Apr 26, 2013
FEDERATION BEFORE OIREACHTAS TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
The Federation of Irish Sport appeared before the Joint Committee on Transport & Communications on 25th April in relation to the proposed ban of alcohol sponsorship and sport. The Federation took the opportunity to outline that in the current climate where funding for sport is in such short supply now is not the time to be introducing a blanket ban on any category of sponsorship.
The Federation outlined its view that there would be a better way in which, sport could look to assist in addressing the challenges associated with alcohol misuse. In particular, through the roll out in conjunction and with the help of the HSE, education and awareness programmes such as the Alcohol & Substance Abuse Programme (“ASAP”) and the “Health Clubs” initiative currently being delivered by the GAA.
The Federation took the opportunity to remind the Deputies and Senators present of the significant reduction in government funding for sport over the last number of years in particular, the 25% decrease in the Irish Sports Council’s budget. The Federation also highlighted the significant disadvantage sport is at when compared to other areas of the not for profit sector in attracting philanthropic investment given that sport does not benefit from charitable status.
The Committee meeting at which, Horse Racing Ireland and the Drinks Industry Group Ireland were also present is the final in a series of three meetings held by the Committee in relation to the issue of sponsorship of major sporting events. The Committee will now prepare a report outlining their recommendations to the Minister. It is anticipated that the issue will come before Cabinet in the next couple of weeks.
A copy of the Federation’s submission to the Joint Committee can be viewed here. Transcripts of the three Committee Hearings on the issue including the one at which the Federation was present can be found here
Apr 24, 2013
The Federation is holding its first Conference on May 21st in the Guinness Storehouse. The event aims to bring together the CEOs, Senior Management and Voluntary Leadership of the Federation’s members. The conference kicks off at 3pm with a keynote address from Sir Keith Mills who is the man behind London’s successful bid for and subsequent hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic Games last year. This will be followed by a drinks reception and dinner, which it is hoped will give you an opportunity to meet and develop relationships with people from other sports as well as discuss issues of common interest. Tickets cost €25 and can be booked online (Federation members only) at: https://www.eventelephant.com/FederationofIrishSportConference2013 or by contacting the Federation at 01-6251155 or info@irishsport.ie. We are very grateful to Diageo, Coca-Cola, Shared Access and IPB /BHP Insurances for their support of the conference.
Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer:
Account Name- Federation of Irish Sport
Sort Code- 900017
Account Number- 80943278
IBAN- IE39 BOFI 9000 1780 9432 78
Full details are set out in the attachment to this email we hope that you and representatives from your sport will be able to attend. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any queries we look forward to seeing you there.
Click here for more information
Apr 22, 2013
We are moving to the new Irish Sport HQ, National Sports Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 on Friday 26th April. Our email and fixed phone and fax lines may be disrupted for a few days during the move. We will reply to you as soon as possible and please redirect post to our new address. Many Thanks.
Apr 17, 2013
Irish Blind Sport is organising a fun weekend of competition and “Come & Try” sport on the weekend of 11th-12th May 2013. The MayFest Dinner, to celebrate 25 years of Irish Blind Sports, will also be held on the evening of Saturday 11th at the Grand Canal Hotel. The occasion will be marked by the organisation changing name from Irish Blind Sports to Vision Sports Ireland.
Details of the events planned:
Come & Try: Join Irish Blind Sports on Saturday 11th May at the ALSAA Sports Complex, beside Dublin Airport, and try your hand, or foot at more than 12 sports. Entry is open to all ages and is absolutely FREE.
SuperStars: In tandem with “Come & Try” you will also find competition, in the form of ‘80s style “SuperStars”, at ALSAA. Take part in up to 5 sports, add up your finishing position in each, and you could be a winner. Competition will be open to all with categories based on sight, age and gender. Under 18’s go FREE while over 18s pay a small fee of €10 (€15 for non-members of Irish Blind Sports).
MayFest Dinner: On Saturday evening the MayFest Dinner will take place at the Grand Canal Hotel, Dublin 4 (beside Grand Canal DART station), Following a 3 course meal plus tea/coffee there will be LIVE music and entertainment with bar closure at 1.30 am. Tickets for the MayFest Dinner will cost €30 per person with a €5 discount for members of Irish Blind Sports. Admission will be by ticket only; order your ticket/s using the Entry Form.
Leisure Football / International Match: There will be two football tournaments at ALSAA on Sunday 12th May: a leisure event for all over 16’s (male and female) to come and try. Also, you can look forward to a Futsal international challenge, maybe England! Entry fee for leisure football tournament: absolutely FREE!
Walk: Alternatively, you can take to the Royal Canal on Sunday for a 90 minute organised stroll, followed by refreshments at the HQ of the National League of the Blind of Ireland in Hill St. Entry to the walk – and light refreshments – is FREE!
Accommodation: For those travelling and staying over for the weekend we have organised a special discount accommodation rate at the Grand Canal Hotel: Room only €88; room plus breakfast for 1 person €98 and room plus breakfast for 2 €108. Ring Hotel Reservations at 01-6461000 NOW and quote “Irish Blind Sports MayFest” to receive this special rate.
