Menu
04/10/2024
Funding Boost For Grassroots Sports Following Olympic Success
Sports Minister Gordon Lyons has announced additional funding for grassroots sports clubs in Northern Ireland, following the country's remarkable performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
To celebrate the athletes' achievements, each medal-winning competitor will be given the opportunity to nominate projects that will receive a significant investment boost.
The Minister made the announcement at a celebratory event for Olympic and Paralympic athletes held at Belfast's SSE Arena. The event marked a record haul of seven medals, including an unprecedented four golds, and celebrated the success of all who competed in the Games.
Minister Lyons said: "This was a truly outstanding summer for sport, and every athlete who took part in these Games can be proud of what they achieved.
"Collectively, you have all contributed to an exceptional chapter in our sporting history and set a new benchmark for success.
"I'm pleased to welcome our athletes – along with their families, clubmates and supporters – to the SSE Arena this evening. I'm also delighted that I can join so many members of the public in applauding this inspirational group.
"While this event is about celebrating the success of the summer, it's also about looking to the future. These Olympians and Paralympians are an inspiration for the stars of tomorrow and it's essential that we invest in nurturing that talent, whilst encouraging as many people as possible to get more active.
"Therefore, our six medallists are each invited to nominate local grassroots sports clubs and projects here in Northern Ireland who need funding to help improve their facilities.
"I want people from Northern Ireland to be leading the world in sport. I want our athletes to be the best and I want the true legacy from these Games to be more people getting involved in sport at all levels."
Richard Archibald, Interim CEO at Sport NI said: "After such incredible performances from our Olympians and Paralympians this summer, we must seize the opportunity to ensure a lasting legacy from these Games. Our athletes have no doubt inspired the next generation of sportspeople to set their sights on an Olympic or Paralympic medal.
"Our medallists know the long journey to sporting success and the hard work, dedication and commitment it takes to succeed at the highest level. Most will have started their sporting careers at a local club, where volunteers nurtured their talent and encouraged them to excel. That is why we are so excited to work with the athletes as they nominate local sports clubs and projects to receive a funding boost to improve their facilities.
"Gold medallist Hannah Scott spoke about being inspired by the Chambers brothers and Alan Campbell coming back to her club with their Olympic medals, and this funding will help many of the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic talent take a step closer to pursuing their own goals."
To celebrate the athletes' achievements, each medal-winning competitor will be given the opportunity to nominate projects that will receive a significant investment boost.
The Minister made the announcement at a celebratory event for Olympic and Paralympic athletes held at Belfast's SSE Arena. The event marked a record haul of seven medals, including an unprecedented four golds, and celebrated the success of all who competed in the Games.
Minister Lyons said: "This was a truly outstanding summer for sport, and every athlete who took part in these Games can be proud of what they achieved.
"Collectively, you have all contributed to an exceptional chapter in our sporting history and set a new benchmark for success.
"I'm pleased to welcome our athletes – along with their families, clubmates and supporters – to the SSE Arena this evening. I'm also delighted that I can join so many members of the public in applauding this inspirational group.
"Therefore, our six medallists are each invited to nominate local grassroots sports clubs and projects here in Northern Ireland who need funding to help improve their facilities.
"I want people from Northern Ireland to be leading the world in sport. I want our athletes to be the best and I want the true legacy from these Games to be more people getting involved in sport at all levels."
Richard Archibald, Interim CEO at Sport NI said: "After such incredible performances from our Olympians and Paralympians this summer, we must seize the opportunity to ensure a lasting legacy from these Games. Our athletes have no doubt inspired the next generation of sportspeople to set their sights on an Olympic or Paralympic medal.
"Our medallists know the long journey to sporting success and the hard work, dedication and commitment it takes to succeed at the highest level. Most will have started their sporting careers at a local club, where volunteers nurtured their talent and encouraged them to excel. That is why we are so excited to work with the athletes as they nominate local sports clubs and projects to receive a funding boost to improve their facilities.
"Gold medallist Hannah Scott spoke about being inspired by the Chambers brothers and Alan Campbell coming back to her club with their Olympic medals, and this funding will help many of the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic talent take a step closer to pursuing their own goals."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 May 2011
University Sports Project Takes 'Olympic Gold'
A local university's sports' project has become the first in the UK to be recognised under London 2012" Olympic Truce programme.
University Sports Project Takes 'Olympic Gold'
A local university's sports' project has become the first in the UK to be recognised under London 2012" Olympic Truce programme.
22 July 2005
Hanson announces work on a new Sports Strategy
Sports Minister David Hanson has announced the establishment of a steering group to draw up a new Sports Strategy for Northern Ireland. The current Strategy for Development of Sport in Northern Ireland, which was originally facilitated by the Sports Council in the mid-90s, expires this year.
Hanson announces work on a new Sports Strategy
Sports Minister David Hanson has announced the establishment of a steering group to draw up a new Sports Strategy for Northern Ireland. The current Strategy for Development of Sport in Northern Ireland, which was originally facilitated by the Sports Council in the mid-90s, expires this year.
03 December 2020
£25M Sports Sustainability Fund To Open
A £25M Sports Sustainability Fund, to help those clubs and governing bodies who have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, will open for applications tomorrow, Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has announced.
£25M Sports Sustainability Fund To Open
A £25M Sports Sustainability Fund, to help those clubs and governing bodies who have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, will open for applications tomorrow, Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has announced.
18 September 2024
Homecoming Celebration For Ni's Olympic And Paralympic Athletes
A homecoming celebration event for Northern Ireland's Olympic and Paralympic athletes is to be held at Belfast's SSE Arena on 03 October, to mark the extraordinary success achieved by the local competitors.
Homecoming Celebration For Ni's Olympic And Paralympic Athletes
A homecoming celebration event for Northern Ireland's Olympic and Paralympic athletes is to be held at Belfast's SSE Arena on 03 October, to mark the extraordinary success achieved by the local competitors.
30 September 2024
NI's Olympic And Paralympic Stars Golden Homecoming Celebration
Time is running out to secure your spot at the Paris Celebration Event, a spectacular homecoming celebration for Northern Ireland's Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
NI's Olympic And Paralympic Stars Golden Homecoming Celebration
Time is running out to secure your spot at the Paris Celebration Event, a spectacular homecoming celebration for Northern Ireland's Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
