- EU Commissioner Mariya Gabriel, Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, Sport and Youth delivered the keynote address to Federation of Irish Sport members at today’s CEO/Manager forum.
- Minister Jack Chambers spoke of the power of collaboration, innovation and support across the European member states as we all strive to overcome the challenges of COVID-19 in the sector and maximise innovation and opportunity moving forward.
- Danny Mansergh of Mercer Marsh explored the future of work and the opportunities and challenges COVID-19 might present going forward.
The Federation of Irish Sport were delighted to host their first CEO forum of 2021 focusing on innovation, the future of work and the power of sport with special guests EU Commissioner Gabriel, Minister Chambers and Danny Mansergh. The event brought together 80 individuals from more than 40 sporting organisations and showcased the value of shared learning.
Commissioner Gabriel’s work in Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, Sport and Youth aligns with that of Federation members and her keynote address served to update, inspire and drive innovation among the Irish sport sector. The commissioner’s work supports the belief that ‘Sport lies at the centre of interest and everyday life of European citizens. It is vital for our society and for our economy’, a view that all Federation of Irish Sport members share.
Government Chief Whip and Minister of state at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht and Sport with special responsibility for Sport and the Gaeltacht Jack Chambers spoke of the power of sport and physical activity to bring communities together and paid tribute to the innovation and resilience shown by those working in the sector during trying times.
The final speaker of the day, Career and Health Lead with Mercer Marsh, Danny Mansergh posed the question of whether the post COVID workplace presents challenges or opportunities. The presentation delivered interesting insights into the future of a dynamic and changing world of work.
Speaking about the event, Federation CEO Mary O’Connor said, ‘We were delighted to be able to bring our members together virtually today to gain valuable insight on the work of the EU commission and that of our own government as it relates to Sport and Physical Activity. We thank our special guests today for sharing their knowledge and insight on the innovation and importance of the sector during these challenging times. It is vital that the sector has the opportunity to engage, understand and learn from the work of the EU commission, the government and our subject matter experts, particularly during challenging times where advocacy for sport and physical activity, and it’s role in society, is of key importance.’
The member forum also provided updates on the work of the Federation of Irish Sport over the past months including the hugely successful Volunteers in Sport Awards, insight into member engagement activities and advocacy for the year ahead.
ENDS.
Queries to sarah.maloney@irishsport.ie