Reviews
Sport Ireland has completed quadrennial reviews of Ireland's preparation for and performances at Olympic and Paralympic Games since 2000.
The reviews are undertaken with the purpose of providing a fair assessment of Ireland's Olympic and Paralympic campaigns in order to produce independent evidence-based recommendations that are essential in improving the Irish high performance system.
The robust review process involves a series of specific stages, significant NGB involvement, and independent oversight.
Tokyo Review
Sport Ireland has also published its review of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic & Paralympic Games. The Tokyo Games Review provides an independent, objective analysis of the Olympic and Paralympic Games for Team Ireland.
There are three distinct project areas within the Tokyo Games Review, with each being completed by a separate independent consultant:
- Project Lead – Leading Sport
- Tokyo Olympic Games Review – Portas Consulting
- Tokyo Paralympic Games Review – Grey Matters Performance
Eighteen NGBs were involved in the Tokyo Olympic Games Review and seven NGBs involved in the Tokyo Paralympic Games Review.
Paul McDermott commented: “The Tokyo Games review was an immersive process, with 426 survey responses received, and 133 interviews conducted. At this stage all of the relevant NGBs have received individual reports, which outline key learnings and recommendations for future Olympic and/or Paralympic Cycles. These recommendations are being actively working on the implementation of recommendations. The Tokyo Games Review has been approved by both the Sport Ireland Board and High Performance Committee, and contains system wide recommendations, as well as all the individual NGB reports. The review highlights that this was a very positive Games experience for Team Ireland members.
“Strong leadership across the system and improved relationships between key stakeholders was identified as a strength in the preparation of the Games, while coaching has been identified as an area for continued improvements, along with the frequency of reviews and debriefs within the respective sports. Sport Ireland will work with each of the NGBs on implementing the recommendations as we turn our focus to the Paris 2024.”