TEAM IRELAND WERE the first group into LA’s Memorial Coliseum last night for the Special Olympics opening ceremony.
The group numbering some 88 athletes and around 40 coaches were welcomed with a rapturous reception in the famous old venue.
The likes of Colin Farrell, Claudine Keane and John Treacy — who won silver at the 1984 Olympics in the stadium — joined the athletes. Here’s how it looked:
Rita Quirke, a member of Moore Abbey Special Olympics Club, from Rathangan, Co Meath, with Garda sergeant Michaela Moloney, from Henry Street station, Limerick
A general view of the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Summer Games
Sean Campbell, a member of Causeway Coast Special Olympics Club, from Coleraine, Co Derry, during the proceedings
Aoife OSullivan, a member of Owenabue Special Olympics Gymnastics Club, from Cork City, with Claudine Keane and her son Robert
The Team Ireland athletes make their way into the opening ceremony
US First Lady Michelle Obama declares the 2015 Special Olympics World Games officially open
Nathan Finney from Ballymun; Darren Bevins, a member of Bray Lakers Special Olympics Club; Francis Bilardi, from Tallaght and Anthony Clarke from Leixlip
Stevie Wonder performs for the crowd
