David Healy launches London 2012 Olympics Open Weekend

David Healy today officially launched London 2012's open weekend in Northern Ireland.

During a visit to the Belfast Community Circus, David met with acrobats and other skilled acts and also had the opportunity to meet with a few organisations that are taking part in the Open Weekend which runs from 24 to 26 July.

Speaking ahead of the event, David said: "As Northern Ireland’s Ambassador for 2012 Olympics I am proud of the local enthusiasm and willingness to take part in London 2012 events. The Open Weekend marks three years to go until the Opening Ceremony on 27 July 2012.

"We must seize every opportunity to get involved and show the world what Northern Ireland is capable of. This is our opportunity to be part of the larger celebration of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"Chances like this only come along once in a lifetime and it is unlikely than any of us will be this close to the world’s greatest sporting event again. You don’t have to be an athlete to take part. There are many other opportunities for people to become involved such as volunteering, tourism and business. Other aspects include arts and cultural activities and education and sporting programmes."

David concluded by saying: “I want to congratulate everyone involved in making this year’s ‘Open Weekend’ possible. The variety of activities taking place will showcase Northern Ireland’s diverse and vibrant cultural scene.”

It is not too late for organisations to register an event for Open Weekend with London 2012. Anyone interested should log on to www.london2012.com/openweekend

Notes to Editors:

1. Registration will close at midday on Thursday 23 July 2009. However, in order to get the most out of the marketing campaign and marketing toolkit we advise that you register your event by the 29 June 2009.

2. Open Weekend will be an annual event taking place at the end of July for the next three years until the opening of the London 2012 Games on 27 July 2012.

3. London 2012 will launch a public and media campaign on 23 June in Trafalgar Square and across the nations and regions of the UK. All registered events will be listed on the London 2012 website and will also be included on the London 2012 map. Registering an event gives access to a comprehensive London 2012 Open Weekend Marketing and communications campaign toolkit including posters, postcards and giveaways.

4. London 2012 Open Weekend is sponsored by BP.

5. Northern Ireland’s events registered so far are:

http://www.dcalni.gov.uk/open_weekend_events.doc

6. All media enquiries to DCAL Press Office on 028 9025 8902 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.