Northern Ireland hosts World Junior and Cadet Fencing Championships

Sports Minister Gregory Campbell today welcomed fencing teams from over 80 countries to Northern Ireland.

Minister Campbell sent a message of support to the teams and said: “It is an honour for Northern Ireland to host the World Junior and Cadet Championships and to welcome over 1,500 participants, coaches and families for this event.

“Northern Ireland has produced some of the world’s sporting greats and has proved that it is has the facilities, the people and skills to continue to do so. In addition, we have the world renowned tourist attractions and the will to make a success of every event that we host.”

The Minister continued: “These championships are an important milestone for those who will go on to compete at higher levels. Many athletes taking part in this competition may be selected for the 2012 Games.

“This is a perfect opportunity for Northern Ireland to promote itself as a premier destination for teams competing in the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games, to train in one of our venues. Northern Ireland has 26 pre-games training camps for olympics and 8 pre-games training camps for paralympics, which have the potential to bring significant benefits to Northern Ireland, in terms of delivering a positive economic impact, raising Northern Ireland’s international profile, encouraging tourism and increasing participation in sport.

“We have much to offer all our visitors who wish to come here to train or compete and that is now being recognised throughout the world.”

The Minister offered his best wishes to all the competitors and officials involved in the Championships, in particular, David Burnside and Owen McConnell, two fencers from Londonderry. The Minister also thanked everyone involved in making the event possible.

Notes to Editors:

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