Newbridge's preparations to welcome the Japanese Special Olympics team to Ireland earned it the title of overall winner of the Bank of Ireland's host town programme yesterday.
The Co Kildare town, which will accommodate almost 80 athletes and coaches, has organised special Japanese language classes and cultural talks for its volunteers in advance of the team's visit.
The town is one of 177 host towns which will accommodate more than 6,000 athletes ahead of next month's Special Olympics in Dublin.
Arklow, Co Wicklow, Cahirciveen, Co Kerry, Swinford, Co Mayo, Tralee, Co Kerry and Armagh were also recognised for their achievements.
The chairwoman of Newbridge's host town committee, Ms Teresa Harrison, said the preparations over the last year-and-a-half had bonded the community and raised awareness of special needs. "From the very beginning, I have to say, it touched the hearts of everyone," Ms Harrison said. "We became a family unit from the very start. Most of us had never worked together before. All the communities in the town, from the youngest children to our senior citizens, all became part of it."
Japan's ambassador, Mr Takeshi Kagami, said a delegation would be visiting the town to see how the host town system is organised and hoped to adopt a similar model when Japan hosts the next Special Olympics.
"We are very proud that the Japan team will be accommodated by the best host town in the programme. A team of Japanese officials is coming to see how we can learn some lessons for when we host the games," Mr Kagami said.
Among those present at yesterday's reception were Special Olympians Shane Dooge and Shane Ennis, from Newbridge.
