123.ie becomes official partner to Athletics Ireland in six-figure deal
123.ie has today been announced as the official partner to Athletics Ireland in a multi-annual six-figure deal which 123.ie will further support with marketing and promotional spend.
This partnership will see the ‘Give better a try’ Irish insurance company invest in a sport that is riding the crest of a wave following a host of outstanding performances both domestically and internationally in recent months.
The new partnership will see 123.ie take up title sponsorship of Athletics Ireland’s national championships, summer camp programme, national athletics awards and participation initiatives for the next three years.
The announcement comes on the back of a hugely successful period for Irish athletics which has seen Irish athletes secure 30 international medals during the Tokyo Olympic cycle compared to the 12 claimed during the Rio cycle. The support from 123.ie will further help develop the sport from grassroots right up to those medal-winning-stars.
Athletics Ireland membership has bounced back tremendously following Covid lockdowns, resulting in the 60,000-member milestone being achieved in October of this year – the earliest the figure has ever been reached in a calendar year.
This year has also seen the emergence of the next generation of athletics stars – including Ireland’s fastest man, Israel Olatunde, who thrilled Irish fans earlier this summer with his 10.17 record-breaking display in the European 100 meters final in Munich.
Speaking at today’s announcement, the Irish 100m record holder said: “Athletics is the perfect sport for people of all abilities to get involved in and it’s great to see 123.ie investing in our sport.
“Athletics is all about trying to better yourself and I’m really excited to see how this new partnership between Athletics Ireland and 123.ie can help bring athletics to an even wider audience over the next three years.”
Elaine Robinson, managing director of 123.ie, added: “We have long been admirers of the great ambassadors we have in Irish athletics, and we look forward to working with and supporting these athletes over the coming years.
“Both Athletics Ireland and 123.ie appreciate and value people who are always trying for better, and we are excited about the opportunity to invest in an inclusive sport that offers everyone from the age of eight to 80 the opportunity to be the best they can be.
“We also look forward to supporting the 300,000-strong running community in Ireland which we will be engaging with through Athletics Ireland-led initiatives over the coming months.”
Hamish Adams, CEO of Athletics Ireland, commented: “We are delighted to welcome 123.ie on board as our new national sponsor. Athletics Ireland has a mission to support and develop the athletes of Ireland of all ages, disciplines and abilities, and to contribute positively to increasing physical activity levels across the entire population.
“The support provided by 123.ie will enable our association to deliver on these objectives through our competition programmes, summer camps, recreational events and many other initiatives.”
The new partnership will see 123.ie become the national partner of Irish Athletics until December 31, 2025. The first events set to include 123.ie as title sponsor include the 123.ie National Cross Country Championships on Nov 20 and December 4 as well as the 123.ie National Athletics Awards on November 23 and 123.ie National 35k Walks Championships on December 18.