Playing ball on the National Mall

Northern Ireland’s most popular sports are on display in Washington DC at the Smithsonian Institution’s Folklife Festival.

Rugby, football, hurling, gaelic football, rounders, two and four wheeled motorsports and children’s games are being showcased in the largest cultural event in Washington where over one million people will hear about Northern Ireland’s contemporary culture.

Arts and Culture Minister, Edwin Poots, MLA, who is currently visiting the Festival said: “Visitors to the National Mall are being offered the opportunity to try their skills at rugby, football, hurling and gaelic football under the close supervision of Northern Ireland’s expert athletes and coaches. They are also learning about the history of each sport and watching hurling sticks being made on the Mall during the Festival.”

Motorsports fans are learning how experts in Northern Ireland modify their vehicles for competitions and train themselves and others to compete in these fast-paced sports.

Children and adults are experiencing traditional Northern Irish children’s games such as hopscotch and rounders. With a focus on conflict resolution, playleaders encourage young people from all backgrounds to take ownership and share community spaces.

Around 160 people from Northern Ireland are participating in the Festival from 27 June – 8 July which aims to tell the American visitors about the region.

Notes to Editors:

1. The 2007 Smithsonian Folklife Festival will feature three programmes. In addition to "Northern Ireland at the Smithsonian," other programs are "Mekong River: Connecting Cultures" and "The Roots of Virginia Culture."

• The Folklife Festival, inaugurated in 1967, honours people from across the United States and around the world. With about 1 million visitors each year, the Festival unites presenters and performers in the nation's capital to celebrate the diversity of cultural traditions. It is produced by the Smithsonian's Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.
• View the Festival's Web site . The Festival is co-sponsored by the National Park Service.

2. For a full list of those participating in both the Rediscover Northern Ireland programme and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, view the Rediscover Northern Ireland website .

3. All media enquiries to DCAL Press Office on 028 90 258901 or email: press.office@dcalni.gov.uk