Ritchie opens £850,000 multi-use games area in Lisburn

Minister for Social Development Margaret Ritchie MLA today officially opened a new multi-use games area at Lagmore in the Colin area of West Belfast.

The new centre will provide a range of sporting facilities such as tennis, basketball and football.

Speaking at the opening of the new facilities, Margaret Ritchie said: “This games area will offer the young people of Colin an opportunity to take part in a range of sporting activities in a safe purpose built environment. It will contribute to the health, well being and social development of young people living in the area. Of course this games area is not just about turning unused land into something useful, it is primarily about meeting the needs of this community.”

The multi-use games area, which promotes active lifestyles, youth diversion, volunteering and sports discipline, cost a total of £856,540. The project came to fruition through partnership working between Lagmore Community Forum, the Department for Social Development, Lisburn City Council, Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Belfast Improved Housing.

Stressing the importance of participation in sport, Margaret Ritchie continued: “It is widely recognised that many positive attributes of citizenship can be found within sport. Self respect and respect for others, discipline and a sense of fair play and not forgetting engendering a will to succeed, can be achieved through participation in sports.”

“Too often today, we associate our children and young people with inactivity. We must encourage a healthier, more active lifestyle through organised sport in society and offer a safe environment in which to nurture this. By putting in place the infrastructures to help this, we can offer young people a better chance in life.”

The Minister also acknowledged the contributions of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Lisburn City Council and Belfast Improved Housing. She also welcomed the support of the council in managing the overall construction of the games areas and in agreeing to take responsibility for its future maintenance.

Notes to Editors:

1. The total cost of the multi-use games area is £856,540, with DSD contributing £314,540, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive contributing £500,000 (land transfer) and Belfast Improved Housing contributing £8,000.
2. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078 or 07970 976894. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.