Latest news with #OFI
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘My family always knew I would go to Winter Olympics' – Irish star Elsa Desmond reveals sacrifices behind luge stardom
OLDER readers will remember the Remington TV ad from the 1980s in which Victor Kiam said: 'I was so impressed with the shaver, I bought the company.' Elsa Desmond, 27, went one better than the late entrepreneur. She liked her sport so much she founded the national federation. Advertisement 3 Else Desmond at the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin ahead of the final qualification phase for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games next February Credit: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile 3 Winter Olympic athletes, back row, from left, Sean McAnuff, Liam O'Brien, Cormac Comerford, with front row, from left, Elle Murphy, Elsa Desmond and Thomas Maloney Westgaard Credit: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile 3 Sean McAnuff, Liam O'Brien, Cormac Comerford, Elle Murphy, Elsa Desmond and Thomas Maloney Westgaard, with guests, form left, Chef de Mission Nancy Chillingworth, The Italian Irish Chamber of Commerce General Secretary Fabio Pietrobon, Italy Ambassador to Ireland Nicola Faganello, OFI President Lochlann Walsh, OFI CEO Peter Sherrard and Dr Una May Credit: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile Desmond — who was born and bred in Winter Olympics — But being at the Milano Cortina Games next year would be a case of it turning full circle for the doctor based in Akureyri, northern Because it was when the Games were last in She was eight when she decided hurtling down a track at up to 140kph lying feet-first, face-up on a sled was for her. Desmond said: 'Italy would be huge, partly because I was inspired by an Olympics in Italy and I remember watching those Games. Advertisement Read More on Winter Olympics 'There were no Irish women . There were also no British women, so there was no one there that I felt represented me, so I decided I would do it. 'And now the idea that there might be an Irish child the same age I was, watching and seeing me, would be really a dream come true. 'My family knew from a very young age that I was going to get to the Olympics for luge. 'I don't think they believed it until I was on the plane to Beijing, but they always knew.' Advertisement Most read in Other Sports She puts the confident nature of that prediction down, in part, to being surrounded by Olympic rowers as her dad Brendan was a cox. But she could have chosen an easier path, with nobody quite sure how she could realise her ambition. Meet snowboarding's Mia Brookes - the metal-loving record-breaking champ targeting Winter Olympics gold Desmond recalled: 'I was told no, so I did other things. 'I did water polo. Advertisement 'I enjoyed all these other sports, but none of them quite clicked. 'And every year we would continue to email Ireland and GB and see if there was any way for me to get on a sled and every year they'd say 'no', so I'd continue with my other sports.' With no track in either country, her first experience came in Innsbruck, Austria , having convinced the British Army to allow her join in on their trip. Desmond recalled: 'It was all these adult men and me, this teenage girl, and I was faster than all of them. Advertisement 'I think they thought I was a pain in the a**. Like I've been trying to get on that camp for years and I think they finally thought, 'Right, let her have a go and then she'll leave us alone'. And that unfortunately didn't happen!' COUNTRY GIRL Desmond competed for Britain at the 2019 World Championships before deciding to switch allegiance to Ireland. She explained: 'They had a change of coaching staff, which just really didn't work for me and I'd always had dual citizenship. 'I'd initially started with Britain just because they had a federation and Ireland didn't. Advertisement 'I decided to move across and there was no one within Ireland that knew anything about this and we didn't know what we were doing either.' When emails to the Olympic Federation of Ireland went unanswered, a number was sourced for CEO Peter Sherrard. She recalled: 'We never got a response because he gets so many emails like that from parents thinking that their child will do it. 'My mum managed to get a phone number for Peter and said, 'My daughter wants to go to the Olympics for you'. And he said, 'OK, fine'. And then she had to say, 'Actually no, my daughter will, she will'. And he always remembers that, he was telling me about it in Beijing. Advertisement 'But they did all make it clear from day one that I wouldn't be funded, I would be doing this on my own and if I could get myself to the Olympics, they would, of course, support me from there. 'But to get there, I'd have to qualify myself.' 'There's a big language barrier but you have to have a coach on paper so without them helping me out, I wouldn't have made this race.' That was, in part, because there was no national federation in existence through which funding could be channelled which prompted Desmond, then aged 19, and her family to go about setting one up. She admitted: 'It was definitely a bigger challenge than I realised. We first had to establish ourselves as a company. Advertisement 'We also had to get the federation recognised by the 'We ended up sending a lot of forms into the IOC and the International Luge Federation, but then they would say, no, this isn't right, reject this, go back, change it, come back. 