Waterford's Carriglea athletes recognised for outstanding achievements at Special Olympics
It was a great occasion on Tuesday last as the Carriglea Special Olympics Club received a Mayoral reception from the Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Liam Brazil. Photo: Noel Browne
An enthusiasm that hasn't been seen in City Hall's reception room "since King Charles and Queen Camilla were here" was seen last week as Special Olympics athletes from Carriglea were recognised in a mayoral reception for their outstanding sporting achievements.
At the reception, held in honour of their performances at the Special Olympics All Ireland games in Dublin this June, local Councillor Damien Geoghan welcomed the athletes, their coaches, families and friends, congratulating them on their "fantastic hoard of medals".
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Liam Brazil started the ceremony with a speech congratulating the 22 athletes being recognised, reminding them that although they won an outstanding number of medals at the summer games, their participation and love for their sport is what most deserves to be recognised.
"It's great to have you here with your medals, like Cllr Geoghan said, the only medals important today is your medals," he said, adding that many of the athletes had three or four medals hanging around their necks because they had earned their medals, and he hasn't earned his one yet.
"While the medals are a wonderful achievement," he continued, "the true success of the Special Olympics lies in the ability to promote inclusivity, build confidence, independence, and create ever-lasting friendships."
Mayor Brazil highlighted the different sports athletes excelled in at the games, including basketball, soccer, equestrian, athletics and bowling. He also welcomed many of his fellow Waterford City and County councillors to the reception, some of whom also made congratulatory speeches to the athletes and coaches.
He thanked the athletes then for their commitment to their sport and to their county.
"You have shown us all the power of sport in bringing people together and providing everybody with an opportunity to shine," he said.
"And to me, what you have achieved is so important for yourselves, but also important for us as individuals here in Waterford city and county. You have made Carriglea and Waterford immensely proud."
Regina Deegan, a nurse working with the Carriglea athletes, also spoke at the reception, saying, "You have all made us so incredibly proud, and while medals and personal bests are wonderful achievements, what matters most is the taking part, supporting one another, making new friends and always giving your very best.
"And you have all given your very, very best. These are the true values of the Special Olympics."
Although the reception was a non-stop stream of applause, cheers, and congratulatory spirit, it was at its absolute height when Lismore's Rachel Willoughby, a Special Olympics athlete for Carriglea, followed Ms. Deegan's inspiring speech by reading aloud the Special Olympics oath;
“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave at the attempt.”
Following the oath, certificates honouring the athletes outstanding achievements were handed out one by one to each athlete by Mayor Brazil, where once again the athletes, coaches, friends and families all showed tremendous spirit, applauding and congratulating each honouree with great enthusiasm.
