Appointment of Vice-chair to Sport Northern Ireland

The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) wishes to appoint a Vice-Chair to the Board of Sport Northern Ireland.

Sport NI is the body responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland.

Commenting on the importance of the position, the Sports Minister Gregory Campbell said: “Sport in Northern Ireland has always been important and its value will be further recognised and emphasised when the new 10-year Strategy for Sport is launched. As the body responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland, Sport NI will have a pivotal role in driving forward the Strategy.

“The Strategy coupled with opportunities and benefits from the Olympic and Paralympic games in 2012 and high performance sports facilities, such as a 50 metre swimming pool, will have considerable impact on Northern Ireland’s future sporting landscape.”

The Minister continued: “Change is essential if we are to provide communities and individuals with a sporting infrastructure which will benefit everyone with an interest in sport and physical recreation. We need to be able to cater for those wishing to enjoy a healthy lifestyle as well as the elite athletes who want to succeed in their chosen events.”

While acknowledging that change requires the input of a wide range of sporting and other interests, the Minister emphasised Sport NI’s pivotal role in a delivering a successful outcome.

In Conclusion, the Minister said: “If we are to successfully meet the challenges of the next decade, it will be essential for Sport NI to be at the forefront of change. The Board structure is crucial to this and the Vice-Chair, together with his or her colleagues on the Board, will be required to provide strong strategic direction and commitment to making change happen. I would encourage all with an interest in being part of these exciting developments within sport to put their names forward for the position of Vice-Chair”.

Notes to Editors:

1. The successful candidate will serve as Vice-Chair to the Board until 31 July 2012. The post attracts remuneration of £3,500 a year with a required time commitment of at least 15 days per annum.

2. The closing date for applications for this position is 5:00pm on Friday 19 December 2008.

3. Further information can be obtained from Central Management Unit, Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Interpoint, 20-24 York Street, Belfast, BT15 1AQ, or by telephoning 028 9054 4962 or e-mailing cm@dcalni.gov.uk. Details can also be found at: www.dcalni.gov.uk/public_appointments.

4. 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

5. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.