New Sports Minister kicks off in Cookstown

The new Sports Minister, Gregory Campbell MP MLA, has joined David Healy and 2300 young people at the largest football coaching session ever held in Northern Ireland.

The ‘David Healy Fitba Day’, run in conjunction with the Ulster-Scots Agency and local councils, is being held today at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena in Cookstown, a state-of-the-art outdoor sports facility which caters for a wide range of sports.

Commenting at the event the Minister said: “I am a keen football fan and what better way to kick off my new job than to join in the fun with the boys and girls from many parts Northern Ireland and the Republic. For the young people to meet a sports’ hero like David Healy and to be inspired by him is indeed something they will remember today for a long time to come.

“They will also receive first class coaching from top football coaches, including Rangers and Celtic Football Clubs; they will about the culture, language and heritage of the Ulster-Scots; and they will be intrigued by the fact that it was the Scots who brought the beautiful game to our shores 400 years ago!”

Referring to the forthcoming launch of the new Sports Strategy, the Minister said: “I am very keen to see people of all ages take part in sport and to the young people here today, I would say that if they play sport from an early age, and continue to keep fit as they get older, the result will be better health and quality of life.”

He continued: “My congratulations go to David for taking the time out of a busy life and to put something back into the community. I know he will find today just as rewarding as the youngsters he will be training.”

The boys and girls aged six to 16, including children with disabilities from Northern Ireland and four Republic of Ireland Councils, are taking part in the one day event.  They will receive high level coaching, covering all aspects of football, learn about the history, language and culture of Ulster-Scots and take home an autographed photo of David Healy, a goody back pack and a souvenir programme of the day.

The Minister was met by the Chief Executive of Cookstown District Council Michael J McGuckin and its Director of Development, Adrian McCreesh together with George Patton, Chief Executive of the Ulster-Scots Agency.

Notes to Editors:

This is the second year that David Healy has spearheaded a “David Healy Fitba Day” in conjunction with the Ulster-Scots Agency and the local councils.  

In 2007 the event was held in Newtownards, Co. Down and both David and the Ulster-Scots Agency were keen to build on the success of that event and develop the project.

The Mid Ulster Sports Arena (MUSA) was opened in May 2004 at a cost of £2.5 million. It is the centre of excellence for sports provision throughout the wider Mid Ulster Area.

Companies sponsoring the event include Setanta, Newsletter, Irwin’s Bakery and River Rock.

Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office Tel (028) 9025 8901 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.