Members of the sport and exercise science community gathered yesterday at the Sport Ireland Institute Building at the Sport Ireland Campus to mark the launch of the Irish Sport and Exercise Sciences Association.
ISESA Chairperson, ex-Olympian Tom Comyns, highlighted the strategic objectives of the association, which are to promote evidence-informed practice within the sport and exercise sciences community in Ireland, to facilitate all-island collaborative impact through integrated learning, networking and research initiatives, and to develop accreditation pathways for members.
The development of the new association arose from a meeting of third level institutions, NGBs and the Sport Ireland Institute, where it became evident of the burgeoning growth and professionalisation of the industry, and the need to lead, represent, and advance the sport and exercise sciences community in Ireland for the benefit of all within the sector.
This is about more than high performance sport. 97,000 cases of disease in Ireland in 2019 were prevented by participation in sport and physical activity. The net value of health care and wider costs savings achieved was €400 million in that year.
Sport-related jobs account for 2.8% of all Irish employment, up from 2.1% in 2008.
Having an Association where the science behind those numbers can thrive and expand is a winner all round.
“Sport and Exercise Science plays a significant role throughout Ireland, and has the potential to enhance the health, well-being and performance of all individuals, from the recreational participant to the elite athlete,” said Comyns.
“This organisation is for all who are engaged in this sector, will act as the voice for the sport and exercise science community and is committed to supporting the ongoing professionalisation of the industry. We are committed to doing this through networking, collaboration, advocacy and accreditation and will represent the community across the island of Ireland.”
There are no membership fees in the first year and ambitious plans to prove itself as a strong group. Sport Ireland provided support and seed funding to get it up and running and Dr Una May, CEO of Sport Ireland and a sports scientist herself spoke to welcome the new association into the sports ecosystem.
“The field of Sport and Exercise Science plays a significant role in Ireland, promoting the health, well-being, and performance of all individuals,” she said.
“With the growth in this area, I welcome the establishment of the Irish Sport and Exercise Sciences Association. I hope that the association will have a positive impact on the entire sports industry, from grassroots participation to elite performance.”
“Coming into the Paris 2024 Olympics & Paralympics, Ireland’s elite athletes will be supported by a team of expert practitioners across multiple disciplines behind the scenes,” said Liam Harbison, CEO of the Sport Ireland Institute.
“The work of Ireland’s physiologists, strength and conditioning coaches, psychologists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, medics, performance analysts and other experts will be crucial be for the preparation and performance of Team Ireland at the Games.”
“As a major contractor of sport science and medical expertise in the Irish high performance sport system, we are delighted to support this independent voice through the establishment of the Irish Sport and Exercise Sciences Association for the sport and exercise science community in Ireland.”
