Sebastian Coe encourages Northern Ireland to seize the London 2012 opportunity

The London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games are an opportunity to change lives on and off the sporting field – it must be seized.

That was the message from Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, during his annual visit to Northern Ireland.

Seb Coe met today with representatives from all sides of the sporting and political community to discuss the benefits of the Games and hear how Northern Ireland plans to make the most of them.

Speaking during his visit, Seb Coe said: “The London 2012 Games are not just about sport, they encompass all aspects of our daily lives. The Games can play a vital role in improving community cohesion, public health, education and skills, economic growth, social development and attracting tourists to Northern Ireland. The London 2012 Games offer Northern Ireland a unique opportunity and it is important that the opportunity is grasped. By improving sporting infrastructure, encouraging young people to develop their sporting ability, getting people throughout the region involved in volunteering Northern Ireland can have a lasting legacy from the 2012 Games that can be enjoyed for years to come.”

Seb Coe visited the Constructing Excellence Business Seminar, a reception for young athletes, met with senior government officials, and along with Sports Minister Edwin Poots, MLA, attended the official opening of the Salto Gymnasium during his visit to Northern Ireland.

Minister Poots said: “Sebastian Coe's visit to Northern Ireland will enable him to see first hand how we are committed to making the 2012 games a huge success. In October I launched the draft Sports Strategy for Northern Ireland. This is a very important consultation as it sets out the vision for sport over the next 10 years. Sport affects us all and I would encourage you all to consider how you would like to see sport developed throughout the region in the lead up to London 2012.”

The draft consultation is available on DCAL website – www.dcalni.gov.uk. The closing date for responses is 9 January 2008.

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