McCausland hails Northern Ireland's sports stars

Tonight at Stormont, Sports Minister Nelson McCausland celebrated with sports stars from Northern Ireland who achieved national and international success in 2009.

Speaking at the reception in Parliament Buildings, Mr McCausland said: “I welcome this opportunity to be able to congratulate Northern Ireland’s sportsmen and women who excelled in their sport and achieved victory at national and international level last year.

“These athletes represent a diverse range of sport and some have competed against the best in the world to achieve their success. These outstanding achievements are to be commended.

“I would like to pay tribute to all of them for all the hard work and dedication that they have given to their sports and wish them continued success in future competitions.”

In his speech, the minister also referred to some of the athletes who were unable to attend the event.

“We have already celebrated one of our first successes of 2010 with golfer Rory McIlroy coming third in the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship last week. We wish him well in the defence of his Dubai Desert Classic title next month.

“We also send figure skater Jenna McCorkell our very best wishes as she prepares to compete in the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Jenna follows in the footsteps of Robin Dixon (Lord Glentoran) who, as part of a two-man bobsled team, won Gold in Innsbruck in 1964.”

The Minister underlined the surprising diversity of sport in Northern Ireland, citing team successes for Surf Kayakers; Netballers; GAA’s Armagh Minors and Antrim Ladies; Under 16 and 18 Hockey players and Milk Cup footballers.

He praised the victories gained at major sporting events during the year - the World Police and Fire Games in Vancouver, the UK School Games in South Wales, the World Transplant Games in Australia, the World GAA Handball Championships in America and the World Dwarf Games, hosted in Belfast.

He also commended individual success in sports such as Boxing, Athletics, Motor Racing, Golf and Rowing.

He concluded: “Simply taking part in sport is, of itself, fun and fulfilling and of value in its own right. Sport, equally, has the potential to help deliver other significant benefits, such as improving public health; contributing to improved academic performance; increasing self esteem; developing cohesive communities and, you are the evidence of this, inspiring young people to participate and strive for excellence.”

Giving a characteristically motivating address, the guest speaker for the evening was Dr Janet Gray, MBE, World Disabled Water Ski Champion and Honorary President of Disability Sports Northern Ireland.

The reception is the first of what will be an annual event to recognise local sporting success at national and international level by both able-bodied and disabled athletes.

Notes to editors:

1. The reception was to celebrate the outstanding attainment of those Northern Irish sports men and women who achieved success at national and international level during 2009.
2. In the case of sports teams, the captains and vice-captains were invited.
3. As well as the athletes themselves, their partners, guardians and representatives of relevant governing bodies attended.
4. For media enquiries please contact DCAL Press Office 028 9051 5048. Out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.