Speaking ahead of a special reception which is being held in the Marriot Pinnacle Hotel, Northern Ireland Sports Minister, Nelson McCausland said: “It is my pleasure to host this reception for members of the Northern Ireland team who are competing in the 2009 World Police and Fire Games.
“In just four years time Northern Ireland will be hosting the 2013 Games. Those of you who have already played host know what a long journey it can be to make the Games a success on home soil. We in Northern Ireland started this journey in 2005 after the Quebec Games, when the idea was first mooted that Northern Ireland could play host.
“It was an honour and a privilege 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 of the three services represented here in Vancouver. The dedication they have shown to the people of Northern Ireland through the years of the troubles from which we have now emerged, have rightly earned them their place on the international stage.”
Minister McCausland said that Northern Ireland has a great sporting history and over the years has produced some of the world’s sporting greats. None of these are more highly distinguished than Olympic Gold Medallist, Dame Mary Peters, the patron of the 2013 World Police and Fire Games.
In conclusion the Minister said: “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, this is our opportunity to show what we can do. But for now, my best wishes go to team Northern Ireland for a successful ‘Games’ in Vancouver in 2009.
Notes to Editors
- Friday 31 July 1pm-3pm – Reception for Northern Ireland team in Marriott Pinnacle Hotel
- Saturday 1 August at 6.30pm Northern Ireland reception at Vancouver Rowing Club
- 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.
- 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.
- 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, cycling, Gaelic games etc.
- Number of competitors range from 7000-10,000 and come from all round the world with a huge influx from North & South America, Australia, New Zealand and mainland Europe.
Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office. Tel (044) 28 9051 5047 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk
Alternatively please contact Leanne Barnett who is currently in Vancouver – (+44) 779 5152 661
