Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland

Tesco Ireland, Aer Arann and O’Donoghue’s Craft Bakery Recognised for Outstanding Contribution to Paralympic Athlete Development

30 of Ireland’s top employers recently attended the Irish Institute of Sport (IIS) in Abbotstown at a event that explained the vision,  operations and benefits of the Employer Support Network which is a joint venture between the IIS and the Great Places to Work Institute.

The aim of the network, entitled ‘Ignite Your Passion‘ is to provide elite athletes with employment opportunities that complement the unique lifestyles of ambitious sports people. The Irish Institute for Sport will provide ongoing support and recognition to corporate partners as it seeks to fulfill its mandate to create sporting champions for Ireland.

The highlight of the event was an awards ceremony which recognised companies that provide flexible support to four Paralympic athletes in the work place. Aer Arann, O’Donoghue’s Craft Bakery, and Tesco Ireland received official recognition as high performance partners to the Irish Institute of Sport.

Liam Harbison, CEO of the Paralympic Council of Ireland commented: “We are delighted to partner with the Irish Institute of Sport in hosting the inaugural athlete employer network event. We would like to thank Aer Arann, O Donoghue’s Craft Bakery, and Tesco Ireland for providing Paralympic athletes with flexible athlete centered work place support. This support has a direct impact on athlete performance. We are delighted to welcome these companies to the Irish Paralympic community  as they support us in putting athletes on the podium for Ireland.”

Company representatives got an insight into elite sport through a practical demonstration of a leading edge athlete strength and conditioning training session.  Dave Malone, Head of Paralympic Swimming, made a presentation on how he overcame physical challenges in his life. Companies were given a unique perspective on Malone’s personal philosophy on achieving success. Gerry Kilcommins, MD of Medtronic Ireland, delivered a keynote address on the importance of colleagues believing in the company mission.

Cathal Divilly, Managing Director, Great Place To Work Institute Ireland commenting on the event said: “From a work place point of view, we are delighted to partner with the Irish Institute of Sport. A flexible and supportive employee centered workplace plays a key role in our definition of a great place to work. Our key employer partners are delighted to be associated with a ‘win win’ partnership that involves companies recruiting top talent whilst supporting the Institute’s mission to put athletes on the podium for Ireland. Such a great turn out at our first event proves that the world of work is clearly very interested partnering with the world of high performance sport.”

Daragh Sheridan, Head of Performance Skills, Irish Institute of Sport, commented on the event stating: “The Institute’s motivation for setting up an athlete employer network is to provide elite athletes with more opportunities to create and lead a lifestyle that is befitting for top performance in their sport. Our experience to date points to the importance of supporting athletes to lead a balanced lifestyle whereby they can work, train and compete in a balanced and harmonious way. Central to such an approach is a supportive employer who understands the demands of an athlete lifestyle and provides key support in scheduling flexible work hours and granting sufficient competition leave.”

INFO SOURCE - Paralympic Council of Ireland  - www.pcireland.ie