Speaking at the event, Minister Poots said: “Over the years GAA has played an important role in urban and rural communities which has helped to tackle wider social issues including anti-social behaviour and the improvement of people’s health within their communities.
“The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Enhancing Volunteerism and Community Development’ and one of the great strengths of the GAA has been the commitment of its volunteers who give freely of their time. Without volunteers there would be no-one to develop and progress sport and enable people to enjoy it on all levels.”
The Minister continued: “On 9 October, I launched the draft 10-year Sports Strategy for Northern Ireland for public consultation in the Assembly. This strategy is important to us all and will shape the future context of sport development over the next 10 years.
“If the Strategy is to be delivered in full, a genuine partnership approach is needed and we need a common purpose, a shared vision, shared goals and an agreed structure in which to take action. I encourage you to consider this draft strategy and respond to it so that we can take into account views from all sections of society.”
The purpose of the conference was to equip GAA club officials and volunteers with the necessary skills required to develop their club as the central “hub” in their local community. Additionally the conference highlighted the positive effect and role a GAA club can have in tackling the wider social issues including anti-social behaviour, enhancement of social capital and the ongoing health agenda.
Notes to Editors:
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