In March 2014 the Institute of Technology, Tralee established the IT, Tralee Foundation Board, to assist with fundraising for future developments at the Institute with the priority project being the Kerry Sports academy.
The Board comprises of: L-R Front Row: Mr. Stan Mc Carthy, CEO Kerry Group; Mr Dick Spring (Chairperson), Director Fexco; Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh Broadcaster; Mr. Pat O Leary, Managing Director Liebherr Container Cranes;
L-R Back Row: Ms Brid Mc Elligott, Head Of Development IT, Tralee; Mr. Kevin Kenny, Retired Tax Partner Ernest & Young; John Fox, Company Secretary, Dr. Oliver Murphy, President IT, Tralee; Ogie Moran, Foundation Director.
The Foundation is similar to those that operate in many of the main Universities in the state such as those located at the University of Limerick, Trinity College and University College Dublin. Each of these higher education institutions has benefited greatly from philanthropic and private funding which has supported many of their development projects – both infrastructural and educational. . The Foundation is a company limited by guarantee with Charitable Status.
Background
The Institute of Technology Tralee is a key driver of economic and social development for the County. It was established in 1977 and has over 3,000 full-time students, employing 350 staff and providing a financial contribution of circa €60m to the local economy.
The Institute has an esteemed international reputation for leadership in inclusion and adapted physical activity and is the only higher education provider globally to be awarded a UNESCO Chair. This is testimony to the excellence of the Institute’s work in including people with disabilities in physical education, sport fitness and recreation.
The €15m Sports Academy is the next capital project to be undertaken under the Institute’s Master Development Plan. It will allow sports people, able and disabled, to enjoy, prepare and compete to the highest standards. The Academy has been designed to address the needs of paralympic level athletes, as well as opening up a world of opportunities and accessibility to sports and recreation for people with disabilities in our society.
The development will be home to:
- Health and Leisure Programmes at the IT Tralee;
- UNESCO Chair in Inclusive Physical Education, Sport Fitness, and Recreation;
- National Centre for Adapted Physical Activity – CARA;
- Kerry GAA Centre of Excellence;
- Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann in Kerry.
January 2016 – Progress To Date.
We have been approved 50% Government funding for the project (€7.5m) and the Foundation is committed to raising the balance of funds (€7.5m) over the next eighteen months. The Foundation is focusing its fundraising efforts on, Philanthropic Foundations, High Net Worth Individuals, Corporate Donors, Government Funding and Strategic Partners. To date the Foundation has secured €5m from these sources. The Foundation is now focused on raising the remaining €2.5m required.
We have commenced the Tender process and are on schedule to start construction in August 2016.
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The Sports Academy is the next stage of development proposed under the Institute’s Master Plan and will house the activities of the Institute’s Health and Leisure programmes in addition to the headquarters for CARA - National Centre for Adapted Physical Activity.
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At the inaugural meeting of the Board Dr. Oliver Murphy, President of the IT, Tralee expressed his thanks to each of the board members for their commitment to the foundation stating: “The Kerry Sports Academy is an exciting project, which will provide the Institute with facilities of an international standard for our staff and students, in addition to providing an excellent sporting resource for the county and region. The Sports Academy will also house the headquarters for the  Chairman of the Foundation Board, Mr. Dick Spring highlighted that the main objective of the IT, Tralee Foundation is raise funds for the future development of the Institute. “The priority project for the Foundation is the development of the Kerry Sports Academy. This €15m centre will be the largest capital project to be undertaken in Kerry in the coming years. In addition to servicing the needs of the Institute and sporting enthusiasts in the county, the academy will also be home to the Kerry GAA Centre of Excellence and Comhaltas Ceolteóití Eireann. We look forward to working with these partners as the Foundation Board commences its ambitious plan to bring this project to fruition” |
Kerry Sports Academy project ambassadors, L-R: Paralympian Roy Guerin and Kerry Senior Footballer Colm Cooper
"The development of the Kerry Sports Academy will be a tremendous addition to the sporting infrastructure of the county and will ensure Kerry athletes are to the forefront of Irish sport.”
Darragh Ó Sé, Six All-Ireland Medals and record championship Appearances for Kerry
"The Kerry Sports Academy will be an internationally recognised facility, which will allow Kerry athletes both able and disabled, to prepare and compete to the highest international standards.”
Mick Galwey, Kerry,Munster, Ireland and The Lions
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
Kerry has a very proud tradition of sporting participation and success. It is of paramount importance that we as a county continue to develop state of the art universally accessible facilities to allow all people, to participate in physical activity and sport from recreational level to the highest national and international level.
We ask you to take up the baton and keep Kerry to the forefront of Irish sport.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Mr. Ógie Moran
Foundation Director
Institute of Technology, Tralee
North Campus
Tralee
Co. Kerry
tel. +353 (0)66 714 4190
email: ogie.moran@staff.ittralee.ie
Kerry Sports Academy at the Institute of Technology Tralee in Partnership with:
