Autumn Graduation
Honorary Degree for Dr Mary Davis
5 November 2003

Dr Mary Davis

Recognising the importance of sport in the lives of people with disability, DCU has conferred an honorary degree on Mary Davis, the chief executive of the 2003 World Special Olympics for her outstanding work in enriching the lives of people with learning disabilities.

Dr Mary Davis, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski and Barbara Flood, Business School

Originally from Co Mayo, Dr Mary Davis studied physical education at Leeds University and completed her studies at the University of Alberta. On returning to Ireland, she joined St Michael's House as a physical education teacher and soon after became a volunteer for Special Olympics. In 1985 she was the events director for the European Special Olympic Games which were held in Dublin and involved 2,000 athletes from more than 15 countries. These Games were the catalyst behind the bid to bring the World Special Olympics to Ireland this Summer. While Mary Davis herself attributes the success of the bid to the strength of the Special Olympics programme in Ireland and to public, commercial and government support, her drive and commitment was the critical factor in bringing the Games to Ireland.

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