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Displaying items by tag: Athletes’ Commission

Annalise Murphy, Sanita Puspure, Claire Lambe and the rest of the Team Ireland Athletes’ Commission are calling on all Olympians, past and present, and high performance athletes on their sports national team (both junior and senior) to join them for a social event to discuss the importance of 'Enjoying the Journey'.

The event at the Sport Ireland Campus in northwest Dublin on Wednesday 14 December will also serve as an official launch of the Athletes’ Commission Strategy for 2022-2024, with details of the related activities, supports and actions to be announced.

The event will be an interactive event, aimed at creating engaging discussion around the various challenges and opportunities for high performing athletes, and the importance of remaining focused at all times on finding enjoyment and happiness in the steps along the way.

MC David Gillick (Olympian and former Athletes' Commission member) will guide two panel discussions around the topic, touching on key points such as how to celebrate success, and tips and advice from the experienced Olympians in the room.

The event will be brought by the Athletes' Commission who are: Shane O’Connor (chair), Natalya Coyle (vice chair), Olympic sailing hero Annalise Murphy, Olympic rowers Sanita Puspure and Claire Lambe, Brendan Boyce, David Harte and Paddy Barnes, most of who will be present on the day.

Keynote speaker will be Olympic bronze medallist in boxing from Tokyo, Aidan Walsh. In addition, Team Ireland chef de mission for Paris 2024, Gavin Noble — a former Olympian and former Athletes' Commission member — will present on the Paris plans.

Places will be limited so early registration is advisable. Qualifying athletes should email [email protected] for for the registration link.

About the Watersports Inclusion Games

The Watersports Inclusion Games are an award-winning event organised by Irish Sailing with partners from across the watersports sector, that enable people of all abilities from the physical, sensory, intellectual and learning spectrums to take to the water to participate in a wide range of water activities.

More than 250 people with physical, sensory, intellectual and learning disabilities typically take part in the weekend's events.

Participants will have the opportunity to try more sports than ever before, with an expanded range including sailing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, rowing, surfing, water skiing and powerboating all on offer.

The Games typically take place each August.

The organisers of the Games want to let people of all abilities know that there are multiple watersports available to them, and to encourage more people from all backgrounds to get involved and out on the water regardless of ability. They aim to highlight that any barriers faced by people with disabilities can be eliminated.

There are social, health and wellness benefits associated with sailing and all watersports. These include improved muscle strength and endurance, improved cardiovascular fitness and increased agility, enhanced spatial awareness, greater mental wellness through the balancing of serotonin levels and the lowering of stress levels, improved concentration and the forging of positive relationships.