Warning over preparation for London Olympics
Ireland must begin preparing now for the Olympics in London in 2012 to prevent the fiasco of Athens last year, it was claimed tonight.
Cork athlete Cathal Lombard tested positive for performance enhancing drugs even before the Games began and the country’s only medal was later stripped from showjumper Cian O’Connor after his horse showed traces of a banned substance.
The Oireachtas Sport Committee tonight called for the Government to set up an Irish Institute of Sport and steering group to begin planning a roadmap for the 2012 Olympics.
Committee chairman and Donegal TD, Cecilia Keaveney will tomorrow launch the all-party body’s eighth report entitled ’Ireland and the Olympics: From Athens to London’ tomorrow.
The document deals with the fall-out from the Athens Olympics from an Irish perspective.
A spokesman added: “The report acknowledges the fiasco in Athens and makes certain recommendations for the future, including one that the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism establish and chair a steering committee to co-ordinate and manage the 2012 Olympic Roadmap.”
There are also recommendations dealing with funding for coaches and athletes, the early identification of potential participants and the foundation of an Irish Institute of Sport.
“The report also strongly supports a sport for all policy and makes certain recommendations for the expansion of such a policy,” the spokesman added.
The committee also believe that 24 hour media coverage and proximity of the London games will urge youngsters to take up sport and their potential may be reached at future Olympic Games.
