Celebration for Special Olympians at Stormont after record-breaking medal haul
Special Olympics athletes representing Team Ulster at the Ireland Games last week received a special reception at Stormont on Thursday (June 25).
The special reception was hosted by the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Edwin Poots, to commemorate team Ulster’s success.
The 222 athletes representing the region won 229 medals, their highest number recorded for the all-island competition.
More than 1,200 athletes competed across 13 sports at the Games, marking the largest inclusive sporting event on the island of Ireland.
Special Olympics Ireland Games are held every four years, with the 2022 event being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning this year’s proceedings were the first since 2018.
The event also marked the 30th anniversary of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), celebrating three decades of support for the Special Olympics movement.
Thursday’s celebrations began outside Parliament Buildings with a symbolic Torch Run, bringing together athletes, government officials and law enforcement representatives from the PSNI and An Garda Síochána.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) engages law enforcement worldwide to champion acceptance and inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities, starting with their local communities.
Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton, President of the PSNI Law Enforcement Torch Run, said: "This milestone reflects 30 years of unwavering commitment by law enforcement officers across Northern Ireland to the values of inclusion, dignity and opportunity championed by Special Olympics.
"For three decades, officers and staff have proudly stood alongside Special Olympics athletes, raising awareness, generating vital support and helping to create more inclusive communities.
"This event at Stormont provides an opportunity not only to celebrate that remarkable legacy, but also to recognise the outstanding achievements of Team Ulster athletes at the recent Special Olympics Ireland Games.
"Their dedication, determination and success continue to inspire us all, and alongside our colleagues in An Garda Síochána, we are honoured to support them as Guardians of the Flame of Hope.”
Speaking at the event, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: “I was privileged to meet the athletes who have just competed in the 2026 Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games.
"Representing Ulster at this level is a fantastic achievement, reflecting months and years of hard work, dedication and determination.
"These athletes truly embody the spirit of the Special Olympics captured so powerfully in its motto “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt”. That spirit of bravery, resilience and determination is something we can all learn from.
"I am proud to support Special Olympics Ulster through funding from my department which helps to ensure these opportunities continue to thrive.”
Shaun Cassidy, Regional Director of Special Olympics Ulster, said the celebration was a fitting tribute to both the movement and the athletes: “The Law Enforcement Torch Run has played a transformational role in the growth of Special Olympics in Ulster over the past 30 years.
“To celebrate this milestone at Stormont, alongside a welcome home for our athletes, makes this a truly special occasion. We are incredibly proud of everything our athletes have achieved.”