123.ie was announced as the official partner to Athletics Ireland in a multi-annual six figure deal which 123.iewill further support with marketing and promotional spend. This partnership will see the ‘Give better a try’ Irish insurance company invest in a sport that is riding the crest of a wave following a host of outstanding performances both domestically and internationally in recent months.
The new partnership will see 123.ie take up title sponsorship of Athletics Ireland’s National Championships, Summer Camp Programme, National Athletics Awards, and participation initiatives for the next three years.The announcement comes on the back of a hugely successful period for Irish athletics which has seen Irish athletes secure thirty international medals during the Tokyo Olympic cycle, compared to the twelve claimed during the Rio cycle.
The support from 123.ie will further help develop the sport from grassroots right up to those medal-winning-stars. Athletics Ireland membership has bounced back tremendously following covid lockdowns, resulting in the 60,000-member milestone being achieved in October of this year, the earliest the figure has ever been reached in a calendar year.
2022 has seen the emergence of the next generation of athletics stars including Ireland’s fastest man Israel Olatunde who thrilled Irish fans earlier this summer with his 10.17 record-breaking-display in the European 100 meters final in Munich.
Speaking at the announcement, the Irish 100m record holder said: “Athletics is the perfect sport for people of all abilities to get involved in and it’s great to see 123.ie investing in our sport. Athletics is all about trying to better yourself and I’m really excited to see how this new partnership between Athletics Ireland and 123.ie can help bring athletics to an even wider audience over the next 3 years”.
Elaine Knowles, Head of Marketing, 123.ie & RSA Insurance
“The 123.ie brand is built on ‘always trying for better’ and that’s what our Irish athletes do every day. Sport is great for creating shared experiences and inclusive sports, like athletics, have no boundaries. People from all walks of life can become involved in the sport.
Athletics Ireland have so many high profile events throughout the year, such as the National Championships but also, events that go right to grass root level with communities like Summer camps and family events. It makes perfect sense for a brand like ours to partner with such a great organisation.”
