Speaking at a dinner to mark Professor Saunders' retirement in the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast the Minister said: “Over the past twelve years since his appointment to the then Sports Council for Northern Ireland in 1996, Eric has invested long hours in the job and given leadership in a quiet and efficient manner.
“In those years the sporting landscape has changed dramatically and he has played a positive and strengthening role in delivering change, particularly since his appointment as Chairman in 2000.
“Eric was involved in the creation and implementation of the first Strategy for Sport in 1997 and has also played a key role in the development of the new Sports Strategy which will be launched shortly. He has also been the driving force behind the creation of the Sports Institute for Northern Ireland, which is home to Northern Ireland’s elite athletes.”
The Minister also said that Professor Saunders was a highly respected member of Sport UK and ensured that Northern Ireland featured in a UK context.
“With his long involvement in sport, he is recognised as an elder statesman of Sport in the UK and this has brought benefits to sport in Northern Ireland,” he said.
The Minister concluded: “I welcome this opportunity to mark Professor Saunders’ achievements in sport and to wish him well in his retirement. I am grateful to him for his personal contribution for he is a man of vision and leadership who has sport in his heart and it is a privilege to pay this tribute to him.”
Notes to Editors:
- Since its establishment in 1973, Sport NI has led the development of sports and physical recreation in Northern Ireland and Professor Saunders has been a positive and strengthening influence since being appointed as a member to the Sports Council of Northern Ireland in 1996.
- Media enquiries to DCAL Press Office on 028 9025 8902 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.
