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15/05/2009
North West 200 'Carnival' Praised
The family-orientated atmosphere of the famous motorcycle road race, the North West 200 has come in for high-level praise.
Stormont Sports Minister Gregory Campbell (pictured) is to join thousands of fans to enjoy "the carnival atmosphere and excitement" at the North West 200 main race day on Saturday.
"It is the magnificent achievements of all the riders, organisers and volunteers that have made the North West 200 an international success and enabled it to grow year on year to reach this milestone 80th birthday," he commented.
Since its inception in 1929 the North West 200 has grown into one of the fastest road races in the world, attracting over 150,000 visitors from home and abroad and generating over £7million for Northern Ireland's economy.
The Minister continued: "Over the years my Department has demonstrated its commitment to making this event a success through the provision of funding.
"In 2007 my predecessor, Edwin Poots MLA, announced funding of £150,000 to help improve safety at the circuit.
"This was followed by an additional £100,000 which was aimed specifically at upgrading safety at various motor sport circuits throughout Northern Ireland. The North West 200 was allocated £34,855 of this money.
"In 2008, my Department awarded the Coleraine & District Motorcycle Club £175,000 over a three year period to contribute towards the cost of employing a Business Development and Operations Manager, and also developing the organisation's web-presence," he continued, noting that, a further £100,000 in funding through Sport NI helped the organisers resurface the paddock area.
A successful application in 2009 also led to further funding of £45,000 to support the introduction of two new marketing campaigns.
With an eye on safety, especially after last year's tragic fatality and this year's practice-session injury of a rider - who remains in critical condition - the Minister concluded: "I send my best wishes to all the riders and hope everyone has a safe race."
See: Crash Mars Start Of North West 200
Stormont Sports Minister Gregory Campbell (pictured) is to join thousands of fans to enjoy "the carnival atmosphere and excitement" at the North West 200 main race day on Saturday.
"It is the magnificent achievements of all the riders, organisers and volunteers that have made the North West 200 an international success and enabled it to grow year on year to reach this milestone 80th birthday," he commented.
Since its inception in 1929 the North West 200 has grown into one of the fastest road races in the world, attracting over 150,000 visitors from home and abroad and generating over £7million for Northern Ireland's economy.
The Minister continued: "Over the years my Department has demonstrated its commitment to making this event a success through the provision of funding.
"In 2007 my predecessor, Edwin Poots MLA, announced funding of £150,000 to help improve safety at the circuit.
"This was followed by an additional £100,000 which was aimed specifically at upgrading safety at various motor sport circuits throughout Northern Ireland. The North West 200 was allocated £34,855 of this money.
"In 2008, my Department awarded the Coleraine & District Motorcycle Club £175,000 over a three year period to contribute towards the cost of employing a Business Development and Operations Manager, and also developing the organisation's web-presence," he continued, noting that, a further £100,000 in funding through Sport NI helped the organisers resurface the paddock area.
A successful application in 2009 also led to further funding of £45,000 to support the introduction of two new marketing campaigns.
With an eye on safety, especially after last year's tragic fatality and this year's practice-session injury of a rider - who remains in critical condition - the Minister concluded: "I send my best wishes to all the riders and hope everyone has a safe race."
See: Crash Mars Start Of North West 200
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North West 200 Rider Brought To Hospital Following Practice Crash
A North West 200 rider has been airlifted to hospital following a crash during an opening practice session today, 15 May. The unnamed motorcyclist was involved in an incident with another driver at the University Corner section of the course and sustained some injuries. Practice was delayed for around 45 minutes following the incident.
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A North West 200 rider has been airlifted to hospital following a crash during an opening practice session today, 15 May. The unnamed motorcyclist was involved in an incident with another driver at the University Corner section of the course and sustained some injuries. Practice was delayed for around 45 minutes following the incident.
17 April 2024
Road Safety Message Issued Ahead Of North West 200
Motorbike enthusiasts and road-users travelling to and from the North West 200 circuit in a few weeks time have been urged to "stay safe on the roads".
Road Safety Message Issued Ahead Of North West 200
Motorbike enthusiasts and road-users travelling to and from the North West 200 circuit in a few weeks time have been urged to "stay safe on the roads".
09 May 2023
'Stay Safe On The Roads' At North West 200
The PSNI have appealed to people attending the North West 200 to "stay safe on the roads". The major sporting event returns to the north coast today, 09 May, until Saturday 13 May, with a significant number of spectators and visitors expected to attend the events.
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06 May 2003
PSNI use North West 200 to tackle road deaths
The PSNI are using this year’s North West 200 races as the launching pad for a major campaign to raise road safety awareness amongst motorcyclists throughout Northern Ireland.
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29 January 2002
Sports minister announces financial package for North West 200
The North West 200 has been given a massive boost by Sports Minister, Michael McGimpsey, who has announced £75,000 of government funds is to go towards promoting the motorcycling festival in County Antrim.
Sports minister announces financial package for North West 200
The North West 200 has been given a massive boost by Sports Minister, Michael McGimpsey, who has announced £75,000 of government funds is to go towards promoting the motorcycling festival in County Antrim.
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