ISC announce Athens strategy

As the post-mortems over Ireland’s disappointing performance in the Sydney Games continue, the Irish Sports Council have released their report on Sydney and a strategic plan for the preparations for Athens 2004.

The independent report, undertaken by the Sydney Review Steering Group at the request of the ISC and the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation Dr Jim McDaid, was unveiled at a press conference this afternoon. It identifies some of the problems and shortcomings within the current Olympic structure and outlines a detailed strategy it hopes to implement in time for Athens.

Within four specific time phases, the earliest which should be completed by April of this year, it is hoped that 29 key recommendations can be put into practice across the board. These recommendations are wide ranging and to succeed will rely heavily on the need for co-operation and co-ordination from all of Ireland’s sporting bodies.

Cracks in the relationships between leading sports agencies, particularly the ISC and the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) and the National Coaching and Training Centre (NCTC), have been evident in the past. It is difficult to envisage the strategy having any real impact unless it is accepted by all these bodies and worked towards in a coordinated effort.

However, speaking today, Dr McDaid was keen to stress his belief that this report could and should become the blueprint to Irish Olympic success.

"I strongly urge everyone involved to take these recommendations on board, and in a spirit of generosity and openness to work together to nurture and support our emerging and elite talent."

Dr McDaid also gave his undertaking to oversee the progress of the strategy in a bid to make sure it is put into place quickly and effectively.

"I want to state publicly that I accept fully the 29 recommendations of the report," he said. "I will actively monitor, on an ongoing basis, the implementation of these recommendations by all parties involved in the policy and preparation of the Irish team in 2004."

In response to the release of today’s report, OCI President Pat Hickey issued a statement announcing that his body will ‘enthusiastically implement the necessary steps’.

Mr Hickey also acknowledged that "it is vitally important for all parties to go forward now and prepare for Athens 2004 and beyond."

Among the recommendations made by the Sydney Steering Group Review were:

• The enormous potential of working together is realised by the ISC, OCI, and NCTC and the National Governing Bodies (NGBs) in a coordinated programme for the athletes representing Ireland in the Athens Games and beyond

• The ISC establish and drive the High Performance Committee with support from the OCI and NCTC

• The NCTC should have a review of its functions and services carried out by the ISC

• The OCI undertake a review of all aspects of its role, constitution and administrative structures

• A 'road map' to Athens is rolled out detailing all key events and services to NGBs published by the OCI with the support of the NCTC and ISC

• The International Carding scheme and funding to Olympic sports should be reviewed as a matter of urgency by the ISC

• Performance plans for selected Irish sports should be developed with clear talent identification and development programmes, to help them achieve Olympic qualifying standards