Speaking during the 2008 Coleraine Sports Council Awards in the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine the Minister said: “I would like to congratulate the sports men and women in the Coleraine area for their sporting achievements, and commend Coleraine Borough Council for their new inaugural award of the Harry Gregg Bursary for youth club development.
“We must also recognise the priceless contribution of the coaches and volunteers who give up hours of their time for the good of their community.
“It is the commitment of volunteers which makes the success of our athletes and local teams possible and enables our local communities to become involved and stay involved in sport.”
Reflecting on the sporting achievements of Wendy Houvenaghel, Paddy Barnes and the three Coleraine rowers Richard Chambers, Alan Campbell and Richard Archibald who participated in the Beijing games the Minister added: “We are extremely proud of all our Northern Ireland competitors who took part in the Beijing Olympics, especially the Coleraine rowers. Athletes like them are an inspiration for all sportsmen and sportswomen of the future. I hope Wendy Houvenaghel and Paddy Barnes medal wins will spur many more to follow in their foot steps, get into sport and possibly compete in London 2012.”
The Minister continued: “Sport 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. In an age when there are concerns about childhood obesity we must encourage our children to participate in sport and to continue to be active throughout adulthood.”
The Minister concluded: “One of the important issues in the development of my Department’s Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation ‘Sport Matters’ is improving the link between sport and the community. We must encourage greater participation in sport and these awards tonight demonstrate that Coleraine is setting a great example, in particular, the fact that the Coleraine area can have five sport stars of national and international standing in one category of awards is an eloquent testimony to the sporting excellence of the area.”