For all the latest information visit the Irish Blind Sports website. Watch out also for our E-News. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Registration now open, entry forms available to download at www.ibsports.ie
Apr 16, 2013
Media Future 2013 will take place in The Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire on May 14th.
The Federation of Irish Sport has teamed up with Media Future Conference 2013 to offer a €70 discount to FIS members who book using our members code (‘fis’). This means that Federation members will pay €275 instead of the €345 standard rate.
About Media Future 2013
The Media Future conference will bring together the world’s leading media people, innovations and technologies. The last 5 years have seen more change and upheaval in the media than at any point in history. Everywhere you look the traditional ways of printing, broadcasting, publishing, and communicating are exploding and being challenged by new technologies. Media Future will chart the extraordinary transformation of the media and identify the key trends, technologies and topics that will shape the future.
There are 200 people booked already and you can check out a selection of attendees by
The speaker list includes the top influencers and decision makers from The Guardian, The Economist, National Public Radio, New Yorker.com, TheJournal.ie and special keynotes from the likes of Irish novelist and screenwriter Roddy Doyle to name but a few.
This is a great opportunity for your sporting organisation to identify the key trends and technologies that will shape the future for disciplines like journalism, advertising, marketing, public relations and technology.
Media Future 2013 will take place in The Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire on May 14th.
How to Book your Ticket
Phone: (01) 473 2050 ask for Cathal and be sure to quote the discount code ‘fis’ (all lower case)
Email: cathal@mediacontact.ie
Online: Go to www.mediafuture.ie click on ‘Buy Tickets Now’ and enter the offer code ‘fis’ (all lower case)
Speakers Announced to Date
Mark Stencel, Managing Editor for Digital News at National Public Radio
Nick Blunden, Managing Director and publisher of The Economist
Tanya Cordrey, Head of Digital at The Guardian Group
Roddy Doyle, Irish novelist, dramatist and screenwriter
Nicholas Thompson, Editor of Newyorker.com
David Hieatt, Co-founder of The Do Lectures and Hiut Denim Co.
Rick Falkvinge, Founder of The Swedish Pirate Party
Susan Daly, Editor of TheJournal.ie
* additional speakers will be announced next week.
Apr 13, 2013
Basketball Ireland announced this week a deal with leisurewear suppliers Macron for their international programmes. The deal ensures eight underage international teams will continue to participate over the next three years.
Speaking at the announcement Basketball Ireland, Secretary General, Bernard O’Byrne, said “It is an excellent partnership for Basketball Ireland and a vote of confidence in the positive direction that the sport continues to take in Ireland.”
The partnership will also see the National Basketball Summer Camp in Gormanston branded as the Basketball Ireland Macron Kits National Camp.
Bernard O’Byrne outlined his excitement about the new venture by saying that “It is the perfect time to announce the deal as our international teams that are preparing for European Championships enter the final stages of their training programmes. We look forward to seeing them play this summer against some of the best in Europe, kitted out in Macron gear.”
Commenting on the partnership, John Fallon, Director of Macron Store Dublin said, “Macron is delighted to be teaming up with such a well-run and professional body as Basketball Ireland. We are excited as this is the first time Macron has formed a partnership with a National team within Europe and look forward to engaging with the Basketball community at all levels. We are confident the Macron kit and leisurewear will meet the high performance standards of the Irish International Programmes.”
Under terms of the agreement, Macron will become the title sponsor of each International team as they compete in the FIBA European Basketball Championships. This summer in particular they will support the U16 boys and girls teams as they prepare for the 2013 U16 European Championships.
The boys will travel Sarajevo, the capital city in Bosnia and Herzegovina from August 8th-18th as they take on England, Switzerland, Slovenia and Romania. Meanwhile the girls will face a tough task when they meet Germany, Portugal and Denmark when they travel to Portugal from August 1st – 11th.
Basketball Ireland and Macron will work together to create both International and grassroots relationships in the basketball community over the next three years.
About Basketball Ireland
Basketball Ireland (B.I.) is the national governing body for the sport on the island of Ireland. As part of FIBA Europe, the European Governing body, and of FIBA, the World Governing body, B.I. is responsible for the promotion and administration of basketball throughout Ireland and for Irish international participation. Basketball is Ireland’s number one indoor sport and is currently the third most popular sport for Irish teenagers as per the recent ‘Census At School’ survey.
About Macron
Macron is an Italian company with a strong international vocation and is now one of the main European players, combining exceptional qualities and skills typical of products made in Italy. The company supports many teams across Europe with its unparalleled products & services including Italian Serie A basketball clubs Sutor Monterganaro and Virtus Bologna, French Orleans Loiret Basket and Irish SuperLeague side DCU Saints. Macron is also official kit supplier to a host of well-known professional football clubs throughout the UK such as West Ham Utd, Leeds United, Sheffield United and in Rugby, both Scottish National Team and Edinburgh Rugby.
Read more here
