IABA collaborates with a range of support agencies to deliver top pre-Games support event

The IABA delivered a top pre-Games support event for the families, partners and local coaches attached the London 2012 boxing squad. The event took place in Bewleys Hotel, Newlands Cross on Saturday June 30th. Top experts from the IABA, the Institute of Sport, the Olympic Council of Ireland and the Irish Sports Council took part in the event.

‘This support event was a critical part of our pre Games support strategy. In excess of 30 people attached to the 2012 boxing squad attended the daylong event. This was the first time that we delivered a pre Games support event tailored to the needs of families, partners and local coaches attached to the 2012 Olympic Games boxing squad. The motivation to create this support stemmed from the fact that 30% of the remaining preparation time leading into London will take place in the athlete’s home environment’stated Des Donnelly, Olympic Games Team Manager, IABA.

The event included the following contributors who designed and delivered critical pre- and post-Games support messages designed to support families, partners and local coaches attached to the 2012 boxing squad.

• Gerry Hussey, Performance Psychologist, IABA – ‘The Olympic Mindset’
• Sharon Madigan, Performance Nutritionist, Irish Institute of Sport – ‘Key Pre Games Weight Management Tips’
• Paul McDermott, Communications Director, ISC - ‘Managing Media Influence’
• Dr. Rod McLoughlin, Director of Performance Medicine, Irish Institute of Sport & Medical Officer, Olympic Council of Ireland – ‘Minimizing Illness to Maximise Performance’
• Kenneth & Maura Egan, Olympic Silver Medallist & Daragh Sheridan, Athlete Career Support Manager, Irish Institute of Sport - ‘Managing the Post-Games Period’

In addition, each family was given a games support pack which included key information on ticketing arrangements, competition site maps and transportation options around the Olympic Games site.

‘This event was a first for Irish boxing. Our performance support team delivered a range of critical performance support messages that will have a significant performance impact come London 2012. I am especially pleased with the contribution that Kenneth and Maura Egan made concerning their post-Games experience. This created a heightened awareness of the support strategy which will be a key part of our overall Games support plan. We are also especially pleased with the level of engagement and enthusiasm that was displayed by the boxers and their local support teams. We now enter the final stages of our Olympic Games preparation backed with a real confidence and belief in our ability to realize our performance potential’ stated Billy Walsh, Head Coach, IABA High Performance Unit.