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TEAM Ireland On the Road to China!

Law Enforcement Torch Run, sponsored by eircom, draws to a close on the eve of TEAM Ireland's departure to the Special Olympics World Summer Games in China

TEAM Ireland, which comprises of 143 athletes and 55 coaches, will depart Dublin Airport on Thursday morning with one destination in mind – the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China.

After months of hard work and training TEAM Ireland are ready and eager for take off. The Special Olympics World Summer Games will take place in Shanghai, China from 2-11th October. TEAM Ireland will participate in 11 sports: Aquatics, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Equestrian, Football (5 aside Male; 5 aside Female & 11 aside Male), Golf, Gymnastics and Table-Tennis. Mary Davis, Chief Executive Special Olympics Ireland said: "The team have been working incredibly hard since they were selected a year ago. I know that they will do us all proud as they participate in the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai"

Prior to departure the Athletes received a warm send off at a ceremony to mark the end of the Irish leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run in Westmanstown Garda Sports and Leisure Centre. Speaking at the ceremony President Mary McAleese wished the athletes well and expressed her pride in all that they have achieved to come this far, "Our athletes have had to work and train very hard to earn their right to be on the road to Shanghai. We admire them for their talent, their determination and their spirit. We know that Shanghai is going to love Team Ireland."

The Law Enforcement Torch Run in Ireland is part of a Global awareness and fundraising event leading up to the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Summer Games which will take place on October 2nd. The Flame of Hope will be carried by 100,000 police officers in more than 31 countries in order to spread the message of Special Olympics and highlight the abilities of athletes to a combined population of 68.4 million people along the route and millions more on television in China and around the world.

The Irish leg of the Torch Run began on Sunday September 23rd. Over the past three days the Flame of Hope visited 51 locations all over Ireland. It was carried by four teams comprising of members of An Garda Síochána, The Police Service Northern Ireland, Special Olympics Athletes and eircom staff members.

Deputy Garda Commissioner Peter Fitzgerald said: "We in the Garda Síochána are proud to be associated with Special Olympics Ireland and, together with our fellow Police Service the PSNI, to be involved in the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Our commitment to our special athletes goes far beyond the torch run and is now part of our core training programme for our students in the Garda College, Templemore. We can all learn from the motto of the special athletes "Let me win, but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt."

Assistant Chief Constable of the PSNI Duncan McCausland said: "The Police Service of Northern Ireland are proud to support the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run with our colleagues in An Garda Síochána. Through the Law Enforcement Torch Run we show our support for our special athletes who are heading off to compete in Shanghai in the Special Olympics World Games. The Special Olympics movement reminds us above all that there is a place for everyone and that commitment, hard work and effort prevail".

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