High spirits as Flame visits Newbridge

26 June 2003: There were high spirits in Newbridge last Friday, as children from schools in the surrounding areas lined the streets in what could only be described as a once in a lifetime extravaganza to pay tribute to the Special Olympics 2003 athletes.

The town, which played host to the Japanese delegation since their arrival on Monday, welcomed representatives from the Garda Siochana as well as representatives from Law Enforcement agencies from all over the world including Japan, Athens and the US, as they carried the Special Olympics torch on the final leg of its journey to Dublin where it officially lit the Olympic flame on Saturday.

Local celebrity Brenda Donahue from 2FM, hosted the event, which saw arts and drama groups from all over the area including, Kildare Youth Theatre amuse the crowds with street entertainment. “Maps and Mazes” also performed their own special production of “Share the feeling” for the Olympians.

The Japanese Ambassador to Ireland, his Excellency, Takeshi Kagami (above left with officer Tsuyoshi Mitsunaga from Japan with one of the organisers and some of the final leg torch-bearers), thanked the people of Newbridge for their hospitality and kindness and said he “was delighted to be associated with such a special event”

The athletes, who have enjoyed a hectic week of entertainment including a visit to the Japanese gardens in Kildare as well as a night of traditional entertainment in Lumville House, then made their way to Dublin where they are taking part in the games over the coming weeks.