Huge Celebration of sport for local children

Over 750 primary school pupils from Craigavon and surrounding areas joined some of Northern Ireland’s star athletes today at the Department for Communities’ Celebration of Sport.

Now in its 10th year, the Celebration of Sport is a fantastic opportunity for young people to try out different sports and help them become ‘more active, more of the time’. This is also the first year that the Department for Communities has partnered with the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council to offer a truly collaborative experience for the young people attending.

Communities Minister Lyons says the Department’s Active Living Strategy aims to grow participation through events like the Celebration of Sport. Minister Lyons said:

“This year the Department has held two Celebration of Sport events in Craigavon and Ballymoney. These events hosted over 1200 pupils and have really proved how sport can be both inspiring and unifying. It has been great to see young people enjoying new and established sports, aimed at all ages and abilities.

“As the Minister with responsibility for sport, I know how important it is for everyone to be more active and today is about giving young people the chance to try out a wide range of team sports and individual activities. I am delighted that the Celebration of Sport includes disabled sports, which are an integral part of the events.”

The Craigavon session took place at South Lake Leisure Centre and offered local pupils the chance to enjoy a range of sports including canoeing, netball and wheelchair basketball. The event also featured a spectacular mass dancercise session, an unforgettable fun experience for all taking part.

Stars and coaches from the Belfast Giants, GAA, Hockey and Commonwealth Games attended the event and took part in a question and answer session aimed at sharing their inspirational experiences of life in sport with the children.

Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Alderman Margaret Tinsley said:

“I am delighted to welcome everyone to this action-packed Celebration of Sport event. Sport is crucial in promoting positive physical and mental health, as well as encouraging community engagement. It is wonderful to see children of all abilities having the opportunity to experiment with different sports and activities, which may spark an interest in developing a new talent and learn new skills.”

The annual event promotes physical wellbeing and encourages young people of all abilities and from different backgrounds to participate in and appreciate the wider benefits of sport.