Communities Minister has launched the first of two
Celebration of Sport days for 1,400 primary school pupils in
Carrickfergus and Newtownards.
Around 700 pupils from Carrickfergus, Larne and surrounding areas
joined Minister Lyons and some of Northern Ireland's top sports
stars today at the Amphitheatre Wellness Centre to take part in a
range of sports tester sessions. A second session for
pupils from Bangor and the Ards Peninsula will take place at Ards
Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex next Friday [28th
March].
Speaking at the event, Minister Lyons said: “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. 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 is a fantastic
opportunity for young people to try out different sports and help
them become ‘more active, more often'. For the second year, the
Department has partnered with the Councils involved to offer a
truly collaborative experience for the children attending.
The annual event promotes physical wellbeing and encourages young
people of all abilities and from different backgrounds to
participate in and appreciate the wider benefits of sport.
Minister Lyons added: “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. 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.
“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.”
Next Friday (28 March) will see over 700 pupils from the Bangor
and Ards Peninsula area attend the Celebration of Sport at the
Ards Blair Mayne Leisure Centre in Newtownards.
