland Games are set to be one of the largest and most prestigious sporting events to take place in Ireland next year, with over 1,600 Special Olympics athletes from right across the island of Ireland travelling to compete in Dublin.
Selected athletes from these Games will go on to represent Team Ireland at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.
Athletes will be accompanied by 600 coaches and official delegates and 3,000 family members and supporters.
The Games will be supported by a team of 2,500 volunteers who will be recruited from Dublin and beyond over the coming months through a major volunteer recruitment campaign, which is now underway.
“We are extremely proud of the athletes who will be representing Ulster at the 2018 Special Olympics Ireland Games in Dublin,'' said Shaun Cassidy, regional director, Special Olympics Ulster, at the launch.
“Today is a result of hard work, commitment and dedication and I congratulate all 277 athletes that have qualified to compete.
“We will be counting on lots of home support from everyone to make the 2018 Ireland Games a real success for our Team Ulster athletes.”
Anna Joudeh, aged 14, from north Belfast is a member of Salto Special Olympics Club, where she has trained in rhythmic gymnastics for four years.
In preparation for the Ireland Games, Anna will attend her gymnastics club on a weekly basis and additional monthly sessions to prepare for the Games.
She’s trying to have a healthier diet and lifestyle to be better prepared for the Games.
Commenting on her selection, she said: “I’m very proud and excited to have been selected to represent my Club and Ulster at the Games. My family are so proud of me and are looking forward to supporting me and the other athletes at the Games.
“I love being involved in Special Olympics, learning new routines and making new friends.
“I love competitions; the preparation and excitement and the buzz of competing. Winning a medal is an added bonus.”
To keep up to date with Special Olympics Ulster events and athletes, visit http://www.specialolympics.ie/ follow the organisation on Twitter, @SOIreland @SO_Ulster and on Facebook, www.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsUlster.
