13/06/2003

Special Olympic torch arrives in Bangor

The Special Olympics torch was due to arrive in Northern Ireland today as preparations for the forthcoming games in Ireland get into full swing.

The torch will make its way to Bangor before being paraded across 170 towns across the island of Ireland. It will make its way ashore from a Royal Navy ship to the Co Down town.

The games open on 21 June in Dublin and around 7,000 athletes are expected to compete in this year's events before the close of the games on 29 June.

This is the first time the event has been held outside the United States.

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