Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland

While the Olympic Festival opened in Beijing today in such spectacular style and glamour typical of an Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, the Irish Paralympic Team gathered in Limerick for the last time before they too embark on the journey to China, continuing the Irish Olympic & Paralympic Festival experience. The 45 athletes from 9 sporting disciplines along with coaches and support staff following a morning of focused training gathered for lunch, viewing the events unfolding approximately 5000 miles away. For this group, the sense of anticipation was palpable as they willed their Olympic counterparts on, knowing that 4 weeks from now, they too will  continue this journey of competition on the world stage.   Although delving briefly into the emotion of the moment, the athletes had no time for complacency and duly returned to the training pitches, halls and tracks to continue the rigours necessary to focus of their preparations. In truth it is all to easy at a time like this to get distracted by the fervour and atmosphere of the Olympic cycle, but such is the planning and preparation of all involved, nothing remains to chance. Time will allow them the opportunity in due course (4 weeks to be precise), to experience what will be their Paralympic dream.   This team is a mixture of youth and experience, the training camp allowing both athletes and staff alike to learn from each other, sharing  in the build up of what is ultimately a very rarely experienced life event. The weekend provides the opportunity to iron out logistical details such as final travel plans, confirmation of performance strategies, advance freight shipment amongst other things. Reflective of the positive attitude, Limerick put on show of her best weather allowing optimum training, the benefit of which was evident to all those who were present. In attendance at this year’s camp are 10 ParaLions, a term introduced this year by the Paralympic athletes and staff to describe up and coming talented athletes, as part of their effort to introduce sport to a new audience. For these athletes it is a unique opportunity to witness what being a member of a Paralympic Team is about, fostering the seeds of belief and expectation for London 2012. For the Paralympic Team athletes it is a welcome opportunity to share knowledge and experience, passing on the wealth of knowledge which could otherwise lie untapped.   The evening witnessed the distribution of the Official team kit provided by O’Neills Irish International Sportswear Company Ltd. This is always a significant time as taking possession of the official Paralympic uniform brings a tangible sense of reality for athletes who will have up until this point listened to many plans and presentations of what would be. In being so focussed on what needed to be done, an athlete will rarely permit themselves time to appreciate the privilege and honour which they have earned. Not to disappoint, this year was no different with both athletes and staff allowing themselves a brief window to savour the moment. Tomorrow, they will return to their training grounds, return to the tasks they have set for themselves, deserving of our praise and worthy of our expectations.

PCI President Tony Guest (left) and Chef de Mission Jimmy Byrne (right) present Gabriel Shelly (Boccia) with his team kit in Limerick today

Luke Evans (Football) receiving his kit

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