Sports Minister cheers on Northern Ireland Olympians

Sports Minister Nelson McCausland has sent his best wishes to Northern Ireland’s representatives at the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Minister said: “There are two athletes from Northern Ireland taking part in this global event and, in the countdown to the first competitor taking to the ice, I send my best wishes to both of them.”

Jenna McCorkell from Coleraine is the first ice skater from Northern Ireland to compete at the Winter Olympics. She will be the Team GB representative in the Ladies’ Singles Figure Skating competition, which begins shortly after Midnight tonight (GMT).

Meanwhile, Kelly Gallagher from Bangor will be the first local sportsperson to participate in the Winter Paralympic Games. Kelly, a partially sighted athlete, will take part in the Alpine Skiing events with her guide, Claire Robb.

The Minister said: “These women are pioneers in their respective sports, representing Northern Ireland at the very highest level of competition. Their involvement in the Winter Olympics and Paralympics is something we should all applaud.”

The Minister added: “Both athletes have shown great determination, skill and resolve to make it to the Games. Now they are preparing to compete at the very highest level as the world watches on.

“I wish them every success in Canada and would encourage everyone in Northern Ireland to support our local Olympians. They are an inspiration to all of us who are following their progress.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Winter Olympic Games take place in Vancouver and Whistler in Canada and continue until 28 February. The Paralympic Winter Games will take place in Vancouver from 12-21 March.

2. Team GB (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) is made up of 50 athletes competing in eight events: Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Bobsleigh, Cross-Country Skiing, Curling, Figure Skating, Luge and Short Track Speed Skating.

3. In the Paralympics, Great Britain has 13 athletes taking part in Wheelchair Curling and Alpine Skiing.

4. In addition to the athletes, Londonderry-based Theo Sims is one of a select group of artists selected to represent the UK’s creativity at the Cultural Olympiad component of the Winter Games. He has recreated the interior of the old Blackthorn Bar, a one-time popular hostelry based on Skipper Street in Belfast, for an art installation, called ‘The Candahar’.

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