Olympians strike gold

The 1999 Special Olympics came to a close yesterday in Raleigh, North Carolina, on America's Independence Day. Although the weather was crucifyingly hot throughout the Games, with high levels of humidity, the 77-strong Irish team fared exceptionally well during the 10 days of competition.

The team, which included athletes from throughout the island, won 86 medals: 29 gold; 35 silver; and 22 bronze. In the Special Olympics, competitions are graded by an athletes' level of disability, so there are different levels for each event. The Irish athletes were competing in nine events. Among Ireland's medal winners were:

In athletics, Charlene Wade won gold in the 200 metres, the 400 metres and the high jump. Denise Fegan won gold for the 800 metres walk, and silver for the shot. John Blackburn won gold for the shot.

Kathleen Lennon took gold in the 100 metres walk and the softball throw. Lisa McNabb also won gold in her softball throw event, as did Martin McGarrigle, who also took gold in the 50 metres and bronze in the standing long jump.

Padraig Howard won gold in the shot. Patrick Keaney took gold in his softball throw and silver in the 25 metres. Sean Berkley won gold for the running long jump and silver in both the 200 metres and the high jump.

In basketball, Ireland won the team event, beating Pakistan 27-15 in the final. Josie Coloe won silver and Maeve Long won bronze for their basketball skills.

In 10-pin bowling, Ann Marie Conroy took gold in the singles.

In equestrian, Elizabeth Donoghue won gold for equitation, and bronze in the trail ride and dressage.

In golf, Claire Barrett took gold, and she also achieved the best score of both men and women in the top level of golf.

In gymnastics, Patrick Quinlivan won gold on the parallel bars, the floor and the vault; silver in the pommel and the rings, and also the all-round gold for his level. Adam Morrison won gold for the rings, silver for both floor and pommel, bronze for the vault and parallel bars and all-round bronze.

Danielle Convery won gold for the ribbon, silver for the floor and hoop, bronze for the ball and the all-round gold. Paula Carroll took gold for the ribbon, silver in both the ball and the floor and the all-round bronze.

In soccer, Ireland came fourth, beaten 4-5 on penalties by Mexico.

In swimming, Brid Lynch won gold for the 100 metres freestyle, silver for the 200 metres freestyle and bronze for the 50 metres backstroke. Catriona Ryan took gold in the 25 metres freestyle and silver in the 25 metres backstroke. Teresa Keane took bronze in the 100 metres freestyle and 50 metres backstroke. Valerie Canning won silver in the 100 metres breaststroke and bronze in the 50 metres freestyle.

Gary O'Kane won gold in the 50 metres breaststroke and silver in the 50 metres backstroke. Kieran Murphy took silver in both the 15 metres unassisted swim and the 25 metres freestyle. Mark Smith won silver in the 25 metres backstroke.

In table tennis, Ann Brock won bronze in the singles and silver with Carmel Hynes in the doubles and silver with Hugh O'Toole in the mixed doubles. Catherine Roche took gold for table tennis skills. Jason Kearns won silver in the singles.

Last night's closing ceremony featured a spectacular 20-minute firework display. Ireland will host the 2003 Special Olympics: the first time they are being held outside the US.