Team Ireland and Fiat: Putting Athletes on the Road

As part of the OFI’s partnership with Fiat Ireland, two Fiat Panda hybrids cars are now available for loan to Sport Ireland carded athletes and LA28 Scholarship athletes.

The Olympic Federation of Ireland has launched a new athlete vehicle scheme with Fiat Ireland, giving eligible athletes access to two Fiat Panda hybrid vehicles for training, competition and race travel. 

The cars will be based at Olympic House in Dublin and available on a short-term loan basis, typically for periods of up to ten days. 

For many athletes, getting to training venues, domestic races and airports is a recurring logistical and financial challenge. The scheme is designed to remove some of that burden at no cost to the athlete. 

All Sport Ireland carded athletes, plus those in receipt of LA Scolarships from the OFI will be eligible to borrow one of the cards. 

Gavin Noble, Chef de Mission for Team Ireland at LA28, says putting in practical support for athletes can have a big impact on performance: “The road to LA28 is built on the everyday details: getting to the pool, the track, the start line. These vehicles are a practical, meaningful support for our carded athletes, and we’re grateful to Fiat Ireland for making it happen.” 

John Saunders, CEO of Fiat Ireland, said his company is proud to support with the ideal car for athletes: “The Panda hybrid is built for exactly this: reliable, efficient, ready to go. We’re proud to see two of them working hard for Ireland’s best athletes as they prepare for the biggest stages in sport.” 

How it works 

• Vehicles available to all Sport Ireland carded athletes and LA28 Scholarship athletes 

• For insurance purposes, drivers must be aged 23 or over and hold a full driving licence 

• Bookings are made through the OFI’s Teamworks portal 

• Loans are short-term, up to a maximum of ten days 

• Vehicles are collected from and returned to Olympic House 

How to Book a Fiat Athlete Pool Car