Hargey bowled over by sporting summer scheme
Community Secretary Deidre Hargey attended a Northern Cricket Union summer program today and praised the organization for offering the event free of charge.
Hargey was blown away by the athletic summer schedule
NCU focuses on minority ethnic groups, particularly those from Southeast Asia, in hosting the five-day Smash It Summer Camp. In recent years there has been an increase in the participation of these communities at the senior level – particularly from inner city clubs.
Minister Hargey said:
“I think it is important that sport promotes inclusion for all sections of our society and it is encouraging to see NCU working with minority communities to encourage participation.
“I must commend NCU for this positive commitment, particularly some of the inner city teams such as Belfast International Sports Club, Belfast and Dunmurry Clubs who are keen to continue to develop the sport of cricket and maintain continued participation going forward.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the funds currently being made available by Belfast City Council. This has ensured that this important development program is offered free to young children at a time when families are grappling with the impact of this cost of living crisis.”
In 2019/20 Northern Cricket Union’s Department for Communities provided £42,500 in funding to improve participation opportunities for under-represented groups. Today’s event builds on that work.
Notes for editors:
- Caption: Community Secretary Deirdre Hargey is pictured at Northern Cricket Union summer camp with Chris Taylor, Club and Participation Development Manager, Callum Atkinson, Operations Manager and some of the children taking part in the programme.
- Smash It is part of Cricket Ireland’s national youth program for children. The initiative is aimed at girls and boys aged five to nine and encourages them to be active, make friends and have fun in an inclusive and safe environment. It also aims to get children excited about cricket through discovery and play while learning basic movement skills needed for batting, bowling, fielding and wicket keeping.
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