Fundraising Events Planned for Gary’s Special Olympics Involvement

Charlie Farrelly and Gary O’Sullivan and the poster with the details of the fundraising table quiz at Tom McCarthy’s Bar in Castleisland on March 1st. ©Photographs: John Reidy
International athlete, Gary O’Sullivan pictured last July after he received the news of his selection as the sole Kerry representative on the Irish Special Olympics World Games Team for Abu Dhabi this March. Gary is pictured with his grandmother, Mary O’Sullivan (right) and the equally proud neighbour, Margaret Mitchell. ©Photograph: John Reidy 21-7-2018

Castleisland Special Olympics athlete Gary O’Sullivan will fly out to Abu Dhabi in early March as part of the Irish team participating in the Special Olmpics World Games.

At least two fundraising events have been mentioned in recent days to support Gary’s involvement in the world games.

One of these events has been hardened up to happening status. The other one is in the process of being discussed at the moment.

Monster Table Quiz

On Friday, March 1st. at 9pm. a ‘Monster Table Quiz’ will be held in Tom McCarthy’s Bar. Tables of four at €20 per table and there will be raffles and spot prizes and all the proceeds will go to Gary O’Sullivan and the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Fund.

In his role as Castleisland Races Committee Chairman, Charlie Farrelly and his group made a contribution to the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Team after last June’s races.

All-Ireland Gold Medals

Gary O’Sullivan was one of those there to receive the cheque on the occasion and he brought his two All-Ireland Gold Medals.

It was thought likely that he would be selected on the Irish team for the Abu Dhabi games on the strength of this outstanding achievement.

Charlie Farrelly promised him there and then that he’d hold an event to support him if his selection came to pass.

Politics or Not

“Politics or not, I made this promise to Gary last summer and I’m only following through on that,” said Charlie during the week as he collected the posters for the Monster Quiz he’s organising.

“I would encourage all clubs and individuals to give this event the huge support it deserves and give Gary a great send off a week before he flies out to Abu Dhabi for the Special Olympics World Summer Games,” said Charlie – an independent candidate in the May 24th local elections for the four seater Castleisland Electoral Area.

Gary’s Selection – A Goal Realised

Around this time last year, Castleisland Special Olympics athlete, Gary O’Sullivan set himself a goal of winning a medal for his team at the national championships.

Serious sportspeople always focus on the next immediate challenge and never beyond. Gary’s focus was justified and his goal realised.

The championships of his attentions were held in Dublin over four days last summer from June 14th. and Gary competed as part of the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club and his specialties were the 4kg Shot Putt and in the 400m walk.

Gold for Kerry Stars

Gary won gold for the Kerry team in both competitions. It was time to refocus. It was time to reset his goals.

He dared to dream, after ‘the nationals’ of making the Irish team selection for the World Special Olympic Games in Abu Dhabi in the spring of 2019.

Postman Dan Lyons delivered the letter containing the news that Gary had been selected to represent Ireland in his specialties.

World Games on March 8th to 22nd

Gary will now be part of the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi 2019. The games are scheduled for March 8th. to 22nd. and will become the largest sports and humanitarian event anywhere in the world.

Over 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing more than 170 Special Olympics teams from around the world will be involved

“Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will be the most unified games in history and promises to offer an inclusive experience for those with and without intellectual disabilities,” according to the organisers.

And a Castleisland man will represent his country there. Isn’t that something ?

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