Celebration of Sport event inspiring young people to get active
Northern Ireland footballer Joely Andrews and Belfast giant Josh Roach helped inspire about 700 primary school children to “get more active, more time” at the Department for Communities’ sport celebration on Friday.
Now in its ninth year, the Celebration of Sport at the Antrim Forum saw children take part in more than 30 indoor and outdoor sporting activities including boxing, football, cricket, GAA, hockey, rugby, martial arts, netball, volleyball, canoeing and wheelchair basketball.
Andrews, who performed at last summer’s UEFA Euro 2022 finals in England and attended the event on behalf of the Football Association of Ireland, said: “I was really keen to support this year’s Celebration of Sport because I think it’s important that the People highlight the benefits of sport for young people.
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“I know from my own journey in football so far and from attending the Euro 2022 finals how sport can inspire and have a unifying and positive impact on society and how staying active can give you a real sense of purpose and accomplishment .
“It’s important that we pass on this love and appreciation for the sport and I was delighted to contribute along with all the other guests at this year’s Celebration of Sport in such a fun and hands-on way.”
The annual event promotes physical well-being and encourages young people of all abilities and backgrounds to participate in sport and appreciate the broader benefits of sport.
Colum Boyle, Secretary of State for the Department for Communities, attended the celebration of sport, a key component of the active living strategy, and welcomed several special guests to the event, including the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Alderman Stephen Ross.
Colum Boyle said: “It was my pleasure to welcome all the children, youth, teachers, athletes and guests to today’s event in Antrim.
“We have produced successful teams and individuals who are recognized around the world and who have inspired the next generation to start a sport and be the best they can be.
“Increasing participation through events like the Celebration of Sport is about encouraging more people to be active longer and providing access to and opportunities for sport and physical activity, regardless of background, ability, gender or age .
“We hope that the students will be inspired by the achievements of the athletes here today and that they will find a sport or activity that they will enjoy for many years to come.”
BBC presenter Mark Sidebottom hosted an informative question and answer session with a group of local athletes and coaches including Belfast Giant Josh Roach, Northern Ireland footballer Joely Andrews, Irish men’s hockey coach Mark Tumilty, Ulster rugby striker Ilse Van Staden and former Derry GAA star and All-Ireland winner Tony Scullion.
Taster sessions, including live demonstrations by coaches and young athletes, were offered across a range of activities, including disability sports, which are an integral part of the event.
Activities supported by other ministries included Together Building a United Community (TBUC), co-sponsored by the Department of Communities and the Executive Office, and fisheries activities supported by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA ) get supported.
Young Ambassadors aged 16-25 from the Restart Through Sport program were present to provide support throughout the day.
The students present were from Antrim Primary, Greystone PS (Antrim), Loanends Primary; Moneynick Primary, Mount St Michaels PS (Randalstown); Parkgate Elementary School; Parking Hall PS (Antrim); Riverside Special School (Antrim); St Comgalls PS (Antrim); St Josephs PS (Antrim), Ballyclare PS and Thompson PS (Ballyrobert).
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