Irish kayakers are headed to the Special Olympics World Games in Athens this summer as part of a 126-strong team representing Ireland at the games.

When asked if kayaking is a dangerous sport, Kayaker Shaun Bradley (pictured) from Letterkenny told The Irish Times: “Not really if you’re good at swimming.”

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar said everyone could benefit from the event. The Government has allocated €250,000 for the Special Olympics World Games and €1.5 million in 2011 for Special Olympics Ireland.

More than 7,500 athletes will compete across 12 sports, supported by 2,500 coaches and thousands of volunteers from 185 countries, at the games in Athens from 25 June to 4 July.