| On
Monday 16th of June 2003, the Surinamese Special Olympians, after
2 1/2 years of planning, finally touched down at Dublin airport.
They were greeted by host town committee chairperson Fiona de Buis. They
were tired but thrilled to have reached Ireland. Two and a half hours
later they arrived by bus to the outskirts of Waterville where they were
joined by Sgt. Pat Teahan and a group of local supporters to form a
cavalcade through the village. It
had been a long journey from their homes in the northeastern coast of
South America.
 After
meeting their host families and dining at the Lobster Bar &
Restaurant, the team were formally welcomed to Waterville.
 A
large crowd awaited them, as they finally made their way to the
Community Centre and were warmly greeted by a round of applause,
the likes of which, has not been heard for quite some time.
In
spite of their weariness from the long journey they were in great form
and they were obviously moved by the occasion.
 Outside
the centre, children from St. Finian’s Primary School
displayed artwork, which was done in the the athletes honour & inside, the
artwork from Cillín Liath Primary School was displayed in the form of a
large tapestry.
The
highlight of the evening's entertainment was Nuala O’Sullivan flanked by Mick
O’Dwyer & Mick O’Connell as they led the crowd in a rousing
rendition of "The Rose of Tralee."
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Party
at Charlie's Bar
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|
 On
Tuesday, 17th June following a much deserved lie in, the delegation were
taken to Valentia to visit the Skelligs Experience and following lunch
enjoyed a wonderful boat trip around the harbour and lighthouse made all
the more pleasurable by the wonderful sunshine.
That
evening locals got a chance to mingle with the team in Charlie’s.
Traditional music and dance from both countries was enjoyed by all. The
native costumes of the Surinamese were a colourful and an exotic
addition.
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Surimamese athletes in traditional costumes at the
party in Charlie's Bar |
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Of
course the team were here to compete in a serious way at the Olympic
games and Wednesday was all about training. The community centre hosted
the gymnastics squad while the athletics team availed of the GAA pitch
and the swimming team were accommodated in local swimming pools.
Following
their training session & lunch in An Corcán, the team accompanied
by the local primary school were guests of honour at the Kenmare leg of
the Torch Run. Once again Mother Nature smiled on us with bright
sunshine.
After
dinner in Derrynane Hotel it was home for at least one early night
during their stay.
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| Thursday
19th June
Another
training day and a chance to take care of some minor injuries and stiff
muscles thanks to the kindness of Barbara Hild. Following lunch in
Butler Arms a shopping spree was enjoyed by the team courtesy of Comharcumann Naomh Fhionáin Teo. Afterwards it was home to rest before
the team attended a local under 12 GAA game where they were guests of
honour.
At half time they came onto the pitch to recite the Special
Olympic oath-
“Let me win, but if I cannot win let me be brave in the
attempt”- after which it was off to the Bay view Hotel for a farewell
buffet and disco.
 Edward
Gessel in his farewell speech thanked everyone for their hospitality and
friendliness and said that when the first of the team wins a medal it
will be dedicated to the people of Waterville. Local DJs Mark &
Niall played the team out to the tune of "You’re simply the
best"
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| Friday
20th June
In
glorious sunshine, the team were waved off at the community centre by
many well-wishers; the pre-school children and even the primary school
afforded them a guard of honour as they travelled the Spunkane Road.
Many new friendships were forged and we trust that they and ourselves have been
enriched by the whole experience.
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| To see how the athletes got on click on this
link . Click Home Page when you want to return |
