THE words above are the oath of the Special Olympics and this week just gane, the athletes of the 2010 Ireland games lived up to those in every sense of the meaning.
From the opening ceremony last Wednesday night to the final day of events last Sunday, the people of Limerick and indeed Ireland, were taught a lesson in courage, bravery, passion and above all else, a lesson in how to play and participate in sport.
For this journalist, the question arises now, where did the rest of the sporting World go wrong?
To see every single athlete, coach, administrator and volunteer sport a smile for the entire duration of the games, made me, once again believe that sport is indeed fun. From this side of the reporting fence, sport can be clinical.
Reporting on professional sport can make you that way. The end game is all about performance and results and victory.
Last week in Limerick showed me and the thousands of other spectators that witnessed any event, that sport is all about taking part and enjoying every moment of it – regardless of the result.
The victory for all the participants last week in Limerick was being part of their sport and their community. The real winner was sport. Something that is often never said.
The games, from opening to closing, once more showed that Limerick as a City and County is a sporting capital. Once Limerick people decide to help out, they do so with such drive and verve that it is unrivalled in the world.
The special Olympics will return to Limerick, there is no doubt of that. If you missed out on any part of this year’s event, then make sure it does not happen again. It will be something you would more than regret. On behalf of PostSport, thank you to all the volunteers and athletes who made sport special again.
