Olympic Federation of Ireland welcomes expanded partnership investment into local clubs nationwide.
A €60,000 fund has been created for clubs as part of SPAR and EUROSPAR’s partnership with the Olympic Federation of Ireland, providing new support for grassroots sport and community participation across Ireland as Team Ireland builds toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Delivered as part of SPAR and EUROSPAR’s Official Retail Partnership with Team Ireland, the Community Fund will provide financial support to 30 sports clubs nationwide, reinforcing the vital role local clubs play in developing athletes, volunteers and coaches at the very start of the high-performance pathway.
The initiative recognises that every Team Ireland athlete’s journey begins at community level – in local clubs, schools and facilities supported by volunteers – and aligns with the shared ambition of the Olympic Federation of Ireland, Paralympics Ireland, SPAR and EUROSPAR to invest long-term in sustainable sporting environments.
Sports clubs across Ireland are now invited to apply for the Community Fund 2026 by submitting a short application demonstrating how their club is ‘Hungry For Success’ – highlighting commitment, community impact and plans for future development.
Applications close on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, with successful clubs notified following the judging process. Fund recipients will be celebrated at a special event across July and August.
Peter Sherrard, CEO of the Olympic Federation of Ireland, said:
“This Community Fund is a meaningful and practical investment in the foundation of Irish sport. Grassroots clubs are the engine room of Team Ireland – they are where participation begins, where talent is identified, and where values such as commitment, resilience and community are learned.
As we look toward Los Angeles 2028, initiatives like this ensure that support is reaching the places that matter most. We are proud to work alongside partners who understand that high-performance success is built on strong, well-supported community clubs.”
Stephen McNamara, CEO of Paralympics Ireland, said:
“Strong clubs are essential to growing opportunity and inclusion in sport. This fund will provide clubs with tangible support to develop facilities, programmes and participation at local level, helping to ensure more young people have the chance to engage in sport and, ultimately, progress along the Paralympic pathway.”
SPAR and EUROSPAR Ambassadors Announced as part of the Community Fund Launch
To support the promotion of the fund and its message at community level, a number of Team Ireland athletes have been appointed SPAR and EUROSPAR Ambassadors, including Olympic gold medallist Fintan McCarthy, heptathlon and indoor pentathlon record-holder Kate O’Connor, Paralympic swimming medallist Róisín Ní Riain, and Table Tennis Paralympian Colin Judge. Each athlete’s own journey reflects the importance of well-supported grassroots environments in shaping future international success.
The Community Fund builds on SPAR and EUROSPAR’s long-standing involvement in Irish communities through locally owned stores and sustained support of sport and healthy lifestyles nationwide.
John Moane, Group Chief Executive, BWG Group, said:
“Our retailers are deeply rooted in their local communities, and the Community Fund is a direct investment into the clubs and people who make sport happen every day. By supporting 30 clubs nationwide, we are backing the next generation of athletes and helping communities thrive through sport.”