Special Olympics World Games 2003 Sponsored Walk

SI Naas Newbridge and District held a Sponsored Walk on Saturday 7 September at Punchestown Racecourse, by kind permission of the Racecourse Authorities, in aid of the Special Olympics World Games 2003. Sponsored Walks are being organized by all Soroptimist Clubs in Ireland as part of their new National Project, with the aim of raising a total of €50,000 for the Special Olympics World Games 2003. These Walks are all expected to take place during the month of September.

Our local Walk was well supported, and through the generosity of our sponsors, we raised in excess of €5000 which will enable the Club to "Adopt" five Athletes. "Adopt an Athlete" is the major public fundraising initiative for the Games, and we will receive details and updates on our Adopted Athletes, the opportunity to communicate with them during the Games, a copy of Countdown, the official magazine, and access to limited tickets for the opening and closing ceremonies.

The weather for the Sponsored Walk was mostly sunny, and although there was a little rain, it was well-timed and did not interfere with the al fresco celebrations afterwards when Walk Organiser Claire O'Dwyer served wine and smoked salmon, supported by contributions of a variety of foods brought along by the Walkers.

Club members were delighted to be joined by a number of their friends, including Mary Owens and Rita Moloney of Fircroft Kennels, who brought along some of their "film star" dogs to join in the Walk.

The photographs show some of the walkers prior to and after the walk.

Click to Enlarge

International Projects | Naas Newbridge & District Projects