Appointment of chair to Sport Northern Ireland

Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure - 07/04/2008

Commenting on the importance of this position, the Sports Minister, Edwin Poots MLA, said: “It is vital that the Chair of Sport Northern Ireland brings clear vision and strategic leadership to sport and is able to meet the highest standard of governance. With the other members of the Board, the Chair will work with sports governing bodies and other key organisations and interests to achieve shared objectives and provide sport and recreational opportunities for all. This is a very important position and should appeal to people who want to be part of shaping the future of sport in Northern Ireland.”

The Minister continued: “Over 50% of people include sport and physical recreation in their every day lives. Apart from the pure enjoyment of participation and the obvious physical benefits of regular exercise, people of all ages and ability can gain a real sense of achievement and well-being through a diverse range of activities. However, more needs to be done to get under-represented groups of people into sport and to ensure that they are fully supported in achieving their goals and realising their potential.”

The Minister highlighted the opportunities for the further development of sport in Northern Ireland, which includes the lead up to and beyond the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 and the programme of major investment in elite facilities.

Stressing the need for a coordinated approach the Minister went on to say: “Sport Northern Ireland will be pivotal to raising the profile and importance of sport and to meeting the objectives of the new Strategy for Sport, due to be launched this summer.”