Mr. Michael Ring, T.D. Minister of State for Tourism & Sport officially launches the OCS Irish Paralympic Awards

The OCS Irish Paralympic Awards were formally launched today, Monday 30th January 2012 at the OCS Head Office, Unit 38, Airways Industrial Estate, Dublin 17 by Mr. Michael Ring, T.D. Minister of State for Tourism & Sport.

The inaugural OCS Irish Paralympic Awards will take place on December 7th following the London 2012 Paralympic Games. The OCS Irish Paralympic Awards will be the first of its kind in Irish Paralympic Sport, honouring the achievements, successes and contributions of the Irish Paralympic team and its support network over the London cycle.

Speaking at the launch event Mr. Michael Ring, T.D. Minister of State for Tourism & Sport stated: “I am delighted to launch these awards which provide a great opportunity to recognise Irish Paralympic Sport.  Last year was another remarkable year for Ireland’s Paralympic athletes and I wish all the team continued success at the London 2012 Games later this year."

Speaking at the launch event Mr James Gradwell, President Paralympics Ireland, stated: “The recipients of these first formal awards conferred by Paralympics Ireland will have displayed great athletic prowess at the second biggest sporting event on the planet this year, the London 2012 Paralympic Games.  It is highly appropriate that we honour and celebrate the success our elite athletes bring to Ireland.  We look forward to a wonderful night of celebration with our OCS and the Irish Paralympic Family.”

Speaking at the awards launch Cecil Ryan, Regional Managing Director OCS Europe, said: “OCS are delighted to be associated with the Irish Paralympic Team in the lead up to the Paralympic Games as the athletes strive to realise their sporting dreams in London”. The athletes are a great source of inspiration for all of us and we are very pleased to support and be associated with them.  We look forward to celebrating the achievements of the Irish team and its wonderful support staff, at the inaugural OCS Irish Paralympic Awards post London 2012, which will undoubtedly be an occasion to remember.”

Ms Mailo Power, Awards Committee Chairperson outlined details of the awards and the categories including the OCS Irish Paralympic Sports Awards, OCS Irish Paralympic Media Awards and the OCS Irish Paralympic Merit Awards. 

OCS Irish Paralympic Awards Categories:

OCS Irish Paralympic Sports Awards:

• Outstanding Male Performance
• Outstanding Female Performance
• Outstanding Games Debut Performance
• Young Paralympian of the Games
• Outstanding Member of the Irish Paralympic Team (Non-Athlete) 

OCS Irish Paralympic Media Awards:

• TV Broadcast
• Radio Broadcast
• Photographic Image
• Written (Print or Web)

OCS Irish Paralympic Merit Awards:

• Hall of Fame
• Irish Paralympic Order

For more information about Paralympics Ireland, please click here.