As the Olympic Torch excites communities in Northern Ireland we have the opportunity to draw inspiration from local people and businesses to perform at a global level.<\/p>\n
Success at the highest level requires a great dose of planning and dedication. As the world\u2019s elite athletes put their final touches to perform in front of a global audience in London 2012 the Irish Rugby community are already planning and looking at the opportunities that Rio 2016 will present. Rugby Sevens is just four years away from its Olympic debut and we can expect this fast and furious sport to increase its fan base in the years ahead. As Irish eyes are set in the Gold medal in Rio 2016 so should companies that are looking for opportunities to capture opportunities in the global stage.<\/p>\n
\u2018The Rio Challenge\u2019 is a pilot programme with a string of activities scheduled in Northern Ireland. The aim is to use this summer of sport to promote healthy lifestyles, celebrate diversity and encourage individuals and businesses to think global as a means of creating positive economic and social impact. <\/p>\n
Following the scheduled celebrations of the Olympic Torch a business seminar on the 12th June focused on going global takes place with the involvement of some of Northern Ireland\u2019s most respected leaders and businesses. <\/p>\n
Richie Smith (Unify Global Sport) said: \u2018 This business performance seminar offers business owners, managers and students the opportunity to learn how people and companies, such as Almac and Moy Park have created global success and what support businesses have in reaching new markets. <\/p>\n
\u2018Through \u2018The Rio Challenge\u2019 we aim to celebrate success and people whilst at the same time enhance links between Craigavon\/NI and Brazil, strategically providing a platform for new opportunities and sustainability of future initiatives with our partners and supporters.\u2019<\/p>\n
Speaking at the business seminar is CEO INI Alastair Hamilton, who said:
\n\u201cTo rebuild and rebalance our economy, we need a bigger and stronger private sector with a strong export focus. Many of our local businesses are already \u201cGlobal Performers\u201d, but we need many more to start looking beyond their traditional markets.<\/p>\n
\u201cGrowing our exports is a key element of our 2011-15 Corporate Plan which contains challenging targets of increasing the value of manufacturing exports by 20% and the value of exports to the emerging economies by 60%. We have recently completed a trade mission to Brazil and intend to revisit South America later this year. Building social and cultural links are important foundations to building business links.\u201d<\/p>\n