Profiles of the Irish competitors in the Special Olympics
David Johnstone
Basketball
Although only 20, David is one of the more experienced members of the Irish basketball team. Having completed an Athletics Leadership Programme in Limerick, he is now an assistant coach in his home club of Blackrock Fliers Special Olympics Club in Dublin. He has been playing for 12 years and is a veteran of several Special Olympics events, including last year's European Games in Amsterdam. Then, Ireland came fourth and, while he says he would like the team to do even better in June, he adds "just being there and competing is the important thing".
Laura Jane Dunne
Aquatic events
Competing in four events, 18-year-old Laura Jane is currently training three or four times a week with her club, the Jets, in Donaghmede, Co Dublin, and also in pools closer to her native Dundrum. Understandably, she is thrilled with the facilities she and the other swimmers will enjoy in Abbotstown, although she feels the water in the new National Aquatic Centre is too cold. However, Laura Jane says that that won't stop her from doing her best in the green of Ireland. "The main thing is the taking part but I would love to win a gold medal."
Kiera Richards
Gymnastics
If you ask the 11-year-old from Clondalkin what the highlight of her Special Olympics' experience has been so far, she will say: "meeting Roy Keane". She got to chat to the Manchester United star at a recent publicity event for the Games. A member of the Bayside Gymnastics Club, she will take part in all four disciplines; beam, floor exercise, vault and bars. Kiera says her strongest event is the beam and that she will give it everything in June. "I am looking forward to meeting lots of people from other parts of the world".
Tara Leech
Gymnastics
In the last few months, 21- year-old Tara has been taking her training very seriously. Preparing for the Level 2 gymnastics event, she has been making the long trip from her home in Mount Merrion, Co Dublin, to Bayside Gymnastics Club in Sutton at least three times a week. Her dedication also extends to what she eats, with salads and pasta an integral part of her diet. Tara won five gold medals at last year's national games and sings the praises of the dedicated coaches at Bayside. "This is my first time at the World Games but I am going to try my best."