Sixteen local Ulster athletes have made a triumphant return home, having secured a phenomenal 22 medals at the 2023 World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany.
Amongst them is Vicki McGill from Donegal, who made the North West Special Olympics club proud after winning a gold medal in basketball.
Pictured: Vikki McGill with her mother Carole pictured at Dublin Airport on the team’s return from the World Special Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
The local athletes were part of a 73-strong Team Ireland, which won a total of 75 medals at the prestigious games in a range of sports including badminton, basketball, equestrian, golf and gymnastics. Team Ulster’s 22 medals were won across nine sports and consisted of nine gold, six silver and seven bronze titles.
Springing to success in Gymnastics, Team Ulster athletes Johnny McCartney, Aaron Lenzi and Haleigh Miskimmin secured the highest volume of medals with seventeen podium finishes including six gold, five silver and six bronze.
On the football field, athletes James Meenan, Eamon Quinn and Raymond Singleton also won three gold medals for Team Ireland.
Shaun Cassidy, Regional Director for the Ulster programme said: “We are extremely proud of each and every one of our competing athletes and are delighted that they can enjoy the success of their medals as a reward for all their hard work. All our athletes have done their clubs, communities and country proud and have inspired countless athletes within Special Olympics and beyond.
“The World Summer Games is a real highlight in the Special Olympics calendar, and we are so proud of everyone from Ulster and Team Ireland who competes and represents us at such a high standard.”
In total, Team Ireland brought home 75 medals of gold, silver and bronze as well as 47 placed finishes and participation ribbons.
In June 2023, Germany’s capital, Berlin welcomed more than 7,000 Special Olympics Athletes and Unified Partners from 190 nations to the World Summer Games which took place from 17 – 25 June 2023.
