Communities Minister has visited sports clubs in
Donaghadee this week to see first-hand the positive impact that
community sport has on health, wellbeing and social inclusion.
The Minister met volunteers, coaches and players from Seaside
Sharkies at Donaghadee Rugby Football Club, Ards and Donaghadee
Cricket Club, and Donaghadee Football Club, recognising the vital
role local sports clubs play in encouraging people to live
active, healthier lives.
Minister Lyons said: “It has been a pleasure to visit these clubs
in Donaghadee and meet the volunteers and participants who give
so much of their time to ensure that sport is open and accessible
to everyone. Clubs like these are at the heart of their
communities and play a key role in helping people stay active,
improve their health and build confidence and friendships.”
Ards and Donaghadee Cricket Club recently merged in order to
secure the future of cricket in the local area. The club fields
multiple senior teams and has a growing junior section, providing
opportunities for participation across generations.
The club recently received more than £4,000 of funding from the
Department for Communities through the Minister's Olympic Legacy
Fund, delivered by Sport NI, for new equipment. The support will
go towards a ball stopping net system, a mobile cricket cage and
a bowling machines with balls.
Meeting with club officials at Northfield, the Minister heard how
targeted investment helps clubs improve facilities and equipment,
strengthening their ability to attract and retain players.
Minister Lyons said: “It is extremely positive to see directly
how funding is making a difference. Investment through programmes
such as my Olympic Legacy Fund supports clubs to grow, improve
their facilities and provide better experiences for players and
the wider community. Seeing the benefits first-hand reinforces
just how important this support is.”
At Donaghadee Football Club, the Minister discussed the
importance of modern, well-maintained facilities in supporting
grassroots football and youth development. The club has a long
history in the town and continues to expand opportunities for
young people to get involved in the sport.
Concluding, the Minister thanked volunteers and club officials
for their dedication: “None of this would be possible without the
commitment of volunteers. Their hard work ensures that people of
all ages can enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits of
sport. Supporting that work remains a priority through the
delivery of our Active Living Strategy.”
The visits reflect the Department's commitment to the objectives
of the Active Living Strategy, which aims to give more people,
from every background and at every stage of life, the opportunity
to participate in physical activity in safe, welcoming and
inclusive environments.
Notes to editors:
- The Department for Communities secured a total of £2.136m for
the Olympic Legacy Fund which is being delivered by Sport NI in
partnership with Crowdfunder UK.
- The fund aims to improve the quality of offering at
club/community sports facilities, encouraging people to engage in
sport and physical activity.
- 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.
