Colin Farrell: ‘Dig deep’ for Special Olympics Ireland

Actor Colin Farrell has urged people to “dig deep” on Friday as Special Olympics Ireland attempts to raise €500,000 in 24 hours.

There will be 500 volunteers shaking buckets in 200 towns and villages for the charity’s annual collection day.

Farrell (38) made a short video appealing to people in Ireland to remember the “amazing experience” of hosting the competition in 2003.

“If anyone remembers in 2003 when our country hosted the Special Olympics World Games, we gave accommodation and shelter to athletes from all over the world in various towns around the whole country,” he said.

“It was an amazing experience for the whole country and everyone was supportive and got behind it. There was such a sense of community about it, and not just a sense of optimism, but hope.

“It is an incredible thing what the Special Olympics does, and it is an amazing opportunity for the athletes involved to be recognised for striving to realise the fullest of their potential.

Grass roots

“It is a really worthy cause and one that is very close to my heart, and, I believe, close to the hearts of the people of Ireland, as was demonstrated in 2003.”

The charity said funds donated on the day go directly to developing the grass roots programme of sport training and competition for athletes. Over the course of a four-year cycle athletes can progress to being in contention for selection for the world games.

“There will be volunteers all over the country in pubs, and clubs, and shopping centres and outside the cinema and annoying and heckling you for whatever you can afford,” said Farrell.

“But, please, give all that you can. I know times are tough, and wallets can be tight, but it’s a great cause. So with all of this in mind, give all that you can. You can also text Special to 50300 and €2 will go to Special Olympics.”