Munster prepares to send largest-ever team to Special Olympics Ireland Winter Games

Athletes from Munster are counting down the days until the games, knowing they have trained hard and have the support of all their family, friends and clubs behind them

placeholder image — Athletes from Munster are counting down the days until the games, knowing they have trained hard and have the support of all their family, friends and clubs behind them

Special Olympics Ireland to host Ireland Winter Games in Craigavon, Northern Ireland

The SETU Arena in Waterford provided the perfect venue as Team Munster gathered to celebrate the 118 people who will travel to take part in the Ireland Winter Games at Craigavon in Northern Ireland from March 20-22.

The day served as a final training opportunity for the floorball teams and skiers who will travel to Northern Ireland to compete, representing their clubs and communities on the national stage. Athletes had a final chance to work with coaches and receive their team kit ahead of the competition.

Team Munster will send the largest delegation to compete. This includes 118 people made up of 90 athletes and 20 coaches and supporting volunteers.

Team Munster will send seven floorball teams (four male and three female) and for the first time in the competition history will send a team of skiers (eleven athletes).

The Ireland Winter Games is a qualifying competition for the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025, which will take place in Turin, Italy. This is the first year Team Munster will have athletes competing in floorball (a team sport like ice hockey but played on a court with a ball) and alpine skiing.