GloHealth And Athletics Ireland Hit The Ground Running

GloHealth, Ireland's most innovative health insurer, and Athletics Ireland today announced GloHealth's sponsorship of athletics in Ireland. This multi-year sponsorship agreement will include sponsorship of all of Athletics Ireland's National Championships and sponsorship of the successful Fit4Life initiative.

GloHealth's partnership with Athletics Ireland comes at a time when health and wellbeing, through participation in sports, continues to experience a growth in popularity, evidenced by Athletics Ireland's membership up 17% on 2013, making it one of Ireland's fastest growing sports.

Speaking about the sponsorship Jim Dowdall, CEO of GloHealth said: "GloHealth is delighted to be an official sponsor of Athletics Ireland. This sponsorship of Athletics Ireland is a natural fit for GloHealth and we look forward to both organisations working together to further develop the sport of athletics at all levels while also promoting and supporting people across Ireland maintain an active lifestyle and improve the quality of their health and well-being."

"GloHealth is excited to be the sponsor of all of Athletics Ireland's National Championship events. We look forward to seeing our top athletes compete at the upcoming GloHealth National Championships with many of our elite athletes challenging for the honour of representing Ireland at the European Championships in Zurich in August. This National Championships also include the Juvenile programme which supports and encourages children to lead a healthier and more active life while also realising their sporting potential. Also, under the expert guidance of the Fit4Life programme many thousands of adults of all levels of fitness and sporting ability will benefit by improving their level of physical activity and fitness in a fun and social setting. "

Commenting on the sponsorship, John Foley, CEO Athletics Ireland said: "One of the key objectives of the Athletics Ireland Strategic Plan 2013-2016 is to promote health and fitness to the population as a whole. By partnering with GloHealth over the next three years we have a significant opportunity to really make an impact on both the health and fitness of people throughout the country". He added "I am delighted with the opportunity to work with the impressive team at GloHealth, we have ambitious plans to grow our membership and to provide athletes with the appropriate competition pathways to allow them to develop to their full potential through the ranks - there is no doubt that GloHealth's sponsorship will be a catalyst in achieving these objectives".

Irish 400m Hurdles Record Holder Thomas Barr, who is currently ranked number three in Europe said "Having the opportunity to compete at top class national championships allows athletes to prepare for competing at the highest International level. It is great to know that our athletics competition programme is supported by an exciting company like GloHealth".

Irish International middle distance runner Laura Crowe said "GloHealth sponsorship of Athletics Ireland will help our athletes reach our potential as we all prepare for the Europeans this year and look towards the Rio Olympics in 2016. The financial support and GloHealth's focus on health and well-being will benefit everyone involved in athletics in Ireland".

The GloHealth National Championships will be the first focus of the partnership with a total of 27 National Championships from track and field indoor and outdoor, road races, race walking and cross country with over 30,000 athletes competing in the programme.

The GloHealth Juvenile Track and Field Championships will kick off the partnership with the Relays (5th July) and followed by the individual championships (26th & 27th). GloHealth Junior and U23 Athletics (6th July) sees Ireland's up and coming stars compete for national titles and a place on the team for the World Junior Track and Field Championships which take place in Eugene, USA in July 2014.

Scheduled for the 19th and 20th of July, the GloHealth Senior Track and Field Championships will take place in Morton, Stadium, Santry with Ireland's elite athletes competing for a top honours and places on the Irish team for the European Track and Field Championships in Zurich in August. Athletes aspiring for Olympic 2016 glory will be out in force including Thomas Barr, Paul Robinson, Brian Gregan and Fionnuala Britton. Athletics Ireland is inviting people to be there to watch these elite athletes compete. For more information on tickets please visit athleticsireland.ie.

The sponsorship of Athletics Ireland compliments the recent launch of the GloHealth's advertising campaign entitled '#RunnersAreAmazing' which focussed on people taking control of their health. This campaign supported the launch of its Next Generation Tailored Cover.