Mayor Elisha McCallion welcomes home North West Irish Special Olympic champions
THE Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Elisha McCallion, was at the Melvin Sports Centre in Strabane to welcome home Special Olympic silver medallist Nuala Browne, along with her fellow Team Ireland competitors Oliver Doherty and Patrick Quinlivan from Donegal.
The three athletes were given a rapturous welcome following a magnificent performance at the Special Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Speaking at the event Mayor McCallion paid tribute to the three North West competitors and said they had done the region proud with their first class performance.
“Firstly I would like to congratulate Nuala, Oliver and Patrick, for their outstanding performances at the Games,” she declared.
“I am so proud of all of you, and I know that pride is shared by people right across Strabane, Derry and Donegal today.
“The sheer commitment to sport and the determination to overcome your individual challenges has brought this well deserved success and it’s an example to us all of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
“On behalf of the district I want to thank you and all those who have supported you on your journey. You truly are an inspiration to all young athletes and an absolute credit to the region, well done!”
Nuala Browne picked up two silver medals in the kayaking event while Donegal golfer Oliver Doherty scooped a silver in golf. Donegal gymnast Patrick Quinlivan won not only a silver medal but also secured three bronzes and three fourth place ribbons.
Team Ireland clinched an impressive 86 medals overall throughout the Games.
