The Special Olympics World Games in Berlin have come to a close, with a ceremony at the Brandenburg Gate, bringing an end to a spectacularly successful week for Team Ireland.
Emma Costello from Navan brought the action to a close on the track with a blistering 400 metres, finishing strong in a thrilling race to claim gold.
"I'm all excited, thrilled. I’m over the moon," she said at the finish line in front of her cheering family and friends.
Her mother Siobhan Costello struggled to hold back tears as she hugged her daughter.
"For anyone out there, if you’ve gotten a diagnosis. Just look at these highlights, see what our kids are capable of and don’t let anyone tell you won’t achieve because by God they do."
In total Ireland won 24 gold, 22 silver and 29 bronze medals across a diverse range of sports. The youngest member of the team, Declan Foley from Tipperary, won a silver and bronze in equestrian.
"I enjoyed it. I love it and I love winning medals. I love competition, it’s really fun. But it’s not about medals, it’s about fun," he said as he proudly displayed his medals outside the team hotel in Berlin’s Alexanderplatz.
Golfer John Keating won a silver medal and is looking forward to bringing it home to Dublin Airport where the team lands at midday tomorrow.
"It means a lot. It’s changed my life. Making friends… it’s just a huge honour," he said.
That’s a sentiment shared throughout the team of coaches, athletes and their families. The benefit of the games goes far beyond sport and makes a huge difference to the everyday lives of athletes.
CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, Matt English, says Berlin were fantastic hosts and the games continue to go from strength to strength.
"I’m delighted to see that more and more with every four years that passes we have more athletes that are employed and are making a difference and are contributing to society," he said.
"They certainly are inspiring so many people and are so much fun to be around."
