News Release -
Sports Legends Keith Wood, Packie Bonner & Peter Clohessy Get Signed-up
Sports legends Keith Wood, Packie Bonner and Peter Clohessy have signed up to become Ireland’s first Sports Ambassadors. The new Programme, the first of its kind in Ireland, was launched (Tuesday 24th November ’09) in Limerick in a bid to grow the number of sports events in the Shannon Region.
The Sports Ambassadors programme has been devised jointly by Shannon Development and the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, to increase the Shannon Region’s share of the lucrative national and international sports tourism market.
They are asking people from the Shannon Region Counties of Limerick, Clare, Tipperary and South Offaly, involved in sporting activities at any level to become a sports ambassador. Representatives from all Shannon Region’s sporting bodies were invited to the launch and information evening at the Daghda Church in John’s Square, Limerick, which was addressed by Dr. Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Development and Karen Brosnahan, Business Development Manager, Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, and David Mahedy from the University of Limerick Sports Arena.
Explaining the reason behind the initiative Dr. Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Development said, “Sports tourism in the Shannon Region is worth an estimated €60 million annually to the economy benefiting a range of businesses from the accommodation sector, transport services, pubs, and restaurants, right through to visitor attractions, sports facilities, and the retail trade. Limerick and the Shannon Region is already recognised internationally as a top destination for sports events, securing such high profile events over the years as the World Medical Games, the World Vintage Rugby Sevens, the World Cross Country Championships and the national and International Corporate Games. We believe this latest initiative will capitalise on this key strength and is capable of delivering a bigger share of this lucrative market to the Shannon Region.”
“We are delighted to partner with the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau to promote this worthwhile programme and we would call on others to partner with us to make sports event organisers aware of the wonderful sports facilities which this Region’s has in abundance” added Dr. Cunnane.
Among those who attended the launch event were two former Irish rugby internationals, and Shannon Region home grown rugby personalities, Keith Woods, and Peter Clohessy and football legend Packie Bonner, who with the Mayor of Limerick Cllr Kevin Kiely, were first to sign up to become Shannon Region Sports Ambassadors.
Speaking about the role of the Sports Ambassador Karen Brosnahan, Business Development Manager, Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau said, “A sports ambassador is someone who is willing, with our help, to bid for a national or international sporting event. We are looking for people involved in sports of all kinds from sailing, surfing, swimming to cycling, golf, badminton, walking, this list is endless, who know of upcoming national and overseas events in their sport to get in touch with us. We are looking at targeting events such as the World Down Syndrome Swimming Championship and the World Baton Twirling Championships which were held in the Shannon Region previously. “
To assist people who know of an upcoming event, the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Programme will provide a free service to help people pitch for events. The bureau provides a free venue finding service and offers support for site visits to the region to view prospective sporting venues, and accommodation. They also provide case building and bid assistance. For further information visit www.conferenceandsportsbureau.com or contact Karen Brosnahan Tel:061-710267 mail:Karen@conferenceandsportsbureau.com
“We are aiming to secure four or five new sports events for the Shannon Region in 2010, but support from people involved in sports around the Shannon Region will be vital. Once up and running we hope the Shannon Region Sports Ambassadors Programme will have someone from every sport out flying the flag and championing the Shannon Region as the premier location for national and international sports events,” said Dr. Cunnane.
Sports stars line out as Sports Ambassadors
(L-r) Irish and international soccer star Packie Bonner, Sean Lally, Chairman Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau, rugby legend Keith Wood, hurling star Brian Whelahan, rugby star Peter Clohessy and Vincent Cunnane CEO of Shannon Development, are pictured here at the launch of the new Shannon Region Sports Ambassadors Programme.
End
For further information please contact:
Nandi O’Sullivan
Public Relations Manager
Tel: +353 61 710259
Mobile: +353 86-2371510
Fax: 061 363180
E-mail: Click Here