There were big celebrations at OCS Group Ireland headquarters in Dublin this morning as Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD, announced that the company has come on board to sponsor the 2016 Irish Paralympic Team and the 2016 OCS Irish Paralympic Awards.
The Minister was joined in celebrating the news by Irish Paralympic swimmers Ellen Keane and James Scully along with football captain Luke Evans, who took time out from their hectic training programmes to attend the official announcement this morning.
The investment by OCS Group Ireland follows on from their support of the Irish Paralympic team ahead of London 2012 and the continuation of the legacy from the hugely successful 2012 OCS Irish Paralympic Awards.
Speaking at the event Minister Ring said: “Having a good supportive sponsor in place is very important for sporting organisations, particularly in the lead up to major competitions like the Paralympic Games in Rio.”
“OCS Group Ireland has been a fantastic sponsor for Paralympics Ireland in the past and I would like to thank them for their continued support today,” he continued.
“I would also like to wish the Chef de Mission, Denis Toomey, the support teams and all the athletes seeking qualification and selection for Rio the very best of luck in the coming months.”
“I know the wholehearted support of the Irish people is behind the athletes as they face into more hard work and gruelling preparations leading up to September.”
Also speaking at the event, Liam Harbison, CEO of Paralympics Ireland added; “We are delighted that OCS Group Ireland has chosen to partner with us again for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. They were a valued partner for London 2012, and led the way for a hugely successful 2012 OCS Paralympic Awards.”
“We look forward to working with them once more as we plan a great celebration of Irish Paralympic success at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.”
Cecil Ryan, CEO, Asset Solutions, Aviation and Cannon Hygiene International commented: “OCS Group Ireland is delighted once again to be sponsor of the Irish Paralympic Team and the 2016 OCS Paralympic Awards.”
“The level of dedication and commitment the athletes show to their respective goals is inspiring. We look forward to tracking their progress between now and Rio and hopefully to seeing the team bring home some medals for Ireland in 2016.”
A presentation was also made on the day to Minister Michael Ring, T.D. by James Gradwell, President of Paralympics Ireland, with a picture of the Minister presenting a medal to Ireland’s Jason Smyth at the London 2012 Paralympic Games
The OCS Irish Paralympic Awards will be held in December 2016 in order to recognize the achievements of the athletes, their coaches, NGB’s, volunteers and other support personnel and the sporting success they bring to themselves, their families and the entire nation.
