Allianz, one of the longest running supporters of sport in Ireland, has been announced today as the new primary commercial sponsor and partner of the Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) and Paralympics Ireland.
They have been partners of Paralympics Ireland since 2006 and of the Olympic Federation since 2021 and are also global partners of the International Olympic Council and the International Paralympic Council.
They are stepping up into the position filled by PTSB in the Paris cycle.
“Allianz has been protecting our customers in Ireland for over 100 years, and championing sport has always been a core pillar of our engagement with customers and communities,” said Allianz CEO, Phillip Gronemeyer.
“Through our partnerships, we have been privileged to witness firsthand the positive impact sport can have on people of all ages, particularly children.”
“A key component of this new partnership is the shared ambition and vision between Allianz, the OFI and Paralympics Ireland. Our ‘Stop the Drop’ campaign aims to shine a light on the number of young people dropping out of sport and encourage continued participation.”
“This partnership will help inspire children by showcasing the benefits sport has on inclusion and overall wellbeing. We are very proud to confirm our increased commitment with both the OFI and Paralympics Ireland, and look forward to supporting Team Ireland over the coming years.”
The journey to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games has officially begun, with Allianz’s title sponsorship serving as the first milestone.
This path will include numerous events, from the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina and the European Games in Istanbul, to multiple European Youth Olympic Festivals and Youth Olympics as well as the European Para Youth Games and World and European Para Championships leading up to 2028.
“Today marks the evolution of a partnership that has already had a significant impact, since it began in 2021,” added Peter Sherrard, CEO of the Olympic Federation of Ireland.
“Allianz has been such a positive partner to the OFI and we are thrilled that they have come on board as our new title partner, as continuity of partners adds real value to our organisation.”
“The four-year Olympic cycle is filled with opportunities to showcase the best of Irish sport, from aspiring young athletes to senior competitors. With over 40 sports represented, Ireland’s Olympic Movement brings together athletes with the drive and ambition to compete globally. Giving them a platform is crucial to inspire the next generation of Irish athletes and Allianz have a proven track record in championing positive change.”
In 2024, Allianz launched the ‘Stop the Drop’ campaign – a pioneering initiative designed to address the critical issue of declining sports participation among young people. With one in five children in Ireland dropping out of sport between primary and secondary school, Allianz is committed to reversing the trend through its sports partnerships – enabling over 60,000 children annually to engage with sport.
In their new role as the OFI’s top sponsor, Allianz will also support the funding of ‘Dare to Believe’ – an inspiring initiative run by the Olympic Federation of Ireland.
Launched in 2019, the Olympic schools programme brings the spirit of the Olympics into classrooms, exploring key Olympic values such as respect, the joy of taking part, and the pursuit of excellence. The initiative aims to inspire children to chase their dreams, equipping them with fun, practical tools and tips to help them achieve their goals. By aligning with Dare to Believe, Allianz furthers its mission of helping children discover and sustain a lifelong love for sport.
Allianz will also become the title sponsor of the NextGen programme from Paralympics Ireland that will see youths with a disability being given the opportunity to sample and begin their journey into para sport.
Allianz will bring the programme throughout the country as they help to find and nurture the next generation of Irish Para Athletes.
“Allianz has a long-standing commitment to supporting sport at every level and they share our passion for championing athletes who inspire the next generation, particularly young people with disabilities,” said Stephen McNamara, Paralympics Ireland CEO.
“Their support will not only empower our incredible athletes to compete at their very best on the world stage, but will also help us foster a culture of inclusion and representation in Irish sport. Together, we will continue breaking barriers, changing perceptions, and encouraging more people with disabilities to get involved in sport. We are thrilled to strengthen our long standing and positive relationship with Allianz.”
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
This is the best possible partnership for each of the sporting bodies and Allianz. Having worked closely with them over ten years as our partner in Inclusion, Children in Sport and Sport for Social Good we know they will bring the right attitude and the right imagination to build on the success of the Paris Games.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
We will be chatting to all the parties over the coming weeks and diving into what are the first areas in which this new partnership will come to life.
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS
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The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations, including all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies.
