Bank of Ireland continued the stepping up of its activity in the sporting sector with support for a Talent ID Programme at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena last week.
The nationwide search to identify talented students with athletic potential in secondary schools nationwide started earlier this year.
Development Officers from Athletics Ireland visited secondary schools around the country where approximately 1,000 students participated. These students underwent a matrix of specialised tests to determine untapped athletic ability with the top 10 students from each school going on to attend the Masterclass in the state-of-the-art National Indoor Arena
The programme, which aims to encourage greater participation amongst students in athletics culminated with a Masterclass where the 200 top students selected received coaching, advice and tips from sports psychologists, nutritionists and athletes including former European Indoor Championship gold medallist David Gillick, Kerry O’Flaherty, Brian Gregan and Molly Scott.
“Increasing participation in sport is a key driver behind the Bank of Ireland Talent ID Programme,” said Irish Schools Director at Athletics Ireland, Anthony White.
“We have focused on first years as it is a major transition in their lives and we are trying to make it easier for them to continue to be active.”
“We are excited to be working with Bank of Ireland on this programme and we see it as a great way to introduce students to the joy of athletics and hopefully unearth the next Irish stars.”
“Bank of Ireland is delighted to be able to offer students the opportunity to take part in athletics, the foundation of all sports, and the programme will hopefully encourage participation and discover a star of the future,” added Ciara McGuigan, Senior Segment Manager Youth Banking at Bank of Ireland.
“We are deeply involved in sport sponsorship and the athletics Talent ID programme is a fantastic opportunity to broaden our School Programme, and engage with students in a sport where we haven’t been as active in the past.”
