The Olympic Federation of Ireland is celebrating a standout year for its Dare to Believe schools programme, proudly sponsored by Allianz and supported by Olympic Solidarity, which once again brought the Olympic Movement to the classroom, with values and learnings that cover resilience, respect and courage. As schools break for the summer, the programme is delighted to report that it engaged with 112,986 students during the 2025 to 2026 school year, marking one of its most successful years to date.
Dare to Believe aims to bring all elements of the Olympics to life for young people, from movement and physical activity to inspiring stories of perseverance and the discovery of new sports. This year saw exceptional engagement from teachers, students and athletes, with Olympians and Paralympians visiting schools nationwide and a growing suite of digital and curriculum resources supporting learning in every county.
The programme recorded 119 Olympian and Paralympian school visits, delivered by 36 Athlete Ambassadors, reaching 26 counties, with 92 percent of all visits delivered in person. New additions this year included a Winter Olympics module, expanding the range of sports and stories available to classrooms, as well as an Olympians Live webinar that connected students with Team Ireland athletes in real time.
The growing reach of Dare to Believe has been matched by strong national endorsement, with widespread recognition of the programme’s impact on young people. Teachers have praised its ability to inspire confidence and curiosity, while athletes consistently highlight the meaningful connections formed during school visits. The programme has also received support at Government level, reflecting its value as a nationwide educational initiative.
Minister for Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, commended the programme and its influence on school communities, saying:
“Dare to Believe is doing exceptional work in classrooms across Ireland. The impact on children is clear to see, from the excitement of meeting Olympians and Paralympians to the important lessons they take away about resilience, respect and courage. This programme shows young people that sport is for everyone and that there is a place for them in the Olympic Movement, no matter their background or ability. I want to acknowledge the athletes, teachers and organisers who make this possible and who continue to inspire the next generation.”
Olympic bronze medallist in rowing and Dare to Believe ambassador Philip Doyle also reflected on his experience this year, saying:
“Being part of Dare to Believe has been incredibly fulfilling. Sharing my story with students and seeing their reactions reminds me why programmes like this matter. If even one child feels inspired to try something new or believe a little more in themselves after a visit, then it is absolutely worth it.”
Reflecting on the year, Róisín McGettigan Dumas, Project Developer for Dare to Believe, said:
“Teachers, students and athletes have all contributed to an incredibly positive year for Dare to Believe. The feedback has been wonderful, and our ambassadors consistently tell us how energising it is to meet young people who are curious, enthusiastic and open to learning. It is so important for children to understand that sport is not only about excellence. It is about resilience, respect, courage and the joy of trying something new. It also matters that they see the wide variety of sports available to them, many of which they may never have encountered before. That sense of discovery is at the heart of what we do.”
With demand continuing to grow, registration for school visits for the 2026 to 2027 academic year is already open. Schools are encouraged to sign up early to secure a visit from one of Team Ireland’s Olympians or Paralympians. Register on www.daretobelieve.ie
The Olympic Federation of Ireland extends its thanks to every school, teacher, student and athlete who contributed to a memorable and impactful year for Dare to Believe. The programme will return in September with new opportunities to inspire the next generation through the power and values of the Olympic Movement.
