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23/04/2007
Poots says ‘well done’ to rugby organisers
The nominated Sports Minister, Edwin Poots MLA, has said that Northern Ireland’s reputation for hosting first class international events has grown substantially as a result of the success of the Under 19’s Rugby World Championship.
Mr Poots joined with thousands of rugby fans at Saturday's Ravenhill final between South Africa and New Zealand to enjoy the thrills and spills of a hard fought game.
Speaking after the match he said: “The match was fantastic. Congratulations to New Zealand on their brilliant win. I must say that I am looking forward to attending many more sporting events, local and international, when I take up office in a couple of weeks.
“Sport transcends boundaries of class, gender and background. It has a unifying effect on communities and instils a sense of pride in both players and spectators.
“This tournament has brought together over 24 countries, 700 young rugby enthusiasts in over 60 matches during the last three weeks – a fantastic event and a huge success in every way for Northern Ireland. It has also brought in over £5 million to the local economy and over 70 million television viewers from all over the world have caught wonderful glimpses of Northern Ireland looking its best.
“It is clear that we are now a very attractive region for staging major events. We make good hosts; we are friendly and hospitable and this is why we are establishing such a reputation for winning more and more competition bids such as the 2013 World Police and Fire Games announced last month in Adelaide.
“Northern Ireland is on the up and up in every way. All around there is an air of confidence as we build towards a normal society and better quality of life. I believe that sport of all types will feature large in that new society.
“I offer my congratulations to everyone involved in making this rugby championship the best so far. I hope that all those who visited Northern Ireland as a player, team official or spectator will take home with them pleasant memories and act as ambassadors, returning and encouraging others to come also.”
(JM/KMcA)
Mr Poots joined with thousands of rugby fans at Saturday's Ravenhill final between South Africa and New Zealand to enjoy the thrills and spills of a hard fought game.
Speaking after the match he said: “The match was fantastic. Congratulations to New Zealand on their brilliant win. I must say that I am looking forward to attending many more sporting events, local and international, when I take up office in a couple of weeks.
“Sport transcends boundaries of class, gender and background. It has a unifying effect on communities and instils a sense of pride in both players and spectators.
“This tournament has brought together over 24 countries, 700 young rugby enthusiasts in over 60 matches during the last three weeks – a fantastic event and a huge success in every way for Northern Ireland. It has also brought in over £5 million to the local economy and over 70 million television viewers from all over the world have caught wonderful glimpses of Northern Ireland looking its best.
“It is clear that we are now a very attractive region for staging major events. We make good hosts; we are friendly and hospitable and this is why we are establishing such a reputation for winning more and more competition bids such as the 2013 World Police and Fire Games announced last month in Adelaide.
“Northern Ireland is on the up and up in every way. All around there is an air of confidence as we build towards a normal society and better quality of life. I believe that sport of all types will feature large in that new society.
“I offer my congratulations to everyone involved in making this rugby championship the best so far. I hope that all those who visited Northern Ireland as a player, team official or spectator will take home with them pleasant memories and act as ambassadors, returning and encouraging others to come also.”
(JM/KMcA)
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