Lyons visits Donaghadee sports clubs to celebrate participation, inclusion and investment
Date published:
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons 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:
1. Photo caption: Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured with members of the Seaside Sharkies which is an inclusive non-contact rugby team based at Donaghadee Rugby Football Club.
2. 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.
3. The fund aims to improve the quality of offering at club/community sports facilities, encouraging people to engage in sport and physical activity.
4. 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.
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