Written Answers. - Special Olympics World Games.
Ivor Callely
Question:
211
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation
the progress which has been made to accommodate the Special Olympics; the facilities which have been identified for use for events; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[26570/01]
Ivor Callely
Question:
213
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation
his views on the financial package in place to finance the Special Olympic World Summer Games; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[26572/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 211 and 213 together.
The Special Olympics World Summer Games will be held in Ireland in June 2003 when Ireland will play host to an estimated 7,000 athletes, 3,000 coaches and delegates along with 25,000 relatives and friends. This will be the first time the games will be held outside the US.
The Games Organising Committee, GOC, under the chairmanship of Mr. Denis O'Brien, has overall responsibility for the planning, organising and financing of the games. The GOC has formed a number of sub-committees to address specific tasks and functions associated with delivering a successful games.
The cost of staging what will be the largest sporting event anywhere in the world in 2003 will be £24 million, €30.47 million, with a further IR£8 million, €10.15 million, in in-kind support anticipated. The Government has approved the provision of up to £8 million, €10.15 million, in grant support towards the total cost of the Games, the EU has committed IR£5 million, €6.34 million, sponsorship commitments represent IR£12 million, €15.23 million, and the remaining IR£7 million, €8.88 million, will be raised through a variety of fundraising and marketing initiatives.
With regard to the provision of sporting facilities and accommodation, the GOC inform me that they are making good progress. Twenty-one venues will be needed for the games and all the venues, which are in the general Dublin region, have been confirmed. The organisers intend to use the Aquatic and Leisure Centre at Abbotstown, as the location for the water based events which Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited plan to have ready for the games in 2003.
The Games Organising Committee will shortly be providing information about a number of programmes associated with the games, such as the host town programme, the volunteers programme and other programmes in which communities countrywide may participate. On Sunday, 18 November, an event will take place in the RDS to announce the towns, villages and cities who will host the 160 teams through the host town programme.
