The Olympic Federation of Ireland, in conjunction with official sponsor FBD Insurance, has launched a new ‘Make a Difference’ programme to assist Olympic hopefuls in their preparation for the Olympic Games.

A grant of €50,000 is being provided by FBD Insurance to enable further discretionary support to elite athletes.

The OFI draws on a number of resources including that of the IOC Solidarity Programme to provide financial assistance. Since 2018 this money has amounted to €580,000.

Athletes who are considered potential Olympic qualifiers, in collaboration with their National Federation are being invited to apply for a share of the FBD Make a Difference fund and have already been contacted.

The fund is specifically aimed at prospective members of Team Ireland who are likely to compete in the Olympic Games and the grants are designed to provide financial assistance and to make a difference to athletes on their Olympic journey.

It is aimed at those athletes who are not recipients of Sport Ireland Podium or World Class funding on the carding programme.

It also provides opportunities for investment in athletes who directly impact on Olympic performance at the Games, for example, sparring or training partners.

“We are delighted to offer this additional support to Team Ireland athletes through the Make A Difference fund,” said FBD Insurance Chief Commercial Officer John Cahalan.

“As proud sponsors of the Irish Olympic Team, we are continually impressed with the resilience, commitment, and passion of the Olympic hopefuls as they inspire the nation and boldly overcome hurdles and challenges in their pursuit of excellence.”

“Next year we will be proudly cheering them on as they compete on the biggest stage, at the Olympic Games, and FBD Insurance are proud to support Team Ireland on that journey. Our hope is that this additional funding will hopefully go some way towards further supporting the successful recipients, making their journey a little less challenging.”

“FBD Insurance have been unwavering in their support of Team Ireland and we are really excited to launch this Make a Difference campaign because it will most certainly make a difference to our athletes,” added Olympic Federation Commercial Director Catherine Tiernan.

“Team Ireland athletes compete against the best in the world and represent us so well. As amateur athletes, the financial commitments that they make for sporting excellence is immense. This programme will go towards some of the daily expenses that our athletes accrue on their qualification and preparation journey for the Olympic Games, and I want to thank FBD Insurance for this important support.”

Sport for Business Partners