Special olympics ireland winter games photos!

On Friday 22 March our flagship facility at South Lake Leisure Centre hosted the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Ireland Winter Games! We were joined by hundreds of athletes, their families, coaches, volunteers and elected representatives, as well as a special visit from the First Minster Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly!

The ceremony was a special event which included a parade for the athletes, raising of the Special Olympics flag and the Law Enforcement Torch Run by members of the An Garda Síochána and the PSNI. This was a truly spectacular night, marking the beginning of the 2024 Winter Games, taking place in NI for the first time event!

Across the weekend, the Winter Games Floorball competitions took place at the South Lake Leisure Centre and Craigavon Golf and Ski Centre hosted Alpine Skiing.

Athletes also had the opportunity to attend ‘Health Athletes’ clinics, offering screening in areas including vision, hearing, dental and fitness assessments. Young athletes were also given the chance to participate in games and activities!