Special Olympics Ireland has just announced that ‘Ireland are sending the largest travelling delegation of family and friends to the highly anticipated Special Olympics World Games.’ This prestigious event, recognized as the largest inclusive sporting event in the world, will be held in Berlin, Germany, from June 17 to 25, 2023.

The Irish team, consisting of 73 talented athletes, will compete across 12 sports at the Special Olympics World Games, and this year, outside of Germany, Ireland is the country with the largest delegation of travelling family and friends, now surpassing 500.

The Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 will mark a historic milestone as Germany hosts this extraordinary event for the very first time. Athletes from around the world, including over 7,000 participants, will gather to showcase their skills, sportsmanship, and camaraderie.

The presence of Ireland’s largest travelling delegation of family and friends further exemplifies the incredible support and sense of unity within the Special Olympics community.

At the unveiling of Team Ireland’s female basketball team ahead of the Special Olympics World Summer Games, platinum sponsor of Special Olympics Ireland, Gala Retail, took the opportunity to gift family and friends of the team new supporter merchandise – gifting over 1,500 official supporters’ merchandise to friends and family of the athletes who will be representing their country from June 17th – 25th.  In addition to kitting out volunteers, family and friends, the Gala Group’s sponsorship will help to fund the travel and participation of the delegation of Irish athletes who are travelling to Berlin to represent their country.

From 17 to 25 June 2023, 73 athletes from across Ireland will be representing their country at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games.