Chairman criticises public policy

The "public policy dividend" that flowed from the staging of the Special Olympics World Games here in 2003 has been "not what we might have hoped for", according to the chairman of Special Olympics Ireland, Fergus Finlay.

However, speaking to The Irish Times at an event in Dublin yesterday to present the 143 athletes and 55 coaches travelling to China for the 2007 World Games in October, Mr Finlay said the impact of 2003 had been to transform people's attitudes and increased a positive awareness about people with intellectual disabilities.

"It wouldn't be possible now to treat people with an intellectual disability as badly as some did then and get away with it. But in terms of public policy, well for instance it now looks to be a reality that people with an intellectual disability in residential centres are going to be charged as much as those in nursing homes. I cannot see the moral justification for that."

He said since the 2003 games there had been a substantial increase in sporting facilities for potential Special Olympians.

"There are 300 more clubs and it's hugely important because it's not only about sport. It's about friendship, leadership and fulfilment and building confidence and a sense of purpose. The impact on the athletes, and their families too, is huge."

The number of registered athletes is now 11,000, up from 7,000 in 2003 and there are now 18,000 fully-trained volunteers.

Among the athletes at yesterday's event was Maeve Long, from Mallow, Co Cork, who will play as part of the Irish golf team. She said Special Olympics were "really cool", while getting the golf ball into the hole was a "piece of cake".

Anne Foley, from Abbeyleix, Co Laois, is on the equestrian team. She won two golds for Ireland at the 2003 games.

"I train every Thursday. I'm really excited about going to China. I don't have my own horse but we get paired off with one before the event."

A spokeswoman for Special Olympics Ireland said the public response to their fund-raising drive at the weekend had been "overwhelming".

"People were getting out of their cars to come over and give money - €20, €50, one man gave us €100. It has been fantastic."

Team Ireland will take part in 12 sports at the games, taking place in Shanghai from October 2nd to 11th.