Following an overwhelming response in applications to the Make a Difference athlete fund that was announced by the OFI Athletes’ Commission earlier this year, the Olympic Federation of Ireland has channeled an additional €50,000 directly to athletes.
Athletes across sixteen sports were awarded a total amount of €115,000 to support their performance. The proceeds of the fund were partially raised by the Make a Difference Golf Day that took place in October 2022.
Athletes targeting both the Summer Olympics in Paris 2024 and the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina 2026 will benefit from the fund which will support applications detailing projects from training camps to specialist coaches.
“There are a huge number of athletes across a huge number of sports vying for Olympic qualification across the sports,” said
Chair of the Olympic Federation of Ireland Athletes’ Commission, Shane O’Connor.
“The quality and depth of applications received were very impressive and highlighted that a little extra support to the athletes can really make a huge difference.”
“We are happy as an Athletes’ Commission to be able to support this fund, with the backing of the Olympic Federation of Ireland, and the Make a Difference golf fundraiser.”
“I know first-hand the huge personal commitment it takes from an athlete to succeed, both emotionally and financially,’ added Team Ireland Chef de Mission Gavin Noble.
“The strength and depth of applications that were received demonstrated how supporting tangible projects can make a huge difference in the athletes’ lives, and ultimately their performance.”
“We are very happy to support a range of initiatives, from additional specialist coaching to supporting an individual coach’s travel to events or to fund the addition of a training partner to add depth to a training environment. We are looking forward to showcasing some of these stories in the coming months.”
Boxer Gráinne Walsh has been awarded €7,000, as has Thomas Maloney Westgaard in Snowsports. Heptathlete Kate O’Connor gets €6,000. Gary O’Donovan from Rowing and Daniel Wiffen from Swimming have been awarded €5,000 as has the doubles team of Joshua Magee and Paul Reynolds from Badminton.
Four athletes have been awarded €4,000 and a further 21 will receive a sum of €3,000. They come from athletics, rowing, cycling, sailing, shooting, surfing, swimming, triathlon, weightlifting, luge, ice skating, skeleton and skiing
