Team Northern Ireland hit the ground running in Vancouver

Sports Minister, Nelson McCausland has promoted Northern Ireland for the 2013 World Police and Fire Games during his visit to Vancouver.

Speaking during a special reception at Vancouver Rowing Club the Minister said: “As Minister for sport it is my pleasure to welcome you to the reception for the World Police and Fire Games Federation and distinguished guests from competing countries. This is an opportunity not only to acknowledge the sterling work done by the Federation and significance of the occasion of the 2009 games have in Vancouver, but also to wish New York well for 2011 and promote Northern Ireland as the Games host for 2013. I would also like to congratulate Fairfax County, Virginia on winning the 2015 bid against what I know was very strong competition.

“In just four years time our athletes will have the opportunity to compete on home soil. We in Northern Ireland started this journey in 2005 after the Quebec Games and a considerable amount of determination and effort has already been put into making the 2013 Games in Northern Ireland a World Police and Fire Games, of which the Federation and all associated with the Games can be immensely proud. It will also be our opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland to the world as it has never been seen before”.

In conclusion the Minister said: “It is an honour and privilege for Northern Ireland to be entrusted with the responsibility of hosting the World Police and Fire Games in 2013. It is also a fitting tribute to the professionalism and commitment to the three services represented in Vancouver, PSNI, Prison Service and Fire & Rescue Service. The World police and Fire Games in 2013 are very important to the people of Northern Ireland. Sandwiched between the 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games in London and the 2014 Commonwealth games in Glasgow, Northern Ireland stands ready to make the 2013 Games a memorable event for all who participate. But for now, my best wishes go to Vancouver for what is already proving to be a wonderful occasion, and to New York as you prepare for 2011”.

Notes to Editors:

1. There are approximately 100 competitors from Northern Ireland taking part in 2009 games in Vancouver. The three services competing are PSNI, Fire & Rescue and Prison Service.

2. The World Police and Fire Games is a biennial event, which is organised for all “sworn law enforcement officers”. This includes, police, Fire, Customs, Prison Service and some smaller enforcement agencies such as Coastguard Services and drug enforcement agencies.

3. The Games last for 10 days and include a wide range of individual and team sports such as athletics, football, swimming, rugby, field & Ice hockey, shooting, rowing, tennis, golf, 10 pin and lawn bowls, Gaelic Games and cycling etc.

4. Number of competitors range from 7,000 - 10,000 and come from all round the world with a huge influx from North & South America, Australia, New Zealand and mainland Europe.

5. Approximately 100 competitors will participate in a number of disciplines such as athletics, boxing, swimming, golf, indoor rowing and rugby.

6. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office. Tel (028) 9051 5047 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.