Communities Minister has launched Northern
Ireland's first Olympic Legacy Fund.
The £1million capital investment will modernise facilities at
local clubs and community groups as part of a lasting legacy in
honour of our athletes at the Paris Olympics.
Minister Lyons said: “Last year we all cheered on our
athletes as they took home a record-breaking medal haul. It was a
privilege to host a homecoming reception at the SSE Arena, a
chance not only to pay tribute to our medallists, but also to
recognise the incredible dedication of all our Olympians,
Paralympians, coaches and support staff.
“During this celebration event, I was delighted to
announce the Olympic Medallist Fund. Through this initiative
£100,000 was invested in projects at six grassroots clubs across
Northern Ireland, chosen by our medal winners to help inspire the
next generation of athletes.
“To reaffirm my continued commitment to build on the
successes at Paris 2024 and ensure a lasting legacy, I have
secured funding of an additional £1million. This funding will
mark the success of local athletes by creating new opportunities
for people of all ages and abilities to take part in sport in
their local area.
“The Olympic Legacy Fund will modernise facilities and
provide essential equipment so that everyone can enjoy all types
of sports, at all levels.”
The Fund is seeking to maximise the support and involvement of
local communities through a crowdfunding model, delivered by
Sport NI and Crowdfunder UK.
The Minister added: “The Fund's delivery partners will
support and encourage clubs to engage with their local
communities to develop ideas and proposals together, fostering a
sense of ownership and pride.”
Organisations can apply for grants from £1,000 up to £50,000 with
65% provided as a grant and the remaining 35% expected to be
raised through community crowdfunding.
Richard Archibald, Interim CEO of Sport NI, said: “The Paris 2024
Olympics were an inspiration as athletes from Northern Ireland
achieved their best ever performance at an Olympic Games.
“These performances have encouraged people of all ages to get
involved in a wide variety of sports, not just Olympic or
Paralympic sports. We want everyone to find the sport or activity
that suits them and to make the most of the physical and mental
benefits of participating in physical activity.
“We are delighted to work alongside the Department for
Communities to provide this funding to the sports sector, to
break down the barriers that stop people from participating in
sport and increase the number of opportunities to engage in
physical activity.”
You can apply for the Olympic Legacy Fund at https://www.sportni.net/olympic-legacy-fund/.
Notes to editors:
- Crowdfunding offers an innovative way for sports
organisations to raise funds for impactful projects by engaging
their local communities. Crowdfunder UK, the leading
rewards-based online crowdfunding platform in the UK, will be
used to facilitate this process - enabling individuals to
contribute easily via a user-friendly website.
- Clubs must demonstrate that they are a not-for-profit sports
club, community group or charity; which delivers activity
affiliated to a sport recognised by Sport NI; and that they are
based in Northern Ireland and provide benefits for people living
in Northern Ireland.
