Campbell recognises success of Commonwealth Youth Team

Sports Minister Gregory Campbell has recognised the achievements of the Northern Ireland 2008 Commonwealth Youth Team during a reception at Stormont.

Speaking during the reception at Parliament Buildings tonight, Minister Campbell said: “I congratulate all the young people who represented Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, India. The team won a total of nine medals – four silver and five bronze- a wonderful achievement.

“As Minister responsible for sport, I am doing all I can to encourage everyone in Northern Ireland to participate in sport and have the opportunity to compete at the highest levels. It is my hope that the performance of these young people here tonight will inspire other people to take up sport and enjoy the benefits that it has to offer.”

The Minister commended the young athletes for their hard work and determination and encouraged them to look forward to the 2010 commonwealth Games in Delhi and the 2014 Games in Glasgow. The Minister also commented on the success of Northern Ireland athletes in the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing and offered best wishes to those young athletes aspiring to compete in the 2012 London Games.

In conclusion, the Minister said: “In the near future I will publish a new 10-year Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation, ‘Sport Matters’. The aim is to get people from every walk of life into sport and to encourage them to enjoy it at every level.

“The power of sport should not be under-estimated. It has a positive influence on our society, in providing a healthy outlet for our youth and giving them a sense of achievement and self worth.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Medal winners:

Ciara Mageean – won the Bronze medal in the Women’s 1500m final

Hannah Lewis – won the Silver Medal in the women’s long jump with a jump of 5.85m; in her qualifying group hannal recorded 5.98m

Edward Mourbey – won the Bronze medal in the men’s Pole Vault

Paul Hyland won a Bronze Meal in the Featherweight division

Sean Duffy won a Silver Medal in the Lightweight division

Matthew Hall won a Silver Medal in the Free Rifle 60 Prone Men’s event

Connor Leaney won a Bronze Medal in the Men’s 50m Freestyle and finished 4th in the 200m Freestyle Final

Chelsey Wilson won a Silver Medal in the Women’s 200m Backstroke and a Bronze Medal in the final of the Women’s 100m Backstroke

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