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As part of the ‘Connected’ Community Plan for Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, the Get Moving ABC Partners (Council, Education, Health and Community Volunteer Sector) have developed a Get Moving ABC Framework.  This exciting new collective plan is designed to positively impact the health and wellbeing of the people living in our Borough by ‘Getting Everyone Moving’, with a focus on communities, workplaces and schools.

In a recent report the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) said that ‘if physical activity were a drug, we would refer to it as a miracle cure, due to the great many illnesses it can prevent and help treat.’ In the latest guidelines (2019) it is recommended that children 1-5 years should have at least 3 hours of movement per day, with older children and those under 18 aiming for at least 1 hour of physical activity per day.  For adults, the aim should be at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.  With physical inactivity a global problem the CMO has some simple messages:

• Some is good, more is better
• Make a start today, it’s never too late
• Every minute counts

To ensure we have optimum impact and achieve the vision of ‘Get Everyone Moving’ we will need everyone’s commitment to help us become the most physically active borough in Northern Ireland.

We are dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to tell us what they think and we are committed to listening. If you currently participate or don’t participate in physical activity we want to hear from you.  We are particular keen to hear from groups of people that are currently under-represented in sport and physical activity, for example females, people with a disability, those on low income and those from rural areas and would like to find out what would encourage you to participate.

Two public consultations sessions have been arranged for Tuesday 11 February 2020 at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre.  An afternoon session has been organised from 2.30 – 4.30pm with an evening session from 6.30 – 8.30pm.  Booking is essential as places at each session are limited.

For further information on the Get Moving ABC Framework contact Gillian Dewart, Sports Development Manager on

Book your space for the public consultation:

Nominations are now being accepted for the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Senior Sports Awards sponsored by Rushmere Shopping Centre.

Organised by the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Sports Forum in association with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, these annual awards recognise the wealth of sporting talent in the borough and celebrate the achievements of those who have excelled in their chosen sport, as well as recognising the invaluable contribution from our coaches and volunteers.

The awards, which are being held on Thursday 19 March in Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre, were recently launched at Rushmere Shopping Centre, Craigavon by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Mealla Campbell, the Headline Sponsor, Martin Walsh from Rushmere Shopping Centre, along with Edith Jamison, Chair of the Sports Forum and Denise Watson, compere for the awards.

Speaking at the launch the Lord Mayor commented, “I am delighted to officially launch the Senior Sports Awards 2020 for the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough.  The event provides a fantastic opportunity for us as a council to acknowledge and reward the success of our athletes, teams, coaches, clubs and volunteers who deserve the recognition for all their hard work. I am also delighted that Rushmere Shopping Centre are once again headline sponsor for this event and look forward to another night of celebrating the exceptional talent in our Borough.”

Martin Walsh, Manager of Rushmere Shopping Centre said ‘We are proud to sponsor the Senior Sports Awards that acknowledge and support the achievements of those who dedicate their talent and enthusiasm to sport.  We are committed to our local communities and it is hugely encouraging to see such a multitude of sporting disciplines and activities represented by so many people across the towns, villages and rural communities of an area so highly regarded for its passion and sporting heritage.  By sharing our success stories, these awards can only serve to encourage others to follow in their footsteps and we are excited for what the future holds.’

Nominations are sought in the eight categories of Sports Person with a Disability, Sportswoman, Sportsman, Senior Team, Club Coach, Service to Sport, Volunteer and Club of the Year. Nominees should be competing at County/Regional level or above for achievements between January – December 2019 and must be over 18 at the time of competition. Specific details for each category can be found on the nomination form.

Nomination forms are now available from all council leisure and community facilities across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area. The nomination form can also be downloaded at the following link, SSA Nomination Form 2020

The Sport Forum also offer financial support to help athletes, coaches and sports clubs from the Borough to attain their full potential.  Athletes who are competing at provincial level and above can apply for assistance to assist with the costs associated with training and competing. Clubs can apply for financial assistance towards Clubmark Accreditation, Volunteer Development, Grant Aid for Coaches & Umpires/Referees and Representative Sporting Clubs.  Criteria applies to all of the grants offered and forms can be downloaded from the getactiveabc website at www.getactiveabc.com.

Completed forms must be returned to Anne Benson, Senior Sports Awards, Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, Lurgan BT66 6NJ before 12 noon on Friday 3 January 2020.

For further information contact the Sports Development Department on T: 028 3752 9636 (Armagh) T: 028 4066 0637 (Banbridge) and T: 028 3831 1693 (Craigavon).