23 June 2003: It was a day never to be forgotten for the thousands of wellwishers who lined the streets of Naas to welcome the Olympic ‘Flame of Hope’ on Friday on its way to Dublin for the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games.
The torch was carried into the town by marathon runner and local Garda Derek Gallagher who had been part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run throughout its 17-day journey from Athens.
Thousands of schoolchildren had been given the day off school to welcome the Olympic Torch to Naas and provided a riot of colour waving blue NZ flags which they had made in school as well as waving colourful replicas of the Olympic Torch. Bunting and flags were proudly displayed from many business premises and from street lights. The Nigerian delegation from nearby Host Town Kilcullen, also provided a huge splash of colour sporting huge national flags.
Naas had never seen anything like it before, and most likely never will again.
We certainly won’t forget our new friends who had ‘put such sunshine into our souls’ during their short stay. These lines are taken from a poem by a local composer read out by the Mayor from an open topped red bus at Market Square during the celebration. He wished all the athletes every success in their endeavours and led the crowd in singing ‘For he’s a jolly good fellow’ in tribute to ‘the main man’ local organiser Dennis Curry.
Denis said he was ‘so proud’ of what Naas has achieved this week. He welcomed home torch-bearer, Derek from his travels and added that Naas and Kilcullen will be very proud of all the athletes. This was seconded by the lady representative from host town Kilcullen.
Chris Hooper who heads the NZ delegation said Naas has ‘opened its heart to New Zealand and NZ would like to do the same very soon’.
The NZ delegation enjoyed themselves hugely as they walked through the town, clasping outstretched hands and signing autographs.
The delegation are based at City West for the duration of the Games.
