Olympic endorsement for Belfast

As preparations for the Special Olympics World Summer Games enter their final stages, the United States’ Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, Ambassador Richard Haass, is to give his personal endorsement to Belfast’s plans to welcome his country’s young sportsmen and women.

Belfast will be acting as Host City to more than 1,300 athletes and support staff from Team USA, who will be visiting Ireland for the 11th Special Olympics World Summer Games in exactly one month’s time.

A total of more than 10,000 athletes from 160 international delegations will be taking part in the Games, which are being held outside the United States for the first time.

Team USA will arrive in Belfast in a little under four week’s time, on Monday June 16. The athletes will spend five days acclimatizing, training and being entertained, prior to travelling to Dublin to participate in the Games, which start with the gala opening ceremony at Croke Park on Saturday June 21.

Commenting on today's visit, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alex Maskey said: “I am delighted that Ambassador Haass has taken up our invitation to see some of the preparations at first hand, and to meet some of those responsible for the mammoth undertaking that is the Belfast Host City Programme.

"The excitement is mounting for this incredible event, and I am sure all the people of this great City of Belfast will come together to ‘Share The Feeling’ of the Special Olympics and make this a truly memorable visit for all concerned."

During today's visit Ambassador Haass will also meet members of the Belfast Host City Programme local organizing committee, as well as some of the volunteers who are helping to make the endeavour possible, and Belfast members of Team Ireland.

The Ambassador will be the guest of honour at a City Centre reception later this evening, hosted by Bank of Ireland, premier sponsor of the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games.

(MB)