Mourne Mountain Voluntary Rescue Services recognised

Sports Minister Gregory Campbell tonight hosted a reception to acknowledge the contribution of the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team to the Northern Ireland community.

Speaking ahead of the reception at Parliament Buildings, Minister Campbell said: “Tonight the team is being presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services which was awarded in 2008 for all of the work that they undertake in the community. It is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon groups of this kind and is equivalent in status to the MBE.”

“I must commend the members of Mourne Mountain Rescue Team past and present for providing over 47 years of voluntary service to those that use the Mourne Mountains. Their dedication to providing a professional service and commitment to training and assisting others in need is exemplary.”

The Minister continued: “I was pleased that Sport Northern Ireland has provided the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team with funding of £70,000 for the purchase of their new transit van and radios which have already been put to good use.

“While many would argue that the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team are not a sporting team, their very existence and indeed the existence of other similar rescue and support teams, allows so many people from all over Northern Ireland and further afield, the opportunities to use the mountains for leisure and recreational purposes.”

Concluding the Minister added: “A key strand of the new Sports Strategy is the promotion of both sport and physical recreation and I believe that people who access the mountains taking account of the terrain and conditions know that the Mountain Rescue Team are there to help if there is an emergency.”

Notes to Editors:

1. In 2002, in celebration of Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award for Voluntary Service by Groups in the Community was established. Its purpose is to recognise groups of individuals who are giving their time freely for the benefit of others. As such, the Queen’s Award not only serves to provide recognition of volunteer groups, but also demonstrates the high respect in which volunteering is held.
2. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office; tel 028 9025 8901 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk
3. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.