Olympics highlight the importance of sports as we emerge from pandemic – Dillon

In what was a brilliant Games for Team Ireland, the 2020 Olympics highlighted the importance of sports and the role it can play in all of our lives as we emerge from the pandemic, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Alan Dillon, the Fine Gael Spokesperson on Tourism and Sport, is challenging people across the country to pick up their hurleys, put on their swimming togs, or lace up their runners and try out a new sport or activity as clubs and gyms across the country reopen again.

The Mayo TD, and former senior inter-county player, said, “The postponed 2020 Olympics will go down in history as one of the most significant Games of all times. As viewers at home tuned-in to watch, it showed us that now is the time to get stuck into a sport or activity.

“Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen athletes from countries across the world come together in Tokyo to compete at the very highest level of sporting athleticism. This Olympics, more than any that has gone before, will stand as a beacon of solidarity and unity as we begin to emerge from the depths of the pandemic.

“Our own Irish athletes did us extremely proud, and I want to pay testament to all 116 competitors who took part across 19 sports. Every single athlete gave us at home a reason to be proud and showed us what amazing heights can be reached through sports. I wish to recognise their commitment, sacrifice and toil as each and everyone of them gave their very best effort when wearing the green jersey.

“Watching this year’s Olympics gave us an opportunity to reflect on the importance of sport in our own lives. For many people who were involved with sports and clubs pre-pandemic, their usual exercise routines came to an abrupt halt once COVID-19 hit the country last year.

“As we’re finally beginning to put the worst of pandemic behind us, now is the time for people to re-join their clubs, gyms and sports teams and get stuck back into what they love. The same goes for those who hadn’t found the right exercise or sport for them before the pandemic, with no better time than the present to try out something new after the past 18 months.

“I know the past year and a half has been exceptionally difficult for sports clubs and organisations as they faced huge disruptions and had to constantly adapt according to the evolving restrictions. In response to these challenges, I was delighted to see the Government confirm additional funding of over €16 million for sports equipment last week.

“This funding is fantastic news for clubs across the country and will go towards supporting people from our future sporting heroes and Olympians to those who have never joined a team before. Now is the ideal time to become involved as activity ramps-up.

“As we look to the end of summer and beyond, I’m challenging people up and down the country to try out one new sport or exercise. From CrossFit classes and YouTube workouts, to tag rugby teams and swimming clubs, there’s something out there for everyone – it’s just about building up your confidence and giving it a go.  At the end of the day, it is a great opportunity to have some fun and become more involved in our local communities.” Deputy Dillon concluded.