Ambassador award for roots society

PARTICIPANTS in a unique sports and business ambassadors programme, currently being rolled out in the Shannon Region, helped bring more than €35 million into the area during the last two years.

That’s according to Shannon Development and the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, who this week honoured 50 participants of the Conference and Sports Ambassadors Programme.
Playing an important role in that generation of funds in business tourism is the Clare Roots Society, with their delivery of last year’s genealogy and family history conference.
The society was presented with an award this week, which was accepted by members Clara Hoyne, Gerry Kennedy and Eric Shaw. The society is currently working with Shannon Development and the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau to deliver another conference in support of The Gathering in 2013.
The Gathering, which is a year-long celebration of everything Irish, will have a local office at Shannon Development’s headquarters building in Shannon.
The Conference and Sports Ambassadors Programme was introduced two years ago to increase the region’s share of the national and international sports tourism market.
Since then, 300 ambassadors have been actively working with the bureau and Shannon Development to help attract thousands of people to the region through a range of business and sports events.
Commenting on the background to the programme, Tony Brazil, chair of the bureau, explained, “The ambassadors programme was devised to increase the Shannon Region’s share of the lucrative international sports and business tourism markets.
“People from around the Shannon Region counties of Limerick, Clare, Tipperary and South Offaly, involved in sporting and business activities at any level, were asked to become an ambassador. The programme has so far received a tremendous response.”
“Under the programme, Shannon Development and the bureau supported the efforts of programme ambassadors by funding site visits, offering guidance and advice and helping to secure funds through the Fáilte Ireland Conference Ambassadors Fund. The events that were hosted in the region last year would have otherwise taken place elsewhere in Ireland or Europe, were it not for supports that have been put in place by the programme,” Mr Brazil stated.
Dr Vincent Cunnane, chief executive, Shannon Development said, “Sports and business tourism in the Shannon benefits a range of businesses from the accommodation sector, transport services, pubs and restaurants, right through to visitor attractions, sports facilities and the retail trade.
“I would like to compliment all those involved in showcasing the region to sports governing bodies, corporate bodies and charitable organisations through the ambassador programme, as in doing so they have helped provide a significant boost to the region’s economy.”
“Shannon Development’s approach continues to be proactive and like our ambassadors, we are out there, using our contacts and networks to identify new events. We are very fortunate to have the support of the Regional Conference and Sports Bureau, which offers a free advice service to anyone trying to bring an event to this region.”