INSTITUTE Institute of Sport's National Athlete Employer Network Matches Supportive Companies with Outstanding Talent

The Irish Institute of Sport in partnership with the Great Place To Work Institute have established Ireland's first athlete employment support network which provides elite athletes and employers with an opportunity to form flexible employment partnerships.

The network is entitled 'Ignite Your Passion' and it involves a unique collaboration between Ireland's top companies and the world of high performance sport. The purpose of the network is to provide elite athletes with employment opportunities that complement the unique lifestyles of ambitious sports people. The 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.

On July 8th, 30 of Ireland's top employers attended an event in the Institute of Sport to hear learn about the vision, operations and benefits of the network. The highlight of the event was an awards ceremony which recognized companies that provide flexible support to four Paralympic athletes in the work place. Aer Arann, O'Donohue's Craft Bakery, and Tesco Ireland received official recognition as high performance partners to the Institute of Sport.

Liam Harbison, CEO, Paralympic Council of Ireland commented 'We are delighted to partner with the Institute of Sport in hosting the inaugural athlete employer network event. We would like to thank Aer Arann, O Donohue's Craft Bakers, 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 as full partners as they support us in putting Paralympic 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 Dave's personal philosophy on achieving success. Gerry Kilcommins, MD of Medtronic Ireland, delivered a keynote address on the importance of colleagues believing in the 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 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' commented

Daragh Sheridan, Head of Performance Skills, Irish Institute of Sport. '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'

Joe Markey (Left) and Luke Evans (Right) Paralmypic Football Team pictured with their employer Sandra Duffy, HR Manager, Aer Arann. Aer Arann were awarded a high performance partnership for providing both Joe and Luke with a 10 week work experience programme designed to support their final year studies as business undergraduates.

Gary Mesett, Paralmypic Football Team pictured with his employer Michael Moriaty, Store Manager, Tesco Ireland Bray. Tesco were awarded a high performance partnership for providing Gary with a work schedule that combines with his training and competition schedule.

Daragh Sheridan, Insititute of Sport pictured with Cathal O’ Donohue, Managing Director, O’Donohue’s Craft Bakery. O’Donohue’s Bakery were awarded a high performance partnership for providing Francine Meehan, Paralympic Cyclist with a work schedule that combines with her training and competition schedule.