This article is from page 33 of the 2008-05-13 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 33 JPG
EVERYBODY who has volunteered with special olympics athletes in Shannon over the years will be hon- oured at a civic reception in the town later this month.
The event is part of the celebrations to mark the 30th anniversary of spe- cial olympics in Ireland.
Shannon Town Council will host the civic reception on Friday, May 23, while a family fun day will take place two days later, on May 25, at the leisure centre.
A primary schools art competition is also being organised, involving the six primary schools in Shannon and two nearby schools, Clonmoney
and Stonehall.
Prizes will be presented to the win- ners of that competition, also at the civic reception.
The family fun day will also incor- porate a walk from the Wolfe Tones GAA club to the leisure centre. Eve- rybody who takes part in the walk will receive a scroll, which will be an exact replica of the overall win- ning art piece.
35 people who have volunteered with the Shannon Flyers Special Ol- ympics Club will be honoured at the reception. The club was set up four years ago and has gone from strength to strength since then.
A number of young athletes who are members of the club will speak
at the reception. They will thank the volunteers who have put in much work to ensure their progress has been continued.
Chairman of the club Frank Fitzger- ald said the world games highlighted the need for a club in the area.
“Previously the work was done through the various services. There came a time when there was a need for a club in the area and a group got together,” said Mr Fitzgerald.
“With special olympics, it is very intense on man power and we need a lot of volunteers to run the club,’ he added.
Councillor Greg Duff (Lab), who is a member of the organising com- mittee, said it was important that the
profile of the club continues to grow.
“We are trying to keep up a contin- ued interest in the club,” he said.
“It will be a nice event, a family event and will recognise the work of the special olympics in Shannon. A lot of good work has been done over the years,’ added Mr Duff.
Members of Shannon Town Coun- cil pledged their support to the in1- tiative, at its monthly meeting last week.