Volunteering at the Paralympics
An RNLI sea safety officer and lifelong sailor has had his dream come true after being offered a volunteering position in the upcoming Paralympic games.
The sailing events will start on the September 1 in Weymouth and Joe Byrne is one of the lucky few selected to man three Atlantic 75 inshore lifeboats, which will provide safety and medical cover for the sailing events.
Mr Byrne initially expressed an interest four years ago to assist with running the Olympics after joining the RNLI’s team in Kilkeel, Northern Ireland.
With 80 athletes competing in three different disciplines Mr Byrne will have his hands full during the week-long regatta. However, as he told the Belfast Newsletter: ‘Water safety is something that is very close to my heart and if i can do some small bit then it makes it all the worthwhile’ so his love for the job should help keep him going during the week long operation.
Mr Byrne is set to arrive at Weymouth on August 28 for his final training sessions to ensure that the Paralympics run as smoothly as the able-bodied Games.