Hargey visits Fane Street Primary School ahead of the Commonwealth Games

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey today visited Fane Street Primary School in Belfast where she met with pupils and the Birmingham Games Baton Relay Team ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

The Birmingham Games mascot ‘Perry the Bull’ also made an appearance as part of the Relay celebrations.

Minister Hargey said:

“Sport has a tremendous role to play in promoting peace, respect and understanding across our communities.

“I hope that the children here today continue to participate and enjoy their sport and that they are inspired to compete at an international level.

“I also want to acknowledge the work of the Commonwealth Games staff and those who provide support to our athletes to excel in their field.  I wish our local athletes every success in their competitions at the Birmingham Games.  I recognise the hard work and commitment you have dedicated to your sport and I look forward to watching and supporting you in the games.”

The Commonwealth Games are due to take place in Birmingham between 28 July and 8 August.

The Minister met with pupils who have been engaged with the Commonwealth Games NI (CGNI) and PeacePlayers sports programme, which uses sport to help build peace and equity.  The Minister also heard first-hand about the cross community work that PeacePlayers takes forward and had the opportunity to meet CGNI support staff and some local athletes competing in the games next month.

Notes to editors: 

1. Photo Captions: Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey is pictured on a visit Fane Street Primary School in Belfast where she met with pupils and the Birmingham Games Baton Relay Team ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
2. PeacePlayers Northern Ireland was established in 2002 to provide a rare opportunity for Catholic and Protestant youth to form friendships and advocate for reconciliation and shared society
3. PeacePlayers Northern Ireland engages over 1200 Catholic and Protestant youth each year, aged 9 to 25 in year-round and multi-year basketball training, conflict resolution education and leadership development activities
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5. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110. 
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