IRELAND’S Special Olympics team have received a hero’s welcome in California yesterday.
Team Ireland is in the US to compete in the 2015 Special Olympics in Los Angeles – and each nation is hosted by a town.
The town of Downey, in southeast Los Angeles County, is graciously hosting Ireland’s athletes and their families as they gear up for the Special Olympics Games which kick off with the prestigious Opening Ceremony on Saturday (July 25).
Much to the delight of the athletes from Ireland, their pictures made it on to the front page of The Downey Patriot, a local newspaper for the town of 111,000 residents.
The paper tweeted this week’s front page directly to Team Ireland, who quickly responded that they were on the way.
Downey is ready for you, @SOIreland pic.twitter.com/ovig5tPieJ
— The Downey Patriot (@DowneyPatriot) July 20, 2015
In all, 88 Irish athletes landed in California for the games and, if the town of Downey is anything to go by, they are going to be well taken care of. Since they landed yesterday, celebrations have been in full swing as they enjoy a few days of settling in before getting their heads down for the competition.
Tonight's festivities have come to an end with a fun conga line ending the evening #WelcomeIreland #LA2015 @SOIreland pic.twitter.com/rbEvePI9le
— The Downey Patriot (@DowneyPatriot) July 23, 2015
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