'So it was a lot of trial and error. There were a lot of mistakes made. 'We were able to get the company side of it easier because we had some experience through friends and family with that. Advertisement 'It was the federation side that was a steep learning curve. 'It took us between 18 months and two years from when we started to when I was able to race and it was down to the wire. We almost weren't able to do that first race in the European Championships that I wanted, but we managed to sort of get things sorted.' Her dad Brendan is the chair, her mother Martha the treasurer, with Elsa both the Junior and Development Program Director and its only senior athlete. It was all made worthwhile when — on a two-day bus trip from Latvia to Germany — she got a call to say she had qualified for Beijing. Advertisement Normally, that call would go to a coach but she does not have one, relying on the Ukrainian team to plug the hole at the World Championships in Canada in February. She said: 'I just shot them an email and said, 'I don't have a coach, please can you help me?' and they said, 'Yeah'. 'There's a big language barrier but you have to have a coach on paper so without them helping me out, I wouldn't have made this race.' CHANGE OF SCENE Whatever about her Ukrainian, her Icelandic is coming along, having decided to quit Britain for a country where her work can more easily sit alongside her passion. Advertisement Desmond said: 'I'm an emergency medicine doctor and I was working in the NHS , which for many reasons is an incredibly tough environment. 'I know many of my colleagues who have chosen to leave the NHS for similar reasons. 'That just speaks for itself in what an environment it is to work in. 'I was working 60 or 70 hours a week and my pay was quite minimal, I now work about 36 hours a week for double the pay, which allows me a lot more time to focus on my training and also for my mental health as well. Advertisement 'I'm not feeling like I'm burnt out and it's also more sustainable for me financially.' Still, choices have to be made. She is weighing up whether to sell her car so she can buy a custom-built sled at a cost of around €20,000. Not your usual trade-in. Desmond shrugged: 'I mean, I'll be away for all of winter, so it won't be a huge problem and then luckily where I live in the north of Iceland , buses are free, so I can manage to get to work on the bus or cycle and find a way around it if I have to.'
The Journal
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Olympic Federation of Ireland backs plans for €190m winter sports arena in Dublin
THE OLYMPIC FEDERATION of Ireland (OFI) has declared its full support for the construction of the country's first winter sports arena in Dublin. Projected to cost €190 million to build, plans were unveiled last month by Prime Arena Holdings, the company behind the idea, which is expected to submit official planning documents in September. Named the Dublin Arena, it will be located at an eight-acre site in Cherrywood, south Dublin. OFI chief Peter Sherrard says the arena will raise the ambition of Irish winter athletes. 'This project represents a step-change for winter sports in Ireland,' he said. 'Ireland has immense untapped potential in winter disciplines, and this development offers the facilities, vision and scale to turn that potential into performance.' Advertisement Prime Arena Holdings promises the arena will bring 'significant social, economic, and cultural benefits' to the surrounding area, including the generation of €230 million in net new economic activity each year. It will feature two Olympic-sized ice rinks, a 5,000-seat and 8,000-standing capacity for events, along with a high-performance training centre for elite athletes. Federation President Lochlann Walsh says the arena has been a long time coming. 'Dublin is the only EU capital without a permanent ice facility, a gap that has held back both grassroots participation and elite progress in winter sports. 'There's clear, unmet demand across Ireland', he said, adding: 'It's about opening pathways, expanding access, and creating a lasting legacy that reflects the full ambition of Irish sport, introducing the public to disciplines like figure skating, speed skating, curling, and sliding sports such as luge and bobsleigh.' CEO of Prime Arena Holdings, Dermot Rigley, shared the scope of his company's vision for Irish winter sports when announcing the arena last month, describing it as 'a national landmark that will open up winter sports to every corner of Irish society'. It is not only sports that will be accommodated under the plans. The arena is projected to host up to 70 events on an annual basis, including concerts, international exhibitions, and corporate events. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
OFI backs multi-million euro winter sports and entertainment facility for Dublin
The OFI is endorsing a proposed €190m project to develop Ireland's first Olympic standard winter sports and entertainment Arena Holdings is to lead the construction of the facility at Cherrywood in South Dublin that the OFI claims has "the potential to unlock new opportunities for athletes and communities across the country", adding that it represents a major advance in delivering on the goals of the federation's Winter Sports Strategy 2022–2026. A permanent ice facility was identified as a key objective of the strategy as none currently exist in the Republic of Ireland, as opposed to 62 in the United Kingdom alone. The Cherrywood facility plans to feature two Olympic-sized rinks and a flexible multi-purpose arena that will support public access as well as elite training. 'This project represents a step-change for winter sports in Ireland," said OFI chief executive Peter Sherrard. "It aligns directly with our strategic goals to increase participation, enhance elite performance, and address the long-standing lack of national infrastructure in this area. "Ireland has immense untapped potential in winter disciplines, and this development offers the facilities, vision and scale to turn that potential into performance.'OFI president Lochlann Walsh added: 'Dublin is the only EU capital without a permanent ice facility, a gap that has held back both grassroots participation and elite progress in winter sports."There's clear, unmet demand across Ireland, evident from the 300,000+ visits to seasonal pop-up rinks over just 10 winter weeks. This new arena changes that. "It's about opening pathways, expanding access, and creating a lasting legacy that reflects the full ambition of Irish sport, introducing the public to disciplines like figure skating, speed skating, curling, and sliding sports such as luge and bobsleigh.'The OFI is working with the Winter Sport National Federations to explore long-term opportunities for athletes, communities, and sport development programmes around the facility also plans to have event space for concerts and exhibitions and is expected to attract over 1m visitors annually. It is projected to generate €230 million in annual economic activity, contribute over 200,000 hotel bed nights to the region, and create significant employment during both construction and operation phases. "The Olympic Federation of Ireland looks forward to supporting this landmark project as it moves into its next phase of development," the OFI stressed.
Singapore Law Watch
06-05-2025
- Business
- Singapore Law Watch
Singapore-Pacific Alliance free trade agreement enters into force for Republic, Chile and Peru
Singapore-Pacific Alliance free trade agreement enters into force for Republic, Chile and Peru Source: Straits Times Article Date: 06 May 2025 Author: Ovais Subhani The pact will give Singapore companies greater access to the Pacific Alliance countries – Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru – that are collectively deemed the world's ninth-largest economy with a total population of 235 million. A free trade agreement has entered into force for Singapore, Chile and Peru, three of the five partner countries in the Pacific Alliance-Singapore FTA (PASFTA), said Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) on May 5. The pact will give Singapore companies greater access to the Pacific Alliance countries – Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru – that are collectively deemed the world's ninth-largest economy with a total population of 235 million. The PASFTA was signed on Jan 26, 2022. Singapore ratified the agreement in July 2022, and Peru in February 2023. Chile ratified the pact in March 2025, bringing the PASFTA into force for the three countries first. The PASFTA will enter into force for Colombia and Mexico upon the completion of their ratification procedures. The free trade pact will scrap most tariffs on goods traded between partner countries, and improve transparency and efficiency of Customs procedural processing. Singapore service suppliers and investors will be treated as favourably as those from the Pacific Alliance. Also, Singapore firms will not be required to appoint individuals of any particular nationality to senior management. The four countries of the Pacific Alliance have a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of more than US$2.7 trillion (S$3.5 trillion) in nominal terms, accounting for about 40 per cent of the total GDP of the Latin America and Caribbean region, according to the World Bank. Singapore is already FTA partners with Chile and Mexico through the existing Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and with Peru through the CPTPP and the bilateral Peru-Singapore FTA. MTI said Singapore's bilateral trade with the Pacific Alliance in 2024 was $12.5 billion. Some top traded products include electric machinery, refined metal products, cocoa products, wine and seafood. About 100 Singapore companies are already operating across the Pacific Alliance markets, mostly in sectors including technology and the digital economy, food trade, infrastructure, and port management and logistics. Singapore's Olam Food Ingredients (OFI) has established itself as a leading coffee exporter in the market. It sources high-quality beans directly from farmers in Colombia, Mexico and Peru for its global customer base. Mr Manish Dhawan, OFI's president of the coffee division, said his company sees clear benefits in the PASFTA helping it better serve high-quality sustainable ingredients to roasters and manufacturing customers worldwide. He said the PASFTA is expected to reduce tariffs and export costs, provide a streamlined regulatory framework, simplify Customs procedures and enhance trade facilitation provisions. 'These changes are timely and will enable OFI to better support customers by navigating increasing tariff risks in the market today. Enhanced trade flows can also empower businesses like ours to scale investments in the region, and foster greater innovation,' said Mr Dhawan. Experts believe increased access to relatively new markets will be critical for Singapore companies at a time when the world's largest economy – the US – has turned hostile towards the global trading order it helped establish after World War II. Amid the turmoil, Singapore has vowed to continue strengthening multilateralism and free trade, and seek new opportunities in less-explored markets for its businesses. MTI said the PASFTA – Singapore's 28th FTA – is a comprehensive agreement containing 25 chapters, including trade in goods, services and investment, small and medium-sized enterprises, good regulatory practices for trade and investment, and electronic commerce. The PASFTA is Singapore's first FTA with a chapter on international maritime transport services. This chapter aims to enhance physical connectivity between partner countries and facilitate the exchange of best practices and training opportunities. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction. Print
Straits Times
05-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Singapore-Pacific Alliance free trade agreement enters into force for Republic, Chile and Peru
The five-country FTA will enter into force for Colombo and Mexico when they complete the process. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO SINGAPORE - A free trade agreement has entered into force for Singapore, Chile and Peru, three of the five partner countries in the Pacific Alliance-Singapore FTA, said Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) on May 5. The pact will give Singapore companies greater access to the Pacific Alliance countries - Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru - that are collectively deemed as the world's ninth-largest economy in the world with a total population of 235 million. The PASFTA was signed on Jan 26, 2022. Singapore ratified the agreement in July 2022 and Peru in February 2023. Chile ratified the pact in March 2025, bringing the PASFTA into force for the three countries first. The PASFTA will enter into force for Colombia and Mexico upon the completion of their ratification procedures. The free trade pact will scrap most tariffs on goods traded between partner countries and improve transparency and efficiency of customs procedural processing. Singapore service suppliers and investors will be treated as favourable as those in the Pacific Alliance. Also, Singapore firms will not be required to appoint individuals of any particular nationality to senior management. The four countries of the Pacific Alliance have a combined gross domestic product of more than US$2.7 trillion (S$3.51 trillion) in nominal terms, accounting for about 40 per cent of the total GDP of the Latin America and the Caribbean region, according to the World Bank. Singapore is already FTA partners with Chile and Mexico through the existing Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and with Peru through the CPTPP and the bilateral Peru-Singapore FTA. MTI said Singapore's bilateral trade with the Pacific Alliance in 2024 was $12.5 billion. Some top traded products include electric machinery, refined metal products, cocoa products, wine and seafood. About 100 Singapore companies are already operating across the Pacific Alliance markets, mostly in sectors including technology and the digital economy, food trade, infrastructure, and port management and logistics. Singapore's Olam Food Ingredients (OFI) has established itself as a leading coffee exporter in the market. It sources high quality beans directly from farmers in Colombia, Mexico and Peru for its global customer base. Mr Manish Dhawan, OFI's president of coffee division, said his company sees clear benefits in PASFTA helping it better serve high-quality sustainable ingredients to roasters and manufacturing customers worldwide. He said the PASFTA is expected to reduce tariffs and export costs, provide a streamlined regulatory framework, simplify customs procedures, and enhance trade facilitation provisions. 'These changes are timely and will enable OFI to better support customers by navigating increasing tariff risks in the market today. Enhanced trade flows can also empower businesses like ours to scale investments in the region, and foster greater innovation,' said Mr Dhawan. Experts believe increased access to relatively new markets will be critical for Singapore companies at a time when the world's largest economy - the United States - has turned hostile towards the global trading order it helped establish after World War II . Amid the turmoil, Singapore has vowed to continue strengthening multilateralism and free trade, and seek new opportunities in less-explored markets for its businesses. MTI said the PASFTA - Singapore's 28th FTA - is a comprehensive agreement containing 25 chapters, including trade in goods, services, and investment, small and medium-sized enterprises, good regulatory practices for trade and investment, and electronic commerce. The PASFTA is Singapore's first FTA with a chapter on international maritime transport services. This chapter aims to enhance physical connectivity between partner countries and facilitate the exchange of best practices and training opportunities. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
