'Flame of Hope' arrives in Ireland
Friday, 13 June 2003 14:32
The torch for the Special Olympics World Games has arrived in Stormont, on its way to the opening ceremony of the games later this month.
The Irish leg of its journey began in Bangor, County Down, where it was met by the PSNI Chief Constable, Hugh Orde, and the Garda Deputy Commissioner, Peter Fitzgerald.
The flame's journey began in Greece earlier this month.
The 'Flame of Hope' will be carried to 130 venues before it is taken to the opening ceremony in Croke Park on 21 June.
During the opening ceremony, the torch will be handed over to one of the athletes - 16-year-old David McCauley from Derry - who has the honour of lighting the flame in the stadium.
Meanwhile a group of athletes due to compete in the games were due in Dublin this morning. The team of seven, who represent Niger in West Africa, are to stay in the host town of Arvagh in County Cavan until the games begin.
More than 7,000 athletes from 160 countries are taking part in the Special Olympics, which are expected to attract as many as 500,000 spectators.
- Morning Ireland: Oliver Callen visits the IBM plant in Clonee and talks to people who are taking part in the 'Fit' course, which has put a disadvantaged group at the forefront of the Special Olympics while overcoming unemployment in the process
- News At One: Declan McBennett reports from the scene at Stormont
- 1.00 News: Declan McBennett reports on the arrival of the Special Olympics torch to Bangor
- 1.00 News: Bernard McMullan reports on the torch run team's arrival to Stormont
- 6.01 News: Declan McBennett reports on the arrival at Bangor and the welcoming ceremony at Stormont
- 6.01 News: Colm Murray introduces Special Oympics coverage: firstly, Michael Fisher reports on preparations for the Opening Ceremony, and hosting the teams
- 6.01 News: Colm talks to Mary Davis, CEO of the Special Olympics
- 6.01 News: Ray Colgan reports on the athletes' and host towns' preparations
- 9.00 News: Declan McBennett reports
