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05/09/2011
Emergency Services To Host 2013 Games
Northern Ireland took centre stage in New York today as the official handover took place for Belfast to host the World Police and Fire Games in 2013.
As the 2011 Games ended in New York, the official Games flags were presented to PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott (pictured) and NI's Chief Fire Officer Peter Craig as the countdown to Belfast 2013 officially started.
Thousands of participants and spectators watched the closing ceremony at the Javits Centre in New York as the curtain came down on the 2011 Games.
The excitement now begins ahead of the next Games to be hosted in Northern Ireland in two years time.
World Police and Fire Games 2013 Patron Dame Mary Peters commented: "The anticipation ahead of Belfast hosting the games is already building and we are really excited that the countdown has officially started.
"Work is well underway in preparation for the games coming to Belfast from 1st -10th August 2013 and we now need to build on that to ensure our Games will be recognised as 'the friendliest ever'.
She added: "New York put on a tremendous spectacle and we are confident that Northern Ireland can exceed that. Our athletes were fantastic, scooping a total of 28 medals. We now have two years to build on that success."
David Ferguson, Chief Executive of the delivery body for the Belfast Games (2013 WPFG Ltd) commented: "It is impossible to underestimate the significance of this event coming to Northern Ireland.
"We can expect anything up to 25,000 visitors from over 65 countries participating in and supporting the Games.
"Experience shows that a large number of these visitors combine family holidays with the Games and we estimate there will be a need for around a quarter of a million bed nights in local accommodation.
"Estimated economic benefit to the local economy is expected to be around £15.5 million and there will of course be considerable media coverage around the world," he said.
Mr Ferguson added: "Our efforts will now focus on making sure Northern Ireland is prepared for this huge sporting spectacular and makes the most of all the opportunities the Games will bring - showcasing the professionalism of our police, fire and prison officers and their athletic ability, and putting Northern Ireland centre stage - for all the right reasons."
(BMcC/GK)
As the 2011 Games ended in New York, the official Games flags were presented to PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott (pictured) and NI's Chief Fire Officer Peter Craig as the countdown to Belfast 2013 officially started.
Thousands of participants and spectators watched the closing ceremony at the Javits Centre in New York as the curtain came down on the 2011 Games.
The excitement now begins ahead of the next Games to be hosted in Northern Ireland in two years time.
World Police and Fire Games 2013 Patron Dame Mary Peters commented: "The anticipation ahead of Belfast hosting the games is already building and we are really excited that the countdown has officially started.
"Work is well underway in preparation for the games coming to Belfast from 1st -10th August 2013 and we now need to build on that to ensure our Games will be recognised as 'the friendliest ever'.
She added: "New York put on a tremendous spectacle and we are confident that Northern Ireland can exceed that. Our athletes were fantastic, scooping a total of 28 medals. We now have two years to build on that success."
David Ferguson, Chief Executive of the delivery body for the Belfast Games (2013 WPFG Ltd) commented: "It is impossible to underestimate the significance of this event coming to Northern Ireland.
"We can expect anything up to 25,000 visitors from over 65 countries participating in and supporting the Games.
"Experience shows that a large number of these visitors combine family holidays with the Games and we estimate there will be a need for around a quarter of a million bed nights in local accommodation.
"Estimated economic benefit to the local economy is expected to be around £15.5 million and there will of course be considerable media coverage around the world," he said.
Mr Ferguson added: "Our efforts will now focus on making sure Northern Ireland is prepared for this huge sporting spectacular and makes the most of all the opportunities the Games will bring - showcasing the professionalism of our police, fire and prison officers and their athletic ability, and putting Northern Ireland centre stage - for all the right reasons."
(BMcC/GK)
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