Over 200 Northern Ireland competitors will be competing in all 10 sports over the next few days.
The Minister said: “It is a pleasure to have this opportunity to support the young Northern Ireland athletes involved in this year’s UK School Games in South Wales.
“The games provide a unique opportunity to bring together the best competitors from all over the United Kingdom and give these young athletes the opportunity to participate at the highest level. “
Such an event will hopefully inspire them to continue in sport and to strive to achieve elite athlete status for the future. The games also offer our coaches and volunteers the opportunity to gain really valuable experience of a large multi-sport event, helping to raise both professional and sporting standards in Northern Ireland.
“Inspiring our young people to take up and continue in sport is a key element of all the Home Countries’ sporting policies, and by encouraging our children to have a more active and sporting lifestyle we are laying the foundation stone for a healthier and happier population in the future.
“I wish every success to all the Northern Ireland athletes.”
Notes toEditors:
1 This year’s UK School Games takes place in South Wales from 3–6 September. The sports included are: athletics, badminton, fencing, gymnastics, hockey judo, swimming, table tennis, track cycling and volleyball.
2 Northern Ireland has sent a team of more than 200 competitors to take part in all 10 sports.
3 The first UK School Games were staged in Glasgow in September 2006. This year’s event is in South Wales with 2010 and 2011 events in Tyne & Wear and Sheffield respectively. It is intended that there would be a concluding event in the Olympic Park prior to London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
4 Media enquiries to Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office on 028 9051 5048 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk
