Lord Mayor Arder Carson is pictured alongside Sean Campbell and Carole Catling at the reception held in City Hall

Everyone’s a winner was the theme for a civic reception held at Belfast City Hall for members of the Special Olympics Team Ireland Ulster squad.

Participants in the 2015 Special Olympics world games in Los Angeles were feted by Lord Mayor, Arder Carson, at a reception to highlight their achievements and that of their teammates in the Special Olympics Ireland Team.

Ulster Team Ireland athletes clinched 19 medals – five Gold, nine Silver, five Bronze – as well as nine Place Ribbons as part of team competitions.

Belfast clubs, coaches and volunteers were invited as they have representatives from the other Ulster SO clubs. Special Olympics regional chair and director, John McKernan and Shaun Cassidy were also in attendance.

The civic reception was agreed by the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee following a motion by at council by Councillor Brian Heading. The motion stated:

“This Council congratulates the members of both the Belfast Special Olympics Team and the Irish Special Olympics Team on their outstanding performances at the 2015 games in Los Angeles. Accordingly, in recognition of the Belfast Team members’ achievements, the Council agrees to hold an appropriate reception in the City Hall”.

Shaun Cassidy, regional director, Special Olympics Ulster said “We are so proud of our inspirational Team Ireland athletes at this wonderful reception today. Their determination, hard work and commitment paid off in the World Games at LA 2015 and it’s great to see them getting recognition at this level for their success.

“Our local Ulster athletes made us so exceptionally proud over their 10 days, as well as our incredible coaches and volunteers who played such a vital role in the Games and were an incredible support to the athletes. This event is an honour for Special Olympics Ulster and we are thrilled to attend and highlight the extraordinary achievements of our local athletes.”