Athens Special Olympics 2011 – Frank O’Brien

Athens 2011 – These games were launched in Dublin last Sunday 13th March 2011 and what a wonderful day for all it was. One hundred and twenty six Special Olympic athletes, forty nine coaches, and two hundred and seven volunteer families and friends were present at the Convention Centre in Dublin. Our athletes who have been  in active training with their respective clubs, schools and of course with our dear friends, Cope Foundation. The athletes met their coaches and most of the 207 Special Olympic volunteers who will be with them from now until the end of the Athens games. Some Irish athletes are disappointed as they are unable to participate in the games this year due to having to take their exams in June, the month the games are normally held. From these 207 volunteers, approximately 15 will be assisting with the games organizing committee, ( G O C ). Cobh’s Frank O Brien will be one of these, and  has been assigned to Golf. Tthis is a sport that I have never played, however Mr. Joe Ryan (Cobh Golf Club) spent time enough to put me through my paces in the GAA Club last week.

Fundraising to support the athletes who will be traveling to these games has commenced, and sincere thanks to those who have kindly contributed towards the necessary expense involved. Sponsorship cards are available for anyone who would care to take one. Please contact Frank O’Brien for details 087 7753159. SuperValu, Ticknock, Cobh, have given permission to fundraise between 1st/2nd April 2011, and your financial support on the day would be greatly appreciated. As I am the sole volunteer from Cobh your assistance on the day would be appreciated for a couple of hours, just give Frank O Brien a buzz at 087-7753159 if available.

History – Voluntary work commenced for me in the early 60’s when I volunteered for the Congo and on my arrival in Cobh in 1964 I continued  to get involved in a number of Cobh Festivals and of course Cobh GAA Club – at underage level Hurling and Football.  When the World Special Olympics Summer Games came to Ireland in 2003 the organizers looked for 30,000 volunteers and I gladly put my name forward to assist.  Since then I’ve assisted with a number of national and world games. This Athens trip will be my fourth World Games with Special Olympics

Regards

Frank O’Brien