// Ireland Summer Games Launch Event
Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games Countdown Begins as Athletes Lead Inspiring Launch Event
The journey to the 2026 Summer Games began in spectacular fashion today at the National Indoor Arena on the National Sports Campus, Blanchardstown, as athletes, partners, volunteers and supporters gathered to celebrate the official launch of the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games 2026.
Athletes took centre stage throughout the launch, with athlete leaders Dara Kiernan, Ashwin Maliyakal, and Francis Donnelly serving as MCs and bringing energy, confidence and pride to the event as the official Faces of the Games.
A highlight of the launch was the powerful Parade of Athletes, where delegations from the five regions — Connaught, Eastern, Leinster, Munster and Ulster — entered the arena to enthusiastic cheers from the assembled guests, proudly representing communities from across the island.
The parade also featured the symbolic arrival of the Torch of Hope, carried jointly by Assistant Commissioner Jonathon Roberts of An Garda Síochána and Sergeant Shane Tohill of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, representing the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Accompanying them were Constable Victoria Montgomery (PSNI) and Garda Graham Doolan carrying the historic Miner's Lamp — a powerful symbol of unity, solidarity and support for athletes.
Speaking at the launch, Special Olympics Ireland Chairperson Brendan O’Brien highlighted the wider significance of the Games:
“Today, we convene to herald the commencement of the largest inclusive sporting event on the island of Ireland. Yet, we also gather to reaffirm our unwavering belief in the transformative power of sport — and to envision a world where inclusion is a tangible reality, where every athlete is afforded the opportunity to belong, to learn, and to unearth their unique potential.”
He also praised the extraordinary dedication of athletes preparing for the Games.
“When athletes step forward to compete in June, they will represent more than their region. They will represent resilience, preparation, and what becomes possible when communities rally behind potential rather than limitation.”
Special Olympics Ireland CEO Karen Coventry emphasised the broader impact the Games will have for athletes, families and communities:
“Today’s launch is a celebration. But it is also a promise — a promise that in June this island will witness something extraordinary: not simply a sporting event, but a powerful demonstration of courage, preparation and belonging.”
She also praised the athlete leaders who hosted the launch event:
“Dara, Ashwin and Francis represent everything that makes these Games special. With your confidence, personality and pride in the Special Olympics family, you inspire not only your fellow athletes but all of us.”
Athlete representative Dara Kiernan, who is a badminton athlete with Flying Trojans Special Olympics Club in the Eastern Region, spoke proudly about the opportunity to represent her fellow athletes and to help lead the launch:
“I am proud of myself for being able to publicly speak and get these opportunities.”
The Summer Games will take place from 18th to 21st June and will see athletes compete across 12 sports while also taking part in the Motor Activities Training Program, health programmes, leadership initiatives and the Young Athletes Festival.
The Games are made possible through the support of partners including Stena Line, eir, Gala, and Aer Lingus, alongside hundreds of volunteers and community supporters across the island.
As excitement builds towards June, Special Olympics Ireland invite the public to be a part of the action through volunteering and supporting the athletes who are training hard for their moment on the Games stage.
Check out news coverage of the inspiring launch from Newstalk, Virgin Media News, and RTE!