A Word from Our Patrons
It seems hard to believe that it’s already 10 years since the club was set up during the excitement in the build-up to the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games. Since its foundation the club has shown incredible passion and energy, not just for being part of Special Olympics but for doing everything to the highest of quality.
Every time I visit Killarney I never cease to be amazed how much the club does, and I still remember with great fondness the many opportunities I had to speak at the Club’s Black Tie Ball. I also remember my astonishment the evening I arrived to launch the Club’s website and the room was overflowing with people. I knew then that the Club was going to go from strength to strength – not just because of the commitment and dedication of the volunteers involved but the power of the entire community, mobilised to deliver life changing opportunities, sporting and otherwise, for athletes and their families in the South Kerry area.
I want to wish Kerry Stars every success for the future. Congratulations and huge thanks to all involved.
Mary Davis,President and MD,Europe/Eurosia Specail Olympics.
No matter what sport you participate in, or no matter what level or arena you compete in, giving it your best on the day is what sport is all about. I am truly honoured to be a patron of the Kerry Stars. Over the years, I have come to know and love so many of the athletes on a personal basis. Their warmth, friendship and encouragement to me as a fellow-sportsperson is inspiring. The Kerry Stars club is a success story that has moulded and continues to change people’s lives. I am proud to be part of their phenomenal journey.
Colm The Gooch Cooper.
It’s a great privilege and honour for me to be a Patron of the Kerry Stars. These athletes and their mentors are an inspiration to all of us, as they train, perform and engage to the highest standards, reflecting the great sporting tradition of the green and gold. I look forward to their further growth and expansion in the decades ahead. Kerry has been enriched and enhanced through the wonderful example and achievements of our very own Kerry Stars.
Sean Kelly MEP
I was approached to become a patron of the Kerry Stars Special Olympic club in 2002. I didn’t hesitate to say yes. It is a great privilege and an honour to be involved with this wonderful club.I enjoy being associated with a club that is full of fun and enjoyment. That is not to take away from the dedication and commitment that both members and mentors make with the club. There is a great positive vibe associated with the club and that is something that I admire greatly.I wish the club every success and really enjoyed the 10 year anniversary celebration this year.
Irish Olympian
Gillian o Sullivan
I would just like to say that it is a great honour for me to be a patron to your very special club. I have been involved in the sporting circle virtually all my life and have reaped huge benefits from it, both from a health point of view and the great social outlet it offers. I have made so many friends, both on and off the sporting arena through my involvement in sport.
As a society, it is imperative that we also give this opportunity to people with special needs, especially in the Kingdom. The joy, the enthusiasm, the pride that all the athletes showed in last years Special Olympics was inspirational to us all. Going forward, I wish the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club the very best of luck. This club is guaranteed to be a success as they are all winners already.
Seamus Moynihan
It’s a very proud part of my life to be a patron of the Kerry Stars. Indeed, I get great joy and satisfaction from all the athletes. The Kerry Stars to me epitomise the purity of what sport should be about, which for me is competing to the best of your ability and enjoying it. Most of the Kerry Stars athletes I would regard as friends, and to see each athlete develop and grow and bring this new-found confidence into everyday life is just unreal. The volunteers have given up their free time and deserve great praise and thanks, please keep up the good work. I am so humbled to be a patron of Kerry Stars.
Niall Botty O’Callaghan.
It is hard to believe that it is almost ten years since the wonderful 2003 World Summer Games held throughout this countryNow as Mayor of Kerry I want to congratulate all concerned with the Kerry Stars Special Olympics on the occasion of your tenth anniversary. A huge thank you must go to all the coaches and volunteers that keep this the success it is. To the athletes I say Thank you for continuing to inspire all with your marvellous achievements and commitment to your sports.
Wishing you every good wish for the next ten years.