The dozens of emails, telephone calls and text messages gave a massive boost to team morale as did the excellent media coverage. “We feel that winter sports has now come of age in an Irish context”, said Irish chef de mission Clifton Wrottesley, “and the future is looking good”
Pat Hickey, President of the Olympic Council of Ireland congratulated the chef de mission, the athletes and the backroom staff for a job well done for their sport and country. He also thanked the national sports federations and the many individual and team sponsors for their unstinting co-operation and support over the past four years.
He had special praise for the families and mentors of the athletes – “we fully appreciate all you have done and the many sacrifices you made on the road to Turin ”
“The presence in Turin of the Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism, John O’Donoghue, the Chairman of the Irish Sports Council Ossie Kilkenny and ISC CEO John Treacy were very important signs for the positive future of winter sports in Ireland”, he said.
“I’m sure they were all very impressed with the Games and the total commitment and contribution of the Irish team. We in the OCI sincerely thank the Minister and the ISC for helping to fund the team and, through their attendance at the Games, providing an important link to what we hope may be even greater financial support for Ireland’s future Winter Olympic efforts”
“Here’s to Vancouver 2010” – Ciao!
