On 21st June 2003 the eyes of the world will be on Croke Park for the opening ceremony of the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games. D-day for Castlebar is 16th June when 154 Venezuelan athletes, coaches and officials arrive in Castlebar and the Host Town Programme of Special Olympics 2003 begins. The delegation will on Monday 16th June to Castlebar by coach following their arrival and registration in Dublin. Castlebar Special Olympics Host Town committee has made arrangements to accommodate the athletes in Lough Lannagh and The Traveller’s Friend Hotel.

The athletes will be based in Castlebar for 4 days and this time offers the athletes a chance to rest after the long flight and also to experience Castlebar hospitality. The athletes will train each morning for an hour’s duration. This training will be quite light with the emphasis for their stay on rest and relaxation. The Venezuelan athletes are participating in 13 different sporting categories ranging from Aquatics, Athletics, Basketball, Soccer, and Equestrian to more unusual sports such as Powerlifting Roller-skating and Bocce.

Afternoon activities for the Venezuelan delegation include a visit to The Musuem of Country Life at Turlough House and bowling at Mayo Leisure Point.

Remember Volunteer Orientation Night in the TF on May 26th.