Minister Poots welcomes World Rally to Stormont

Sports Minister, Edwin Poots, MLA, will host a reception at Stormont this evening to welcome the World Rally Championships to Northern Ireland.

Speaking before the event, Minister Poots said: “I welcome the World Rally Championships to Northern Ireland. This is a terrific opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland as an international venue for events such as this and it is appropriate that the iconic location of Stormont is used to host this spectacular evening.

“This event is a real boost for sport in Northern Ireland and highlights the real and tangible benefits sport can bring to improving community cohesion and attracting tourists to the region. The event is going out live to over 40 countries, which will show the world the great transformation that has taken place across Northern Ireland.

“Representatives from both the political and sporting communities are here this evening to show their support for this historic event. This has been a real partnership effort between my Department, and the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. I would also pay tribute to Failte Ireland and Sport Northern Ireland who have been involved throughout.”

The World Rally is one of the world’s most popular spectator sports. It attracts live audiences of more than 11 million over the 16 rounds and has a global television audience of 807 million.

This special 15th leg of the spectator-friendly event will see two cars at a time competing head to head on a specially designed loop at Stormont.

The Minister’s reception will be an opportunity to welcome VIPs and other special guests to Stormont on this landmark occasion before gathering on the steps of Parliament buildings for the Opening Ceremony of the Rally.

Rally Ireland is a joint North/South initiative to secure a round of the prestigious World Rally Championship (WRC).

Referring to the draft Sports Strategy for Northern Ireland launched last month, the Minister said: “This event shows just how important sport is whether we are participating or spectating. The consultation I launched last month sets out the vision for sport over the next 10 years and over the next few weeks I would encourage people to respond to it and consider how you would like to see sport develop throughout the region. Sport brings great benefits to people’s health and well-being as well as to community pride. It cuts through social and political barriers and unifies people in a special and lasting way.”

Notes to Editors:

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