Athletes from Special Olympics Brazil express their gratitude to Ireland for hosting the 2003 Special Olympic World Summer Games, the world's largest sporting event in 2003. [Picture credit: Dara MacDonaill, IRELAND OUT]
 The 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games flag is lowered during Closing Ceremonies in Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland. The flag was passed by the 2003 Games organizing Committee to representatives from Japan and China, sites of the 2005 and 2007 World Games. [Picture credit: Ray McManus, IRELAND OUT] |
The 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games culminated in an emotional, exuberant party called the Closing Ceremonies on 29 June. After a week of great competition, compelling special events and new friendships, the largest sporting event in the world in 2003 came to a close. More than 75,000 people – including 7,000 Special Olympics athletes – filled Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, for one last, spectacular evening.
After the delegations of athletes from 150 countries around the world entered the stadium, hosts Ian Dempsey and Nicky Byrne (of the singing group, Westlife) kept things moving and the crowd dancing and applauding as they introduced a wide variety of international musical acts, including Blue, Liberty X, Busted, Mickey Harte, Triple 8, Ashley Hamilton, Simon Casey and Westlife. Video clips and interviews showcased the triumphs and joy of the athletes. Actors Colin Farrell and Jamie Lee Curtis appeared to offer their congratulations to the athletes and their thanks to Ireland for setting a new standard for hospitality.
The World Games’ outstanding cast of 30,000-plus volunteers were recognized for their indispensable contributions. Mary Davis, CEO of the 2003 World Games Organizing Committee, said, “On behalf of the GOC, to all the volunteers in Dublin, Belfast and in Host Towns around the island of Ireland, we thank you. These Games would not have been possible without your tireless support and enthusiasm, as you gave Special Olympics athletes a magnificent Irish welcome, and provided boundless encouragement to everyone participating in and visiting the Games. You have made these Games an even greater success than we could have hoped for, and made the Games such a fantastic experience for the athletes.”
As the entertainment drew to a close, Davis and Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern presided over the lowering of the Special Olympics flag and the ceremonial passing of the flag to Japan and China, sites of the next two Special Olympics World Games. (The 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games will be held in Nagano, Japan, and the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer will be held in Shanghai, China.) Irish President Mary McAleese declared the 2003 World Summer Games official over, and the “Flame of Hope” was extinguished, bringing to a close a remarkable fortnight of competition and camaraderie.
|
