The Institute of Technology Tralee was established in 1977 and has over 3,000 full-time students, employing 350 staff and providing a financial contribution of circa €60m to the local economy.  In March 2014, the Institute established a Foundation to assist with fundraising for future developments, with the priority project being the construction of the €15m Kerry Sports Academy. The Academy will be an internationally recognised facility that will allow sports people, able and disabled, to enjoy, prepare and compete to the highest standards.  IT Tralee is the only higher education provider globally, to be awarded a UNESCO Chair. This is testimony to the excellence of the Institute’s work in including people with disabilities in physical education, sport, fitness and recreation.

The support from the JP McManus Benevolent Fund:

• Will allow for the construction of the Academy and will enable the Academy to be home to Health and Leisure Programmes at the IT Tralee;

° UNESCO Chair in Inclusive Physical Education, Sport Fitness, and Recreation;

° National Centre for Adapted Physical Activity – CARA;

° Kerry GAA Centre of Excellence;

° Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Eireann in Kerry.