News Release -
Shannon Development to host party for 21 countries
Shannon Development announce sponsorship of World Down Syndrome Swimming Championships
Over 350 competitors in the forthcoming World Down Syndrome Swimming Championships have been invited by Shannon Development, and their tourism subsidiary company Shannon Heritage, to experience a taste of Irish culture, heritage and fun at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, County Clare on Wednesday 6th September ‘06.
The World Down Syndrome Swimming Championships will be staged in the University of Limerick Arena from 3 -10th September 06. As part of the programme Shannon Development and its tourism subsidiary Shannon Heritage will host a fun filled programme of events for the competitors, their families and volunteers. Competitors from around the world are expected to descend on Limerick for the event. Up to 21countries will participate including; Bulgaria, Ukraine, Estonia, South Africa, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Venezuela, Australia, Canada, the US, UK and Ireland.
Announcing their sponsorship of the event John King, Director Heritage and Tourism, Shannon Development said, “We hope that our event will complement the tremendous work that has been done by Down Syndrome Ireland. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is uniquely positioned to give the athletes a taste of Irish history and culture from mediaeval times to the present day.”
Congratulating Shannon Development and Shannon Heritage for offering their hospitality Michael McCormick, CEO, Down Syndrome Ireland, said, “I have no doubt that the 2006 World Down Syndrome Swimming Championships Celebration Day in Bunratty Folk Park will be a highlight for participants staying in the Shannon Region and an experience they will treasure.”
During their visit to the 19th century Folk Park, history will be bought to life for the athletes as they view a variety of thatch farmhouses and meet some of the Folk Park’s colourful characters dressed in costume of that period. The Park is a living museum recreating life in rural and urban Ireland over 150 years ago when life moved at a more leisurely pace. Stepping back in time the athletes will see farmers tending animals and churning milk, Bean Ui Ti (women of the house) baking bread over an open fire in time honoured tradition. They can visit the village schoolhouse where the master holds regular classes.
In addition to these activities at the 28 - acre site, a number of special features have been added for the athlete’s enjoyment. They will have an opportunity to experience time travel, mediaeval style, when the Bunratty castle grounds will ring with the sound of mediaeval warfare as the Society of Knights from County Limerick will demonstrate the art of mediaeval combat. Music will be a big feature of the day with traditional Irish music and ballad sessions providing some foot tapping excitement.
All hands will be on deck to ensure that the athletes have treasured memories. Many Shannon Heritage and Shannon Development employees have volunteered their time to help make the event a success.
“Shannon Development and Shannon Heritage are really looking forward to welcoming the World Down Syndrome athletes to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. We have set ourselves a simple aim and that is to give the athletes, their families and volunteers a day of treasured memories and we will do our best to ensure they have a great time. It is a big undertaking to organise an event of this scale, but we feel we are up to the challenge having great memories from a similar party we threw back in 2003 for Special Olympics athletes. We will all be working hard to ensure that the athletes will have a truly memorable visit”, says Mr. John Ruddle, Chief Executive, Shannon Heritage.
Shannon Heritage have organised special events to enhance the group’s visit to the Castle and Folk Park. In addition to the normal array of activities athletes will be able to try their hand at some fun games including Welly Throwing, Tug of War, Poc Fada and football. With set dancing classes, spinning and weaving demonstrations throughout the Folk Park, the athletes will experience a myriad of Irish culture, music song and dance.
Shannon Development is hosting a party at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park for 350 World Down Syndrome Swimming Championship competitors, their families and volunteers on 6th September. Checking out the venue in advance of the event are (l-r): Michael McCormick CEO Down Syndrome Ireland , with 17 year old Sarah Carroll from Dublin and 19 year old Ciara O' Reilly from Limerick who are both volunteers at the event. Also pictured is John King, Director Heritage and Tourism, Shannon Development.
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