Ambitious Plan for Growth of Paralympic Sport in Ireland

The Paralympic Council of Ireland has launched its new strategic plan for the organization covering the period 2010-2014.

The plan, introduced by the Paralympic Council of Ireland President James Gradwell, at an event in Dublin, details the various strategies to be deployed by the organization to capitalize on the opportunity presented by the London 2012 Paralympic Games. The plan also focuses on continuing the upward performance of elite Irish athletes in Paralympic Sports.

Produced with the support of the Irish Sports Council and facilitated by Atlantic Sports Management & Training (ASMT), the plan was developed over a 12-month period following an extensive consultation with key stakeholders in Irish Paralympic Sport.

The Paralympic Council of Ireland has detailed five key priorities for the period to December 2014, namely:

* Implement a world-class high performance system at the Paralympic Council to ensure the Irish Paralympic Team competes performs and wins.

* Implement an elite talent development programme for the next generation of Irish Paralympians.

* Provide strong and effective leadership of the PCI

* Establish an effective marketing plan to promote Paralympic Sport in Ireland

* Generate the resources and revenue to implement the plan

On announcing the publication of the plan, President James Gradwell said: “This plan has been carefully crafted following extensive consultation with our stakeholders in order to ensure the organization grows over the coming years and capitalizes on the inevitable opportunities for Irish Paralympic Sport that will stem from the London 2012 Paralympic Games. The new mission of the Council to lead elite Irish Paralympic Athletes to sustained competitive excellence and inspire the nation of Ireland, reflects our commitment to grow the success of Irish Paralympic Athletes but also raise awareness amongst the nations citizens of the success Paralympic Athletes continually achieve on behalf of Ireland.”

Speaking on the publication of the plan, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council, John Treacy said: “I congratulate the Paralympic Council of Ireland on the production of its second Strategic Plan 2010 – 2014. The strategy is ambitious and aims to build on the significant progress achieved in the previous four-year period of the first strategy. It sets out key priorities and goals for the PCI over the next four years including targets for the London 2012 Paralympic Games. The Council welcomes the focus on developing a strong business element within the strategy, which will enable the PCI to attract financial investment to support and enhance its programmes. I look forward to continued partnership between the Irish Sports Council and the Paralympic Council of Ireland. I am confident that, with the support of all stakeholders, Paralympic Sport will go from strength to strength over the period of the strategic plan.”