Welcome to Eircom Special Olympics

Volunteers' Diaries

Paddy Quaid here, eircom project manager, reporting from Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai.

Well we are finally here after the long days and months fundraising, it was tough at times but is all worth it now we are here supporting our team of Irish athletes and experiencing all Shanghai has to offer.

I am one of ten lucky volunteers to be selected to work as an International Volunteer in the Special Olympics International HQ which means I will get to experience a variety of different aspects of the Games from working with international media to helping the Caribbean team with their luggage

Well my day started by getting up at 7am and traveling to the Four Points, HQ of Special Olympics International. We were sent out straight away to get our accreditation and when we arrived there was a queue as long as the Great Wall. So of course we decided not to comply with the official process but do it the Irish way i.e. walking to the front of the queue and taking control. Within a short period of time normality was restored and everyone left happy.

We left the hotel to go to the Sheraton Hotel to manage the logistics for an International VIP and Media conference. We were part of the welcoming committee and anyone who knows me that being very shy I found it difficult to manage the job. Of course I am as usual only joking. The day so far has been fantastic and very rewarding.

I am heading off now with my room mate Thomas, a former athlete to try out some of the local Chinese delicacies. To all those who helped out with the fundraising, thanks a million and I am thinking of you here in China.

Regards Paddy Quaid

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