Bressuire at the Leixlip Handigames

After Norway in 2009, Scotland in 2010 and France in 2011, it was in Ireland that the 2013 edition of the Special Games took place at the end of August.

The Games originated thanks to the twinning between Bressuire and Fraserburgh and made their way to Ireland via the twinning between Bressuire and Leixlip.

And this is what twinning is all about – breaking down barriers and bringing people together.

A group of 34 people from Bressuire – 18 athletes and 16 accompanying adults – flew from Tours to Dublin and were taken to Leixlip by double decker bus.

This was to be the means of transport throughout the weekend and it being a novelty for the French, there was a race for the seats upstairs!

Once in Leixlip the French contingent joined the Norwegian, Scottish and Irish delegations – about 100 people in all – for a warm welcome from the mayor Teresa Byrne and the first of many delicious meals.

The groups then adjourned to their accommodation in the 200 year old Maynooth University.

Comfort for the wheelchair brigade

This was Ireland’s first seminary and it was a privilege to stay in such a grand building with the beautiful views of the courtyards.

The wheelchair brigade enjoyed more modern apartments geared to their requirements. 

The Games got off to a resounding start the following morning with a grand parade. To the great delight of the locals, all the delegations marched through the town accompanied by an army pipe band, the fire brigade and the local Harley Davidson Club!

Then the serious stuff began – the Games themselves.

Multinational games

 Making full use of Leixlip’s sporting facilities, the competitors were divided into two groups and multinational teams were made up with a member of each delegation. The games were Bocce and modified versions of Hurling, Football, Quoits, Soft Petanque and Airsoft Shooting. They were completed by a Sunday morning bowling session at a 10 Pin Bowling alley.

All the competitors did their best amongst much whooping and cheering. Their efforts were rewarded at the medals ceremony of Sunday evening when all the participants were given a fine medal. The three best teams were presented with cups which were held aloft with great pride.

Our Irish hosts must be congratulated on a very successful weekend: the organizing committee and the 150 volunteers saw to it that all ran smoothly – not just the sporting activities themselves but also transport, accommodation and catering.

Entertainment, warmth and hospitality

And we mustn’t forget the entertainment which included a superb gala dinner at a local hotel when everyone – guests, organizers and volunteers – could relax and unwind! Another evening we were treated to a barbecue with entertainment from Irish musicians and dancers.

And for the French delegation there was a visit to Dublin’s zoo before the return flight.

Ireland being Ireland, we had a little rain during the weekend but nothing could dampen our spirits!

All in all, a memorable experience thanks to the warmth and hospitality of our Irish hosts and the enthusiasm and constant good humour of the competitors.

Mary PINET