DISABILITY DAY: Ten per cent of Irish people are living with a disability according to Angela Kerins, chairwoman of the co-ordinating committe of the European Year of People with Disabilities (EYPD). Julie-Anne Barnes reports.
Speaking yesterday in the RDS, to mark European Disability Day Ms Kerins said the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games have shown us that people with disabilities have many talents and when given an opportunity can develop and use these.
To mark the celebration of European Disability Day, 500,000 postcards and 50,000 car stickers were distributed to the public yesterday, to mark the event that coincides with the Games and is part of the European Year of People with Disabilities.
EU Commissioner Mr David Byrne joined Special Olympics athletes in the RDS Festival Village to trade EYPD pins. Ms Kerins also unveiled the EYPD flag at the artistic gymnastics competition. The flag will also be used in the All-Ireland hurling and football finals.
Ms Kerins told the Special Olympics athletes the message they have brought to Ireland is louder than any speech she or anyone else in authority can make.
"My wish is that we all have the courage like you, here in Ireland and all the 15 member-states to really make a difference in lowering the barriers faced by you each day," she said.