Minister Launches 'Celebration Of Sport' Days

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched the first of two Celebration of Sport days, aimed at introducing 1,400 primary school pupils in the Carrickfergus and Newtownards areas to a variety of sports.

The inaugural event took place on Friday, 21 March at the Amphitheatre Wellness Centre in Carrickfergus, where approximately 700 pupils from Carrickfergus, Larne, and surrounding areas were joined by Minister Lyons and prominent Northern Ireland sports stars. The children had the opportunity to participate in taster sessions across a range of different sports.

A second Celebration of Sport day is scheduled for next Friday, 28 March, at the Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex in Newtownards. This event will cater to around 700 pupils from Bangor and the Ards Peninsula.

Speaking at the Carrickfergus event, Minister Lyons emphasised the importance of the initiative. "The Celebration of Sport is a fantastic way to introduce young people to a range of team and individual sports they wouldn’t normally play," he said. "It is important for everyone to be more active and today is about giving young people the chance to participate and find a sport or activity they like. Sport should be inclusive, and it is great to see the activities today include disabled sports, which are an integral part of the event." Now in its 11th year, the Celebration of Sport aims to encourage young people to be "more active, more often" by providing opportunities to try out different sports. For the second consecutive year, the Department for Communities has collaborated with the relevant local councils to deliver the events. The annual initiative promotes physical well-being and seeks to encourage participation in sport among young people of all abilities and from diverse backgrounds, highlighting the broader benefits of sports involvement.

Minister Lyons further commented on the unifying and inspiring nature of sport. "The Celebration of Sport days show how sport can be both inspiring and unifying and it is great to see so many local pupils enjoying new and established sports, aimed at all ages and abilities," he stated. "Growing participation through events like this can encourage young people to take up a sport, supporting the habit of regular physical activity from an early age. We know the positive mental and physical benefits being part of a sports team or participating in an activity you enjoy can deliver."

He also welcomed the involvement of local athletes: "I am pleased to welcome local athletes at the top of their game who are joining in the celebration and inspiring the next generation to pursue their sporting dreams for many years to come."

The second Celebration of Sport day will take place next Friday, 28 March, at the Ards Blair Mayne Leisure Centre in Newtownards, with over 700 pupils from the Bangor and Ards Peninsula area expected to attend.