THE IRELAND FUNDS PLEDGE $1 MILLION
TO THE 2003 SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD SUMMER GAMES

UNVEIL UNIQUE FUNDRAISING ART AUCTION
ON 5TH JUNE 2003

The Ireland Funds today (Wednesday, 28th May 2003) announced a donation of $1 million to the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games. The money was raised through a series of co-ordinated events and donations from Fund supporters around the world.

As part of their programme of support for the Games, The Ireland Funds are also organising a unique auction of major contemporary Irish art on Thursday 5th June at 5.00pm in Dublin's National Concert Hall under the hammer of John de Vere White.

Commenting on the contribution, Dr. Maurice Hayes, Chairman of The Ireland Funds, said:

"This donation represents the enormous goodwill of the Irish Community abroad towards this unique sporting event. As one of the lead supporters of the Special Olympics, we are delighted to be promoting inclusiveness and diversity in such a significant way."

The auction will feature over 100 pieces of art and sculpture including works by, among others, Louis LeBrocquy, Pauline Bewick, Tony O'Malley, Richard Kingston, Sean Scully, Basil Blackshaw, Guggi and Graham Knuttel. Viewing for the auction will take place on June 4th, with the auction itself taking place at 5.00pm on June 5th. Most of the pieces will be sold without reserve.

Commenting on the international fund-raising initiative co-ordinated by The Ireland Funds, Mary Davis, CEO of the 2003 Special Olympics World Games, said:

"The 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games are delighted to be the benefactor of The Ireland Funds' $1 million commitment. Thanks to its fundraising and promotional efforts the 2003 World Games have benefited enormously from the support of Irish people all around the world. This latest initiative by The Ireland Funds helps to cement the international goodwill and financial contributions that will make the Games a success here in Ireland in June."

Larry Powell, a Board member of The Ireland Funds and organiser of the fund-raising auction, added:

"Our commitment to supporting projects aimed at positive change and mutual understanding has been widely endorsed by Ireland's artists community. We hope that by showcasing the best of Irish art at our auction, we will not only bolster the financial security of the Games, but also contribute to its legacy".