Committee Supports Efforts To Attract Olympic Teams

The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure has pledged to work in close partnership with the DCAL and Sport NI to attract international teams to train here before they take part in the 2012 Olympics.

Following a briefing by the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, his officials and Professor Eamon McCartan, Chief Executive of Sport NI , at yesterday’s Committee meeting at Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey, the Committee is encouraged by the ongoing efforts of the Department and Sport NI to promote Northern Ireland as a training base for international teams participating in the London Games.

Committee Chairperson, Barry McElduff MLA said: “As a Committee we are positive and hopeful that teams will choose to come here and train in preparation for the 2012 Olympics. In this sense there is still a lot to play for and we would welcome the opportunity to showcase our local culture and fantastic environment to other regions and countries.  

“The Olympic Torch Relays will be touring a number of towns and cities here and will undoubtedly receive a great response from local people, and we look forward to those events.”