GMIT has unveiled an exciting new identity for its sports activities across all campuses, bringing student teams and individuals together under the one sports brand, ‘GMIT Falcons’, for the first time in the history of the college.
The new brand was formally
launched at a special function in the college on Friday, 14 February, when
students wore the new kit and colours during a presentation by Dr Michael
Hannon, Acting President of GMIT, attended by students, staff and
representatives from sports organisations across the region.
Central to the new identity is
the falcon bird of prey, conveying elements of agility, grace, speed and
ferocity while the predominant shades of blue echo the traditional blue of the
Connacht coat of arms.
GMIT students and staff responded enthusiastically when the new kits, logo and colours were unveiled.
Student teams have been
wearing the new kit since January (2020) and it is planned to extend the range
to leisure wear and other branded accessories.
The new brand forms part of an
overall sports strategy which has been rolled out by GMIT over the past number
of years; it has seen alliances formed with local clubs in the immediate
vicinities of GMIT campuses, planning permission secured for a new multipurpose
building serving sports and educational needs at the Galway campus (Dublin
Road), and plans progressing for the provision of sports, recreational and
educational facilities at GMIT-owned Murrough lands near the Dublin Road
campus, Galway.
“I am very pleased to present to you a new
identity for GMIT Sports,” said Dr. Michael Hannon, Acting President of GMIT,
at the launch. “Nelson Mandela spoke of
the power of sport uniting a country.
“We all know the place of
sport in local communities in this country, and here in GMIT we are a community
of those communities – of several thousand people from diverse backgrounds and
interests.
“Sport is often viewed as an
analogy for life in general. When you read famous quotes from world renowned
sports stars, you would not be surprised to see themes like motivation, effort,
hard work, practice.
“Many speak of failure or
defeat as ingredients which are just as important to reach the pinnacle.
For those who participate in sport, they can especially relate to this, but the
messages are equally germane to everybody.”
“This new brand is part of a wider sports plan
which brings together sports infrastructure and sport for all,” added Dr. Des
Foley, Head of School of Science and Computing.
“Attracting talented athletes,
the continuing development of academic programmes and building partnerships
through sport.”
“We are delighted to see the
launch of this new identity which is attractive to all students not only those
who represent GMIT in sports events and competitions,” said Aaron Burke,
President of the GMIT Students Union.
Other student leaders who
spoke at the launch were Amy Wharton (Gaelic football) and Andrew Paton
(rugby).
“We are also keen to maximise
and promote staff involvement through our Sport-for-All activities which are a
significant part of our Healthy Campus philosophy, stated Dr. Lisa Ryan, Head
of the GMIT Dept of Natural Sciences and Chair of the GMIT Healthy Campus
Committee.
At the launch, GMIT had some
30 captains representing teams from across the institute. For details on GMIT’s
sports clubs and activities, see: https://www.gmit.ie/general/clubs-and-societies
