2003 World Summer Games in Ireland

Click Here for final results for the 2003 World Games Team USA - Wisconsin

In June, 29 of our athletes competed in the largest sporting event in the world this year – the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Ireland. They began training months ago, but there was really nothing we could do to prepare them for the heart-pounding experience of parading into Opening Ceremony with 7,000 other athletes from 160 countries.

2003 Special Olympics Team USA Fast Facts

WHO: SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEAM USA
2003 Special Olympics Team USA consists of approximately 1,000 athletes and 300 coaches representing all 50 United States and the District of Columbia at the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Dublin, Ireland.

Click here for a list of Team USA-Wisconsin athletes & coaches.

Over 3,500 Special Olympics Team USA family members and friends traveled to Ireland to cheer for their athletes sharing in one of the biggest moments in their lives. Worldwide, approximately 7,000 athletes, 3,000 coaches and official delegates, 28,000 family members and friends, and 500,000 spectators are expected to be in Dublin to celebrate and be a part of the Games.

WHAT: 2003 SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD SUMMER GAMES
The 11th Special Olympics World Summer Games will be held in Ireland in 2003. This marks the first time this major event will be held outside of the United States. Over 160 countries will unite, competing
in the largest sporting event in the world in the year 2003.

WHEN/WHERE:
June 16 – 20, 2003 Host Town Program - Team USA will stay in Belfast
June 21, 2003 Opening Ceremony – Croke Park in Dublin
June 21 – 29, 2003 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games – Greater Dublin, Ireland Area
June 29, 2003 Closing Ceremony – Croke Park in Dublin

SPORTS/VENUES:
At the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games, Special Olympics Team USA will compete in 18 sports: Athletics, Aquatics, Badminton, Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Cycling, Equestrian, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Powerlifting, Roller Skating, Sailing, Table Tennis, Tennis, Team Handball, Volleyball.

Sports venues are located at various locations in the Greater Dublin, Ireland area, including Morton Stadium, the National Basketball Arena, the Royal Dublin Society, Kill International Equestrian Centre, the National Badminton Centre and Phoenix Park.

OFFICIAL SPONSORS OF 2003 SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEAM USA:
Cingular Wireless M&Ms Chocolate Candies
Columbia Sportswear Knights of Columbus