Blanchardstown Community Website

Special Olympics 2003

Blanchardstown Centre Prepares for the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games: 40,000 Expected at Special Shopping & Entertainment Evening

The Blanchardstown Centre in Dublin will resemble the United Nations next June when 10,000 athletes and coaches join over 28,000 family members and friends for an evening of shopping and entertainment during the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games.

The Blanchardstown Centre, with its 154 retail units and three department stores, is the only retail venue in Ireland large enough to cater for the 40,000 visitors from over 164 international delegations in Ireland to take part in the 2003 World Games.

The Blanchardstown Centre will play a prominent role throughout the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games.

In addition to being appointed official shopping and entertainment venue, Blanchardstown's Leisureplex will be the venue for the Games' bowling competition, while the library will host an international art exhibition, featuring one piece of art from each participating delegation.

Military-style planning is underway with local Gardai, the civil defence and the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games Organising Committee working closely with Pat Fitzgerald, deputy manager, and his team, to ensure an unforgettable evening at the Centre for athletes and their families. The visit to the Centre will be the only occasion during the Games when athletes will meet socially with their families and friends. Colourful entertainment in the form of street theatre and music will be laid on for the special evening, on June 24 next.

"This is a huge logistical exercise - the largest we have undertaken since our official opening six years ago. For example, more than 450 buses will transport the athletes to the Centre. As families arrive separately, detailed planning is required to ensure that they can meet each other on arrival. We will also be coordinating a team of more than 300 volunteers, translators and medical staff who will be available to assist our visitors during the evening. Everyone working at the Centre is very excited to be involved with the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games and we are delighted to host this very special evening," said Pat Fitzgerald.

"The communities of West Dublin are giving their whole-hearted support to the 2003 Special Olympics World Games and we are delighted that Blanchardstown will play such a pivotal role."