Paralympics Ireland made the first of what is expected to be a series of positive announcements about sponsorship yesterday as OCS Group were welcomed by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD, as sponsors of the 2016 Irish Paralympic Team and the 2016 OCS Irish Paralympic Awards.
Irish Paralympic swimmers Ellen Keane and James Scully were out near Dublin Airport to make the announcement and will hope to be among those challenging for the target of 8-10 medals which Paralympics Ireland CEO has set for Rio in September.
The location was fitting as OCS provides the facilities for passengers with restricted mobility at Dublin Airport which have been hailed as the best in Europe. This is a sponsorship which is based on engagement between what the sport needs and what a company provides.
No financial value was placed on the support but it will be a mix of financial and support services that will assist greatly in getting the team of as many as 49 athletes to Brazil.
Harbison spoke of the cost of preparation and competition as in the region of €700,000 and thanked the Government and Sport Ireland for their support in helping to meet those costs.
Allianz are also on board as major partners and Paralympic athletes will feature in a special new TV ad from the company airing in the coming weeks.
The investment by OCS Group Ireland follows on from their support of the Irish Paralympic team ahead of London 2012 and the continuation of the legacy from the hugely successful 2012 OCS Irish Paralympic Awards.
“Having a good supportive sponsor in place is very important for sporting organisations, particularly in the lead up to major competitions like the Paralympic Games in Rio,” said Minister Ring who revealed his favourite sporting experience of his time so far in office as being the opportunity to present Jason Smyth with his Gold medal at London 2012.
Also speaking at the event, Liam Harbison, CEO of Paralympics Ireland added; “We are delighted that OCS Group Ireland has chosen to partner with us again for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. They were a valued partner for London 2012, and led the way for a hugely successful 2012 OCS Paralympic Awards.”
“OCS Group Ireland is delighted once again to be sponsor of the Irish Paralympic Team and the 2016 OCS Paralympic Awards,” said Cecil Ryan, CEO, Asset Solutions, Aviation and Cannon Hygiene International that make up OCS Group.
“The level of dedication and commitment the athletes show to their respective goals is inspiring. We look forward to tracking their progress between now and Rio and hopefully to seeing the team bring home some medals for Ireland in 2016.”
The OCS Irish Paralympic Awards will be held in December 2016 in order to recognize the achievements of the athletes, their coaches, NGB’s, volunteers and other support personnel and the sporting success they bring to themselves, their families and the entire nation.
