They are amongst 750 babies who were registered in 2004 and will have a role in the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. They celebrated their 3rd birthday today at a special birthday party, hosted by Sports Minister, Edwin Poots MLA in Playboard, Belfast.
Speaking at the event, the Minister said: “Young people are at the very heart of the London 2012 Games and encouraging them to get involved in sport is a priority for Northern Ireland. It is my hope that the games will inspire and motivate our young people to become Northern Ireland’s athletes of the future.
“The London 2012 Games offer Northern Ireland a unique opportunity and it is important that the opportunity is grasped. By improving sporting infrastructure, encouraging young people to develop their sporting ability, and getting people throughout the region involved in volunteering, Northern Ireland can have a lasting legacy from the 2012 Games that can be enjoyed for years to come.”
London 2012 promised children who were born on this day and who registered with the London bid as part of the “Children’s Promise”, a role in the official celebrations. The babies are all three years old now, and will be seven in 2012. They could feature in the opening or closing ceremonies, in the team welcome ceremonies, or in the programme of cultural events that will light up the UK’s parks and squares.
Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the London 2012 Organising Committee said “We won the games for the young people in the UK and throughout the world, to get them inspired and involved in sport. I am delighted that the babies and their parents were able to visit Playboard and meet each other and the local representatives involved in maximising the benefits of the 2012 games in Northern Ireland. These babies have reserved a place in history and will play a part in what we hope will be the best Olympic Games and Paralympic Games ever.”
Seb and his team at London 2012 also sent a birthday card to all 750 babies across the UK.
Jacqueline O'Loughlin, Chief Executive of PlayBoard, the lead agency for children's play in Northern Ireland said: "It is very appropriate that DCAL has chosen PlayBoard offices to launch today's 2012 babies event. PlayBoard is committed to working to improve the quality of children's lives by increasing their opportunity to play.
“It has been proven that active play from an early age aids children's development and physical wellbeing and who knows perhaps one day becoming an athlete or Olympic competitor.”
Notes to Editors:
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