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McCausland cheers on local athletes in Newcastle

Friday, 3 September 2010

Sports Minister Nelson McCausland today attended the UK School Games in North East England to lend his support to over 200 athletes competing from Northern Ireland.

The pupils from schools all across Northern Ireland will be competing in ten sports over the next two days. The sports include: Athletics, Badminton, Fencing, Gymnastics, Hockey Judo, Swimming, Table Tennis, Track Cycling and Volleyball.

The Minister said: “I am a strong supporter of these Games which provide a unique opportunity to bring together the best young athletes from all over the United Kingdom, and give them the opportunity to compete at the highest level and inspire them to continue in sport.

“The UK School Games also offer our coaches and volunteers the opportunity to gain valuable experience of a large multi-sport event, helping to raise both professional and sporting standards in Northern Ireland.”

The Minister continued: “Inspiring our young people to take up and continue in sport is a key element within the Northern Ireland sports strategy ‘Sport Matters’ which encourages our children to lead a more active and sporting lifestyle. By doing so we are laying the foundations for a healthier and happier future society.

“I wish every success to all the Northern Ireland athletes.”

Notes to editors:

  1. This year’s UK School Games takes place in North East England from 2–5 September.
  2. Northern Ireland is sending a team of more than 200 competitors to take part in all ten sports.
  3. The first UK School Games were staged in Glasgow in September 2006. This year’s event is in North East England and the 2011 event will be in Sheffield. It is intended that there will be a concluding event in the Olympic Park prior to London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
  4. Media enquiries to Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office on 028 90515047 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.