Team Ireland’s Special Olympics World Winter Games campaign came to a triumphant conclusion as a bronze medal win by Lucy Best (Ballinderry, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland) in the Novice Slalom event brought the final medal tally to 11 medals and four placed finishes.
In total, Ireland claimed five gold, two silver and four bronze medals along with two fourth place, one fifth place and one sixth place result.
Best took the course with skill and speed, capping off a very successful alpine skiing run for Team Ireland.
Speaking at the slopes, Best’s mother Jo said: “We would like to say as a family that the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin have been an amazing success. It was truly down to amazing athletes and amazing coaches, and amazing results for all the skiers and floorball athletes.
“We really can’t get over the fact that our skiing athletes have to train on dry mats at dry slopes. They are winning against athletes who have come from around the world, one hundred countries!”
“The fact that most of these countries train on snow just shows how amazing and dedicated our athletes are. We would like to say thank you to everybody in Special Olympics and our local club Ski Ability NI who have made this possible.”
Meanwhile, the eight members of the Team Ireland floorball team formally received the bronze medal they won as a result of their successful Games campaign which culminated in a thrilling 3-0 victory against a tough Switzerland side.
The final events of the Games kicked off at 6:00pm local time, with two simultaneous Closing Ceremonies hosted in Sestriere and Turin.
The Sestriere event featured a parade of athletes, speeches, the lowering of the Special Olympics flag and its handover to the 2027 World Summer Games hosts of Santiago, Chile.
The Games were officially closed by the extinguishing of the Olympic flame, followed by a dance party for the assembled athletes, delegations and guests.
The Turin event was an expression of athlete empowerment, inclusion and ability; a ceremony ‘by athletes, for athletes’. The event was created, organised and hosted by the Sargent Shriver Global Messengers (“SSGM”), a group of 10 athletes from across the world who act as leaders and advocates for inclusion on a world stage.
The Ceremony featured a powerful speech by Irish athlete and Sargent Shriver Global Messenger, Margaret Turley, whose important activity throughout the Games included leading out Team Ireland at the Opening Ceremony.
The event also featured an interview with trailblazing Special Olympics athlete, referee, and Assistant Floorball Coach for Team Ireland at the Games, George Fitzgerald.
Speaking at the Closing Ceremony event, Margaret Turley said: “Special Olympics has changed my life. It has opened a world of friendships, gave me new challenges, and most importantly, provided the encouragement and support that shapes who I am today.
“The volunteers in my local club inspired me, proving that people care, pushing me to work harder and be a better person. My club is one of thousands across the world supported by super volunteers, and you are my heroes. Families are expected to support each other, but volunteers are the backbone of these Games. Without your dedication, teamwork, commitment, none of this would be possible.
“Tonight, as we celebrate all of you, I want to leave you with a challenge. Do not let this feeling go to waste when you get home. Bottle it up, and use it for the rest of the year and beyond. Use it to befriend someone who has an intellectual disability. Advocate for inclusion and employment in your community, and advocate for inclusion wherever you go.
CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, Matt English said: “At these Games, history was made: George Fitzgerald was the first athlete to represent Team Ireland as Assistant Coach. Caolan McConville was the first Irish athlete to compete in Alpine Skiing at the Advanced level. Lorraine Whelan was the first Irish athlete to compete at five international Games.
“Everyone at Special Olympics Ireland is so proud of Team Ireland. The results were better than our wildest dreams. I would like to thank the Team Ireland management team and coaches, the many family members and fans who travelled for their support, and our many partners, funders and sponsors that make participation on a world stage possible.”
Team Ireland Medal Tally:
Gold:
Silver:
Bronze
Fourth Place:
Fifth Place:
Sixth Place:
