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Magneean moved from Ireland to England to train - Leaving Cert Physical Education - Question d - 2020
Question d
Magneean moved from Ireland to England to train. (i) Explain the current supports provided for elite sportspeople in Ireland in a named physical activity. (ii) In ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Magneean moved from Ireland to England to train - Leaving Cert Physical Education - Question d - 2020
Step 1
Explain the current supports provided for elite sportspeople in Ireland in a named physical activity
Answer
In Ireland, elite sportspeople benefit from a range of supports designed to enhance their performance, particularly in athletics, which includes middle-distance running, as exemplified by Ciara Mageean.
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Sport Ireland: This organization provides funding and grant assistance to elite athletes through various programs such as the Athlete Performance Scheme. This financial support helps cover training expenses, travel, and competition costs.
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Coaching and Training: Athletes have access to specialized coaching from recognized sports coaches. They receive guidance on training regimens, technique improvement, and strategy, tailored to their specific events.
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Sports Science Services: Athletes in Ireland can access sports science support, including nutritionists, physiotherapists, and sports psychologists. These professionals help enhance physical health, mental resilience, and nutritional guidance, which is critical for optimizing performance.
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Facilities and Resources: Facilities provided for training, such as high-performance centers, give athletes access to top-notch equipment, track surfaces, and other necessary amenities for effective training.
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Competition Opportunities: There are a variety of competitions organized at different levels that allow elite athletes to gain experience, including national championships and international meets.
In conclusion, the comprehensive support system ensures athletes like Mageean can train effectively and compete at high levels.
Step 2
In your opinion, are the supports described by you in part (i) above effective? Why/ Why not?
Answer
In my opinion, the supports provided to elite athletes in Ireland are generally effective.
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Accessibility of Funding: The financial assistance through Sport Ireland is crucial for athletes who may not have the means to train full-time. This allows them to focus more on their sport without the distraction of financial instability.
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Expert Guidance: Access to specialized coaches and sports science professionals directly impacts performance through tailored training and nutritional plans. For instance, as seen with Mageean, tailored coaching can significantly improve an athlete’s consistency and outcomes
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Elite Facilities: The availability of high-quality training facilities contributes to an athlete’s ability to train effectively. Proper facilities can enhance training quality, crucial for performance at competitive levels.
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Supportive Environment: The collective network of supports creates a conducive environment for athletes, providing them with tools and resources to succeed. This holistic approach further reduces the pressures associated with high-performance sport.
However, one potential criticism could be that access to these supports may not be uniformly available to all athletes, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds. There can be discrepancies in funding and resources across different sports.
Overall, while there are areas for improvement, the structured support system in Ireland positively impacts elite athletes, enabling them to reach their full potential.