The Olympic Federation of Ireland has unveiled the Team Ireland Foundation, a new philanthropic initiative aimed at strengthening Ireland’s pathway to Olympic success and bringing supporters at home and abroad closer than ever to the nation’s athletes.
Designed to complement existing high-performance funding rather than replace it, the Foundation will channel additional resources directly into areas that enhance athletes’ preparation, performance environments and wellbeing across both Summer and Winter Games cycles.
The model is one increasingly seen across the international Olympic landscape. Countries including the United States, Australia and Canada have long relied on philanthropic programmes—such as the Team USA Fund, the Australian Sports Foundation, and Own the Podium—to provide performance-critical support beyond government grants.
Ireland’s new Foundation reflects a growing recognition that private giving can make a decisive difference in a global sporting environment where marginal gains often separate podium finishes from near misses.
“A unique opportunity to create something lasting and powerful”
Speaking at the launch, Lochlann Walsh, President of the Olympic Federation of Ireland, emphasised both the collective nature of Olympic achievement and the potential for philanthropy to shape future success.
“An Olympic medal is never achieved by one person alone. It is shaped by the many people who have come before the athlete, by the dedication of their support network, and by the pride and motivation drawn from the millions of Irish people worldwide. The Team Ireland Foundation allows supporters to play a meaningful role in that journey,” he said.
Walsh also noted that new Government tax incentives have created a more attractive environment for donors, saying this is “a unique opportunity for those who care deeply about Ireland’s success to help create something lasting and powerful.”
Three pillars of impact
The Foundation will drive investment across three strategic pillars:
Games Delivery – enhancing Ireland’s presence, support structures and performance environments at the Olympic Games.
Athlete Excellence – direct support for world-class preparation, athlete wellbeing and long-term development.
Community Legacy – connecting young people and communities to Olympic sport and building national pride for future generations.
Similar pillars underpin international philanthropic models. Team USA, for example, channels private donations into athlete stipends, training camps and medical support, while the Australian Sports Foundation invests in community pathways alongside elite performance. Ireland’s three-pillar structure aligns the new Foundation with best practice internationally.
“A meaningful way to contribute to Ireland’s next generation of Olympians”
Peter Sherrard, CEO of the Olympic Federation of Ireland, said the Foundation opens a new avenue for supporters to actively shape Ireland’s Olympic trajectory.
“The Foundation invites supporters to become active partners in the Olympic journey. This is a meaningful way to contribute to Ireland’s next generation of Olympians, to help create the environments that allow athletes to excel, and to share in something bigger than any one moment or medal,” said Sherrard. “Ireland has extraordinary athletes and an increasingly powerful system, and the Foundation allows people around the world to invest directly, and to be a part of potential future success.”
Athletes welcome the support
Olympic champion Daniel Wiffen added an athlete’s perspective on why philanthropic support matters at the highest level.
“As athletes, we are always looking for that extra edge, the small differences that can put us on a level playing field with the best in the world and help us be even better,” he said.
“Every bit of support matters… it’s the belief and recognition that comes from knowing people are behind us. Medals are won in the long days between Games, in the training, the recovery, the hard work that no one sees. Knowing that individuals are with us on the tough days as well as the good days makes a real difference.”
A global Irish effort
From Irish communities abroad to domestic supporters of high-performance sport, the Team Ireland Foundation aims to bring together those who want to play a direct role in shaping Olympic outcomes. Its structure reflects the philanthropic systems that have helped other nations scale Olympic podiums, positioning Ireland to strengthen its competitive edge as global standards rise.
Supporters can explore impact stories or make contributions at teamirelandfoundation.ie, the central hub for all Foundation activity and Club LA contributions.
By joining the Team Ireland Foundation, donors become part of the effort ensuring that when an Irish athlete walks into an Olympic arena, they do so not only with personal ambition, but with the shared strength, belief and support of a global Irish community.
Image Credit: Olympic Federation of Ireland and David Fitzgerald, Sportsfile
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Read our Sport for Business Coverage of Olympic Sport
SPORT FOR BUSINESS Upcoming Events
Sport for Business Podcasts
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENT,
The Olympic Federation of Ireland and Allianz, as well as all the leading sporting and business organisations in and around the world of sport, are among the 300+ members of the Sport for Business community.
This includes all of the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies, individuals interested in our world, and an increasing number from beyond these shores taking a keen interest in Ireland.
Find out more about becoming a member today.
Or sign up for our twice-daily bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.
Sign up for our News Bulletins here.
