Yesterday, in the Hilton Hotel, Northern Cross, Dublin – the Chef de Mission Dermot Henihan for the First European Games in Baku 2015 gave the second briefing to the sports involved.
With 222 days left before the first of Team Ireland’s arrivals in Baku, the team is gradually building and now has 43 athletes from 7 sports qualified. The predicted tram size is between 63 and 65 athletes from 13-15 sports. The final figure will not be known until April 2015.
The following sports were represented at the meeting:
- Archery;
- Badminton;
- Basketball;
- Canoeing;
- Clay Pigeon Shooting;
- Cycling;
- Fencing;
- Gymnastics;
- Judo;
- Karate;
- Sambo;
- Swimming;
- Taekwondo;
- Triathlon;
- Wrestling
For the first time ever the sport of Sambo was included in an OCI Meeting and they, as of Monday last have two athlete positions qualified.
Also in attendance was Willie O’Brien, First Vice President of the OCI, Billy Kennedy and Tom Rafter OCI Executive Committee Members, Dermot Sherlock Honorary Member of the OCI Executive Board, Stephen Martin OCI CEO, Linda O’Reilly and Alex Bocsi OCI Staff..
Paul McDermott of the Irish Sports Council was also in attendance and gave a brief presentation on his recent visit to Baku, outlining the great progress that was being made with preparations and the expertise of the people on the ground making the whole European Games Organisation work.
The main briefing by the Chef de Mission was on the current team size, predicted team size, preparations in and for Baku, flights, what to expect in Baku and a General overview on the European Games from an Irish prospective and an organisational prospective.
Martin Burke, OCI Sports Director made a presentation on all aspects of accreditation and the limitations on what we as Team Ireland can expect. Additionally Martin made a presentation on our clothing sponsors New Balance and what we should expect and what we require from the sports. A main feature of both presentations was the requirement of all sports co-operation with Data Capture for both accreditation and clothing sizes etc.
Dr Rod McLoughlin, Medical Officer and Aidan Woods, Head Physiotherapist presented on the many medical and physical challenges of a Multi Sport Games and also the work of all support personnel in preparation for their own duties. Both gave excellent presentations on OCI research carried out in our recent multi sport games participation and the most recurring issues that we need to protect ourselves from in the future.
The Chef de Mission then concluded the briefing and wished all the sports the best with forthcoming preparations and qualifications.
