Kells woman heads up medical team for Special Olympics in Athens

Louise Tinne of Rehabcare in Navan is set to play a key role at the forthcoming Special Olympics World Games being held in Athens. Louise will be the medical co-ordinator for the Irish team with responsibility for ensuring the health and welfare of not only over 170 athletes prior to and during the games, but also the coaches and the management team. Louise, from Kells, is the residential services manager with RehabCare's Navan Children's Respite Service and her involvement with Special Olympics goes back to her early teens. She explains: "I worked alongside my mother for the national games getting people to hand out medals to the athletes. The games were much smaller then but it has really grown over the last number of years. I have maintained my involvement although my role has changed. After a chance meeting with a ward sister from my student years, who just happened to be the medical manager for Special Olympics Ireland, and with my background in nursing, I was commandeered to help support services." The role of medical co-ordinator involves months of preparation before the games. Prior to training sessions commencing, the team gets to know about each athlete by working with individuals, families, and services where necessary. This allows them to put in the supports required at the earliest stage. Louise and her team also provide athletes and coaches/chaperones with training in relation to the Special Olympics code of ethics, nutrition and hydration, health and well-being. During the games, the medical co-ordinators must work alongside the medical service of the Games Organising Committee. Although the Greek Medical Services has ultimate responsibility, the day-to-day welfare remains with the team in terms of maintaining hydration and ensuring rest. The 124-strong Irish team, with six Meath members, sets off next week for the games which begin on 25th June and continue to 4th July. Two coaches from Meath and will also travel with the team. The Meath represenatives are Edward Kennedy, Julianstown (athletics); Liam Brady, Dunshaughlin, John Blake, Navan, Stephen Browne, Navan, Robert McDonald, Dunshaughlin, all basketball; and in golf, Laura Kelly, Oldcastle. Joining Louise Tinne will be basketball coach Jan Muyllaert, Navan.