In the tradition of the ancient Olympians, the flame for
the 2003 Special Olympics World Games will be ignited by
the rays of the sun opposite the Acropolis in Athens, Greece
on 4 June 2003.
The Olympic Flame symbolises the light of spirit, knowledge
and life with identical power and majesty. The Special Olympics
World Games "Flame of Hope" in the entrusted care
of the international law enforcement community, symbolises
the courage and celebration of diversity that the Special
Olympics World Games represents.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run final leg tradition is that
the enforcement officers representing their nation or area
act as "guardians of the flame" carrying the "Flame
of Hope" to the opening ceremony of the games at Croke
Park, Dublin on 21 June 2003.
The Torch Run final leg team of 10 Special Olympics athletes
and 100 law enforcement officers from Ireland, the USA,
countries in Europe and the rest of the world will arrive
in Bangor, Coo Down on 13 June.
Only 5 members of the Garda Siochana have been selected
to represent the country, Chief Superintendent Sean Feely,
the Garda and the people of Naas are very proud that Garda
Derek Gallagher of the Telecommunications Section of Naas
Garda Station has been selected to run in the final leg
of the Torch Run. Garda Gallagher, a very popular member
of the force has been stationed in Naas for the past 3 years.
He with his 4 other colleagues will be travelling to Athens
for the opening ceremonies.
In a unique collaboration almost 2,000 members of An Garda
Siochana and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI)
will travel along different routes to bring the "Flame
of Hope" to over 120 towns and cities throughout the
island of Ireland where ceremonies will be held.
Garda Tim Burke, is co- ordinating the local events with
Willie Callaghan and the sub-committee. Tim has visited
the Primary Schools in the area outlining the proposals
regarding their involvement in the project, he reports outstanding
enthusiasm among the teachers and pupils.
The Torch Run will arrive in Naas at approximately 12 noon
on Friday, 20 June. Willie, Tim and the committee are working
on a very attractive programme of events for that morning.
Full details will be given in our next Newsletter (mid-May)
Garda Tom Smith on motor bike, Garda Tim Burke,
Dennis Curry Chairman Host Town Committee,
being presented with a cheque for €500 from
Naas Garda Social Club, Chief Superintendent
Sean Feely, Willie Callaghan Torch Run Co-ordinator;
Garda Derek Gallagher Torch Runner
HOST
TOWNS