During his fact-finding mission, the minister visited Mid-Ulster Sports Arena, the Burnavon Arts Centre and Ballyronan Marina.
Speaking during the visit the Minister said: “I was interested to see the facilities available to the local community and hear about the issues affecting arts and culture in the area.
“I was particularly impressed with the facilities on offer at the Mid-Ulster Sports Arena which has been chosen as a potential Pre-Games Training Camp for London 2012. The centre of excellence could host Olympic Archery teams from across the globe and this will bring a number of benefits into Cookstown.”
The minister then visited the Burnavon Arts Centre, which caters for both young and old: “Facilities like this are essential for encouraging people of any age to become involved in arts and culture. The Burnavon has a wide reaching programme which acts as a catalyst to further development in the areas of children’s theatre, music, drama, workshops and exhibitions.”
The final stop of the visit was to Ballyronan Marina Centre, the minister was able to view the upgraded facilities which include children’s play areas and improved caravan site facilities.
