DCU and Athletics Ireland sign three-year strategic partnership

Dublin City University and Athletics Ireland have signed a three-year partnership with the aim of delivering a ‘best in class’ athletics programme that will focus on areas of high performance and participation.

The partnership reflects DCU’s ongoing commitment to supporting wellbeing through sport and physical activity and its ambition to be the number one destination for the most talented student athletes. It will enable DCU to not only encourage participation in sport but also to provide a professional and supportive environment in which talent can  thrive.

Key areas for collaboration under the agreement will include:

• Supporting the growth of athletics in DCU at performance and participation levels
• Provision of an environment that ensures that dual career athletes have access to optimum supports and coaching resources
• Collaboration on talent identification and talent development programmes
• Provision and development of coaching expertise
• Collaboration to support the delivery of high-quality athletics activities
• Promotion of recreational running to increase participation numbers and enhance wellbeing

President of DCU, Prof. Brian MacCraith, commented: “This is another important milestone in the development of sport and wellbeing at DCU. I am delighted that our ongoing relationship with Athletics Ireland has developed into this strategic partnership. This is a win-win outcome for both organisations and the primary beneficiaries will be talented student athletes. We look forward to working closely with Athletics Ireland in the areas of participation and performance over the coming years.”

Speaking about the partnership, James Galvin, Director of Sport and Wellbeing at DCU, said:

“We are continuing our journey to be regarded as the leading university in Ireland for participation, performance and inclusion in sport. As part of this journey, we are very excited about fostering this strategic partnership and Athletics Ireland.

DCU recognises the important role it can play as a key stakeholder in promoting and developing athletics from participation through to high performance.”

Hamish Adams, CEO of Athletics Ireland commented:

“We are delighted to announce this partnership with DCU as it very much reflects our primary objective which is to promote and develop the sport at every level from recreational running and schools competitions, through to supporting Ireland's elite athletes in international competition.

 We're particularly pleased that an innovative and world-renowned institution like DCU will support us in encouraging participation in athletics, as well providing a professional and supportive environment in which our athletes can thrive.”