The 2024 Volunteers in Sport Awards are a national initiative to honour the selfless dedication of volunteers who help make Irish sport accessible and thriving. The awards, which will be celebrated in Dublin in February 2025, are organised by the Federation of Irish Sport and supported by 29 Local Sports Partnerships across Ireland. These awards will bring together volunteers from all 32 counties to recognise their hard work and passion in making sport possible at all levels.
The event was officially launched by Sarah Lavin, a double Olympic hurdler, who is also an ambassador for the awards. Lavin emphasised how crucial volunteers are in both grassroots and high-performance sport in Ireland, stating that the success of Irish sport—whether at the elite or community level—depends heavily on the support of volunteers.
More than 460,000 volunteers are active in sports clubs and community organizations across Ireland, contributing an estimated €1.5bn to the national economy. Their efforts are seen in every part of the country, helping people of all ages engage in sport, promoting healthier lifestyles, and fostering community connections.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, also highlighted the importance of the awards in recognising volunteers’ invaluable work and encouraging even more people to get involved in supporting sport across the country.
The 2024 Volunteers in Sport Awards is proudly supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs), which play a vital role in promoting sport and physical activity by overcoming barriers and fostering inclusivity. Thanks to the efforts of these partnerships, more people across Ireland are engaging in physical activity, and the Volunteers in Sport Awards serves as a well-deserved recognition of those individuals who make this progress possible.
Declan Boyle, CEO of Donegal Sports Partnership, highlighted the significance of the awards, stating “We all know someone whether a coach, volunteer, parent, or fellow club member, who has made a lasting impact, whether through their commitment to your development as a player, team or their dedication to your club. This is your opportunity to acknowledge their hard work and passion. We encourage you to take a moment to put forward the name of someone who deserves recognition for their exceptional contribution to sport in Donegal, and nominate them for the Volunteer of the Year Award. Let’s ensure their efforts are celebrated at this prestigious event in Dublin.”
Key Details:
● Nominations Open: From 12th November 2024 to 17th December 2024.
● How to Nominate: Members of the public are invited to nominate individuals who have
made a significant impact in their local sports clubs or communities. Nominations can be
submitted through the official website at www.volunteersinsport.ie
This year’s awards will celebrate the incredible efforts of volunteers in supporting sports and
physical activity across Ireland, and it’s an opportunity to express gratitude to those whose
contributions often go unrecognized. Whether in urban areas or rural villages, these volunteers
are essential in building social cohesion and helping sports organisations thrive.
