Kilkenny athletes selected to represent Team Leinster across a variety of sports were honoured by Mayor of Kilkenny Cllr John Coonan at County Hall last Wednesday 21st of January. The athletes were all presented with Mayoral Certificates by the Mayor and the cheering and whoops of joy as each athlete received their Certificate could be heard far and wide. There’s no party quite like a Kilkenny Special Olympics Party and this was evident on the evening. The Mayor spoke of his own attendance at the World Games in 2003, attended at that time by Eunice Shriver and Nelson Mandela. He reminded athletes of the Special Olympics oath “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt”
Parents were out in force to celebrate their athlete’s achievements and Deputy Mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr Maria Dollard, also participated as Chairperson of the Club. The hard working coaches and voluntary committee, were acknowledged by the Mayor and a very special Certificate was presented to Club Head Coach Brenda Whitely and her daughter Aoife, without whom there would not be the successful club that there is in Kilkenny.
The 22 athletes will represent Team Leinster across six areas of competition. Athletics Track and field, Swimming, Bocce, Kayaking, Equestrian Sports, MATP (motor activity training programme)
Ireland Games 2026, will take place in Dublin in June and the results will determine the selection of Athletes for the World Games in 2027. The club thanked their wonderful sponsors, who have been so generous and the club plan to run a Bingo night fundraiser in March. It’s a great night and a wonderful cause.
