On Saturday last, 26th April, volunteers from counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon gathered in Leisureland, Galway for a Special Olympics General Orientation and Training Day. With less than 50 days until the arrival in Ireland of 7000 Special Olympic athletes, the mood among the assembled crowd was buoyant and enthusiastic. Castlebar was well represented with many volunteers and committee members travelling to Galway for the event. The day was co-presented by Castlebar’s own Agnes McGee, a member of Castlebar Host Town committee and a former Special Olympic Medallist. Agnes and Keith Finneagan of Galway Bay FM took the volunteers through a full programme dealing with issues such as learning disability, cultural awareness, inter cultural communication and a day in the life of a volunteer.

Carmel Dooley, Volunteer co-ordinator, Castlebar Host Town committee, would like to thank all those volunteers who travelled from Castlebar to attend the training session. Castlebar Host Town committee now invites all Castlebar Host Town volunteers to attend a local orientation and training session. This will be held in the Traveller’s Friend Royal Hotel and Theatre on Monday 26th May at 8pm. For further details please contact Carmel Dooley on 087-2349903.