Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland

The privilege of carrying the Nation’s flag into the Beijing Bird’s Nest Stadium on September 6th for the Paralympic Games has been awarded to Patrice Dockery. A veteran of six Paralympic Games, Patrice is one of Ireland’s most decorated athletes, competing over a period of 21 years in athletics at numerous events on the world stage. Announced at the training camp today by team Chef de Mission, Jimmy Byrne, Patrice was delighted to be awarded this honour; “When Jimmy asked me I was thrilled.  It is a tremendous honour and, of course, there was only one answer.  I will be both proud and delighted in equal measure to lead this team into the Bird’s Nest.”

  The team will be addressed this evening by quite possibly Ireland’s greatest female athlete, Sonia O’Sullivan as part of the series of motivational team talks. Renowned adventurer Pat Falvey and former Irish cricket coach Adi Burrell have previously addressed this Irish team.  Speaking ahead of Sonia’s visit Chef de Mission Jimmy Byrne said: “We are delighted and privileged to have Sonia coming to speak to the team tonight.  As one of the legends of Irish sport it is a massive coup for us to have her visit the camp and the effect it will have on our athletes will surely prove inspirational and it will be a moment to savour for all involved.”

(INFO SOURCE - Paralympic Council of Ireland - www.pcireland.ie)