The Olympic Federation of Ireland today unveiled the experience strand of its Paris 2024 Olympic Games planning, including partnerships with the O’Sullivan Group and the Centre Culturel Irlandais (Irish Cultural Centre) in the heart of Paris.
For the first time in twelve years, the Olympic Games will be hosted in Europe. The plans cater for the high levels of anticipated interest from Irish fans and include details about the Team Ireland Supporter’s House and Team Ireland Family House which will provide both support and entertainment for supporters at Games time.
The partnership with the Centre Culturel Irlandais will provide direct support for athlete experience and transition following competition. The setting will also provide opportunities to incorporate a cultural and promotional strand to enhance the reputation of Ireland internationally through arts and culture and to recognise the significance of the Games as marking the centenary of Ireland’s first independent participation.
The Paris-based O’Sullivan Group will play a key role in hosting and entertaining Irish fans who will be visiting the French capital to enjoy and support the Games. The official Team Ireland Supporter’s House is in ‘O’Sullivan’s By The Mill’, beside the famous Moulin Rouge. Offering live Games action focused on Irish interest, this venue will feature live music and entertainment acts during the Games period and caters for 950 supporters.
For the parents and families who will be travelling, a focused experience package will also be available in the mornings and afternoons, with the Team Ireland Family House confirmed as O’Sullivan’s Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR)’. Situated near the Champs Élysées, this venue will provide a morning and afternoon meeting point with the opportunity to provide support and assistance to athletes’ families.
The Centre Culturel Irlandais offers a fantastic addition to the athlete experience, offering an opportunity for athletes to unwind post-competition, and to enjoy Paris from within a beautiful oasis steeped in history, not far from the Panthéon. In contrast to the locked-down Games of Tokyo, this experience will allow athletes to enjoy the Parisian celebrations once they leave the Athletes’ Village, and to enjoy some of the arts and cultural activities that will take place in the centre during that time.
“I am delighted to see the progress made on this important area to ensure that athletes, their families, and wider supporter groups can enjoy what we all hope will be a very special Games for Team Ireland,” said Olympic Federation of Ireland President Sarah Keane.
“I want to thank our partners in Paris for their work, along with our own team and sponsors in helping to develop this special experience package.”
“Today’s announcement brings into focus an important strand of our Paris 2024 planning with an emphasis on athlete, family, and supporter experience,” added CEO Peter Sherrard.
“Working closely with our partners in Paris, we look forward to making the Games of Paris 2024 a very special centenary celebration for Team Ireland.”
“I am proud and honoured to be a partner in this memorable event where we witness and celebrate the achievements of our Irish athletes,” said O’Sullivan Group Founder and CEO Thomas St John.
“Our O’Sullivans venues are a beacon of Irish entertainment and camaraderie in Paris, and we can’t wait to create incredible memories with you next summer.”
The Paris Olympic Games run from the 26th of July to the 11th of August 2024 and qualification for athletes and sports is ongoing.
The Olympic Federation of Ireland’s principal commercial backer include Permanent tsb, Allianz, Deloitte and McKeever Sports
