Photo credit: Inpho Photography
In a bid to tackle the worrying decline in sports participation among Irish children, Allianz Ireland has launched their new ‘Stop The Drop’ campaign. Fronting this initiative is Allianz ambassador, former Irish Olympic silver medallist, and celebrated athlete Sonia O’Sullivan.
Speaking at the launch, O’Sullivan emphasized the long-term benefits of sports for young people. "As a sportsperson and a parent, I know first-hand the positive impact sport has on young people. Keeping children engaged with sport, at whatever level works for them, helps them develop essential life skills that carry into their teenage and adult lives." she said.
O’Sullivan highlighted the excitement and inspiration that recent athletic successes have generated among young people, particularly in athletics: "I think a lot of young kids are inspired now. They're excited to see the success of the athletes last week. And, you know, there's just been a huge response towards athletics clubs and more kids wanting to be involved."
Despite the recent successes for Team Ireland athletics, the news of Rhasidat's Adeleke's experience with online racial abuse coming to light put a taint on the excitement from the European Championships, but O'Sullivan reiterated how Rhasidat is “the heart and soul of Irish athletics right now”.
"I think she’s clearly focused on the job that she’s got to do to get to the Olympics. When you have any kind of negative comments online – whether it’s racial abuse or anything like that – that can detract from what an athlete is trying to do, it’s a distraction you need to be able to block out and put aside."
“As athletes and as supporters, [and] coaches, we need to promote the positives and the things that help the athletes and not drag them down with negative stories and asking them negative questions. And I think the best advice I would give to any journalist is to say: don’t ask Rhasidat questions about this. Why do you need to ask her these questions? Then you’re just making her relive something that obviously isn’t beneficial.”
When speaking on the next generation of talent, O'Sullivan explained the role that parents play. Reflecting on her own experiences, O’Sullivan shared, “It’s crucial to balance encouragement and practical support. For young athletes, seeing successful role models can be incredibly motivating. But it’s also about everyday support—parents and coaches need to help children find joy and fun in sports, not just focus on competition. If you believe that a child has talent, then, you know, you give them every opportunity to explore that and see how far they can go."
"To be a medal-winning athlete on the European or world stage doesn’t happen overnight,” O’Sullivan noted. “It’s something you have to work at from a young age, maintaining commitment through your school years and beyond.”
