Belfast to host the 2013 World Police and Fire Games

Belfast has won its bid to host the 2013 World Police and Fire Games marking the first time that the games will ever have been held in the British Isles.

As a result thousands of competitors and visitors will come to Northern Ireland for the event. The decision was announced today ahead of the start of this year's games in Adelaide, Australia.

Dame Mary Peters, who led Belfast's delegation to make the final presentation in Adelaide said: "It is impossible to understate the significance of this event to Northern Ireland. It will allow us to showcase the professionalism of our police, fire and prison officers and their athletic ability. Most importantly of all it will put Northern Ireland centre stage for all the right reasons".

Representatives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, NI Prison Service, Belfast City Council, NI Events Company and Department of Culture Arts and Leisure are also in Adelaide as part of Belfast's bid team.

Commenting on the success Dame Mary added: "We are absolutely delighted to have won this bid against a very competitive delegation from Innsbruck, Austria. We were confident of our chances from the outset however the final presentation to the selection committee was a tough hurdle to cross. We are thrilled to have been chosen to host the 2013 event."

She added: "The countdown has already begun to what I hope will be one of the greatest sporting events ever held in the British Isles when thousands of people from around the world will converge on Northern Ireland for these games. Following on from the Olympics in 2012 the World Police and Fire Games will be a fabulous opportunity for us to showcase Northern Ireland."

Dame Mary concluded: "A lot of hard work lies ahead in order to make these games one of the most successful ever. We are confident we can deliver on that task and with the support of all the communities in Northern Ireland we can promise a warm welcome to the thousands of competitors and visitors expected to visit our country".

(JM/SP)