DAST 2009 National Awards to Volunteers in Irish Sport - Deadline Approaches

30 Oct 2009


Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism would like to remind sports enthusiasts that the deadline for the 2009 National Awards to Volunteers in Irish Sport is the 13th November. The awards are an initiative of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Sports, which represents some 68 sports in Ireland.


The scheme is being supported by Setanta Sports and the Irish Sports Council.


The 2009 awards, first announced in July, will honour eleven individuals who are representative of the 400,000 people who volunteer their time and effort to sport in Ireland each year through their involvement with sports clubs and organisations throughout the country.


The award-winners will be selected by a committee chaired by Olympic gold medal winner Dr Ronnie Delany. Minister Cullen will present the awards at a ceremony early in the New Year.


Encouraging nominations to the 2009 awards, Minister Martin Cullen said: "Many volunteers give their time freely to encourage people to become involved in sport in this country. They can often play a key role in particular in the formative years of people's sporting careers. In communities across the country we all know dedicated people who are committed to sport and are consistently generous with their time and skills. Sport at every level in Ireland could not exist without their efforts. The generosity and contribution of these volunteers to our communities and society deserve recognition."


There are eleven categories of awards, which acknowledge all voluntary contributions within sport at all levels. (Sample categories include Youth Manager, Youth Volunteer, Adult Manager, National Level Administrator, Local Level Administrator and Lifetime Volunteer).


Nominations for the awards can be made by individuals or clubs on-line at www.volunteersinsport.ie which includes full guidelines and details on the 2009 awards. The closing date for the receipt of nominations for the 2009 awards is 5.00pm on Friday 13th November 2009.


For further information, please contact:

  • Jenny Gleeson, WHPR Tel: 01 669 0030
  • Sarah O'Connor, Chief Executive of the Federation of Irish Sports - 086 804 8446
  • Michelle Hoctor, Press Advisor to the Minister, 01 6313876
  • www.volunteersinsport.ie