This summer, Uber has proudly committed to providing direct sponsorship support, transportation, and meal services to 55 para-athletes around the globe, including Irish para-athletes Róisín Ní Ríain and Tiarnán O’Donnell, as part of its ongoing commitment to accessibility.
This comprehensive support package is designed to help the athletes focus on their training and performance as they prepare for competition.
“Getting preparation right before competition is so important.” said Irish para-athlete Róisín Ní Ríain, who recently took home five medals at the European Para Swimming Championships in Portugal, including gold in the 100m breaststroke. “I just love competing and this summer will be extra special with the whole country getting behind us. This sponsorship will have a significant impact on my journey to France this year.”
To celebrate Róisín Ní Ríain’s journey, Uber has also launched a campaign to highlight the power of providing accessible transportation for all.
The support for para-athletes is part of Uber’s broader efforts to use its technology to increase mobility and independence for people with disabilities. The app enables VoiceOver technology worldwide for passengers who are blind or have low vision and vibrating alerts to help riders who are deaf or hard of hearing. And last year in Ireland, the company launched Uber Access across Ireland last year, giving passengers the option to request a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) on demand.
“Having the support of Uber has helped so much in my preparation for the big events this summer,” said rower Tiarnán O’Donnell, who won silver during his international debut at the 2024 World Rowing Cup II in Switzerland. “Having the ability to order food to my doorstep after a long day of training has made my recovery so much easier. The ability to have accessible transport waiting for myself and the team when we arrive for training camps and competitions has taken so much of the stress of traveling away.”
Minister Anne Rabbitte, Minister of State at the Department of Health and at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, said: “Minister Anne Rabbitte, Minister of State at the Department of Health and at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, said: “It’s fantastic to see the level of skilled athletes being nurtured and supported in Ireland on the world stage. I don’t doubt that this summer is going to be another wonderful one which will see our athletes to the fore in so many sports. Support from Uber ensures athletes can focus on their preparation and not be stressing about the likes of transportation and meal services, as well as knowing the inclusive technology Uber is a leader on, which is of such benefit to people with disabilities.”
“We are thrilled to support these exceptional young people with their training and preparation,” said Uber Ireland’s General Manager, Kieran Harte. “These athletes embody the spirit of determination and excellence, and we are honoured to play a part in their journey. We are committed to inclusivity and driving better and more mobility options for all across Ireland.”
