Minister Cowen announces visa fee waiver for Special Olympics, World Summer Games 2003
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Brian Cowen, T.D., today announced that he has agreed to waive any visa fees payable in respect of athletes, coaches and official delegates to the Special Olympics, World Summer Games to be held in Ireland in June, 2003.
The 2003 Special Olympics will showcase the athletic skills, courage and dignity of 7,000 athletes from around the world with a learning disability. This is the first time that this major event will be held outside the United States. The Games will be the largest sporting and cultural event ever staged in Ireland.
In conveying the above decision, Minister Cowen said that:
"I want to play my full part in providing every encouragement to the athletes who will be coming here next year, and to convey the Government's strong support for the Special Olympics. I know that the people of Ireland look forward to welcoming the athletes warmly to our country. I wish the Games every possible success, and I hope the participants enjoy themselves fully while in Ireland."
