Olympic Champion Kellie Harrington and Paris 2024 Medallists Philip Doyle and Orla Comerford headline
The Olympic Federation of Ireland’s Dare to Believe School Programme, supported by Allianz, for the second year running, has teamed up with the PEXpo for the 11th annual Dare to Believe PEXpo, which takes place at the National Indoor Arena on the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin, on Thursday 10 April 2025.
The keynote speaker will be two-time Olympic Champion and Dare to Believe ambassador, Kellie Harrington whose inspiring words on resilience, dedication and focus always leave an impression.
Dare to Believe ambassadors, Olympic medallist Philip Doyle and Paralympic medallist Orla Comerford, will also take part in a panel discussion moderated by broadcaster, author, and secondary school teacher Emer O’Neill. Together, they will share their personal journeys in sport and explore the importance of helping teenagers find the sport that’s right for them. This conversation ties into the theme ‘Stop the Drop’, part of Allianz’s campaign to address the decline in teenage participation in sport.
The event was developed in association with the Physical Education Association of Ireland. It is modelled on the Young Scientist Exhibition, with Transition Year students nationwide submitting projects on topics that showcase their understanding of the science behind sport, and its wider benefits.
Over 200 students have submitted projects under various themes related to sporting activities and healthy living, with the winners being announced on the day.
With support from over twenty National Federations hosting stands at the event, more than 1,500 students will have the chance to explore a wide range of Olympic sports and potentially discover the one that’s right for them.
There will also be a Careers Corner facilitated by Rob Hartnett (Sport for Business), with Bryan Keane (Olympian and Olympic photographer), Robbie Smyth (Team Ireland Physiotherapist) and Sowmia Sundaresan (Sports Researcher), highlighting some of the career choices in elite sport.
-ENDS-
For more information, please contact:
Olympic Federation of Ireland Head of Communications
Heather Boyle, heather@olympicsport.ie, +353 87 337 1954
Background Information
PEXpo
PEXpo, developed in association with the Physical Education Association of Ireland, was first held at Trinity Comprehensive School, Ballymun, in 2015.
Modelled on the Young Scientists exhibition, PEXpo invites students to undertake projects on topics that showcase their knowledge of the science behind sport and related subjects, including diet, psychology and technology. These projects are then submitted for judging at the annual PEXpo.
PEXpo’s principal aim is to promote a better understanding of PE, sport, fitness and health among second-level school students. With obesity levels skyrocketing, ‘lifestyle’ illnesses putting severe pressure on hospitals, and youngsters spending far too much time scrolling through screens, the need to promote improved fitness in all our citizens is increasingly urgent.
PEXpo moved to DCU in 2018 and last year, for the first time, and with the support of title sponsor Dare to Believe, took place at the National Indoor Arena, Abbotstown.
Supporters of Dare to Believe PEXpo ’25 include Allianz, Sport Ireland, Active Cities, Sport for Business, and Trinity Comprehensive School.
Dare to Believe
Launched in 2019, the Olympic Federation of Ireland’s schools programme, Dare to Believe, aims to inspire the young people of Ireland to ‘Dare to Believe’ in themselves through an interactive curriculum that explores the Olympic Values and includes visits with Team Ireland Olympic and Paralympic role models that bring he values to life.
The programme includes Core Primary and Post-Primary programmes, Olympic School Challenges, Olympians Life! Webinars, and Olympic Movement Breaks, among other activations.
The programme now boasts 50 world-class Olympic and Paralympic ambassadors who visit schools nationwide to share their inspirational stories of resilience and teach students how to set goals and adopt healthy lifestyles through participation in sport.
