Skip the NI Direct Bar
Skip navigation

Ritchie sees new fitness suite installed at Shaftsbury Community Centre

Tuesday, 23 March 2010

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA today viewed newly installed sports equipment at Shaftsbury Community and Recreation Centre.

The Department for Social Development’s Modernisation fund provided £230,000 for the installation of a 30 station fitness suite, electronic equipment and soft furnishings for the newly refurbished centre in South Belfast.

The Minister was given a tour of the state of the art sports equipment which has been made available to the local community.

Margaret Ritchie said: "I want to harness the strength of the Voluntary and Community Sector to deliver better public services to those who need them most. The installation of this fitness suite is an excellent example of the community taking the initiative to improve services in their own area for the benefit of everyone.

"The mental and physical health of each individual is vital to support the overall well being of the community in which they live. The provision of this equipment will allow access to services previously unavailable to many people within this area. This is a key objective of the Modernisation Fund and I welcome the efforts of all those involved in striving to help the Lower Ormeau community become fitter, healthier and happier."

Notes to editors:

  1. The objective of the Modernisation Fund is to support voluntary and community organisations to modernise to enable them to become more sustainable and deliver new and better services in an era of change. The capital programme will encourage collaboration and resource sharing among voluntary and community groups and will be managed across the schemes making up the programme.
  2. The Lower Ormeau Residents Action Group developed the Shaftesbury Community and Recreation Centre with funding from Sports NI, the Modernisation Fund Capital Programme, Belfast Regeneration Office and the Department for Education.
  3. News Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078/07970 976 894. Out of office please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.