The Federation of Irish Sport will make its pre budget submission at Leinster House this morning.
The amount of money available to sport from Government has fallen by 25% since 2008 but it is in real terms that the debate needs to focus.
Funding available to sport in 2013 was €43 million as opposed to the €13.6 billion spent on health.
That is less than one third of one per cent on an area that has unquestionable benefits for the whole of the population, massive preventative capacity to reduce the larger figure, and which can leverage investment from the business community through smart partnerships such as can be seen every day on Sport for Business.
Sport can never win a one on one ‘public interest’ debate if it is pitched against a school for children with special needs or a hospital providing cancer treatment to those who are ill.
It should never be afraid to stand up though and continually press its case that intelligent investment from the heart of Government will generate a happier, healthier nation , an ultimately more self sufficient sports culture, and a significant financial return to the Department of Finance through the generation of sports spending and tourism.
Sport for Business 2020 will take place at Ulster Bank HQ in Dublin on Tuesday October 8th. We will showcase 20 sporting projects for 2014 to 20 business leaders keen to generate a stronger connection between themselves and their audience through the medium of sport. Click here for more details.
Sport for Business will report on the detail of the submission tomorrow morning but for now it is worth looking once more at just how much of a contribution sport makes…
Click below for details of the Sport for Business Events Programme
Sports Sponsorship Showcase
Sports Analytics Round Table
Sports Tourism Seminar
Irish Sponsorship Awards
Sports Philanthropy Round Table
Youth Sports Conference
