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Volunteers' Diaries

We all gathered in reception and after many choruses of the Fields of Athenry the group photo was taken and on to the buses we rambled. There was a great atmosphere building as we neared the Shanghai Jiangwan Stadium and the sea of green could be seen by many as we paraded into the stadium.

We were seated on the pitch along with the Irish athletes with a great view of the stage and the big screen. An amazing firework display started proceedings, which was followed by extremely colourful characters and artists parading around the athletes. Many of the athletes seized the opportunity for photographs especially with the Special Olympics mascot 'Sammy'.

The highlight for many was hearing Jose Carreras singing the amazing Amigos Para Siempre. The closing ceremony closed in style with an apt rendition of Time to Say Goodbye as the flame was extinguished, the Special Olympics flag lowered and the games were officially handed over to Greece, the hosts of the Summer games in four years time.

All that was left to do was the grab the last remaining opportunity to swap badges, t-shirts, hats and coats with all other nationalities. The sea of green was a bit more diluted on the way back to the buses as many of the volunteers were now wearing red China jackets, white officials jackets, yellow hats from Ukraine etc.

All in all it was an amazing finale with all athletes, coaches, family members and volunteers already looking forward to Athens in 2011.

Its time to pack the bags.

Benita McMahon
12th October, 2007

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