The Minister was speaking at the official opening of the new £863,848 synthetic pitch and sports pavilion at Erne Integrated College, funded by the Big Lottery Fund.
He said: “Having the best possible sporting facilities encourages participation in sport, improves the fitness of our children and provides a communal sports area for use by both the school and the local community.
“This new pitch has provided a much needed all weather facility to enhance the College’s PE and sports provisions, both curricular and extra-curricular. The additional changing facility ensures that the pupils have a central location for outdoor PE.
“After school hours the pitch and pavilion can be hired by other sports clubs and community or youth groups. With bookings up to six months in advance, this is a great example of what joint programme funding can achieve.
“The announcement of the draft sports strategy presents Northern Ireland with a significant opportunity to ensure sport is placed on a clear and sound footing for the future. Today, sport in Northern Ireland is facing major challenges and significant difficulties. Evidence suggests the participation rates are amongst the lowest in the UK and that many of our sporting facilities require substantial development and modernisation.
“It is great to see how funding can be used to improve sporting facilities for the benefit of a community. If we are to succeed in the future we need a common goal, a shared vision and an agreed structure in which to take action.”
Notes to Editors:
- The draft 10 year sports strategy is available on the DCAL website
. The closing date for responses is 9 January 2008. - All media enquiries to DCAL Press Office 028 9025 8901. Out of Office hours contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on 07699 715 440.
