Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has attended the Closing Ceremony of the World Police and Fire Games at the Titanic Slipways in Belfast.
The event brings to a close the competition, which saw 7,000 athletes from 67 countries take part in 56 sports at 41 venues across the north.
The Minister said: “The Closing Ceremony officially lowers the curtain on a remarkable 10 days in the north. It is appropriate to look back on an event the like of which we have never seen before. That we could host the World Police and Fire Games might have been unimaginable a few years ago.
“Yet we have confidently welcomed thousands of competitors from across the globe to join in a sporting spectacular. The Games have further opened the eyes of the world to the north, they have come and experienced the best of what we have to offer. In return, they brought a significant boost to business and tourism in Belfast and beyond.
“The event has also helped open our own eyes to what we can achieve when we work together. We promised the friendliest World Police and Fire Games. The result is Belfast buzzing with visitors and a Games played in the spirit of competition and camaraderie.”
The Minister added that the Games are a shining example of the power of culture, arts and leisure to bring people together.
She said: “What the last ten days have done is reflect a vibrant, confident and forward-looking society. We invited the world to visit the north, thousands of people came and saw our best side – now they are heading home with fond memories.
“This was a collective effort, but that should not take away from the tremendous individual endeavours which have made these Games a success. This has been evident in the build-up and throughout the Games: from the organisers to the volunteers to personnel representing the services; from the sporting officials to the backroom staff who helped deliver the competition.
“Spectators, who have numbered in the tens of thousands, have played their part in creating an atmosphere fitting for such a huge sporting occasion. The feedback from competitors has been overwhelmingly positive, both during the events and away from the venues. Looking ahead, my focus is now on ensuring a long lasting and sustainable legacy from the Games for the people of the North.
“Everyone can be proud of the World Police and Fire Games 2013. It is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we work in partnership. As Minister I am pleased to acknowledge this and say thank you to all those involved. All that remains to be said now is best of luck to Fairfax for World Police and Fire Games 2015.”
The event brings to a close the competition, which saw 7,000 athletes from 67 countries take part in 56 sports at 41 venues across the north.
The Minister said: “The Closing Ceremony officially lowers the curtain on a remarkable 10 days in the north. It is appropriate to look back on an event the like of which we have never seen before. That we could host the World Police and Fire Games might have been unimaginable a few years ago.
“Yet we have confidently welcomed thousands of competitors from across the globe to join in a sporting spectacular. The Games have further opened the eyes of the world to the north, they have come and experienced the best of what we have to offer. In return, they brought a significant boost to business and tourism in Belfast and beyond.
“The event has also helped open our own eyes to what we can achieve when we work together. We promised the friendliest World Police and Fire Games. The result is Belfast buzzing with visitors and a Games played in the spirit of competition and camaraderie.”
The Minister added that the Games are a shining example of the power of culture, arts and leisure to bring people together.
She said: “What the last ten days have done is reflect a vibrant, confident and forward-looking society. We invited the world to visit the north, thousands of people came and saw our best side – now they are heading home with fond memories.
“This was a collective effort, but that should not take away from the tremendous individual endeavours which have made these Games a success. This has been evident in the build-up and throughout the Games: from the organisers to the volunteers to personnel representing the services; from the sporting officials to the backroom staff who helped deliver the competition.
“Spectators, who have numbered in the tens of thousands, have played their part in creating an atmosphere fitting for such a huge sporting occasion. The feedback from competitors has been overwhelmingly positive, both during the events and away from the venues. Looking ahead, my focus is now on ensuring a long lasting and sustainable legacy from the Games for the people of the North.
“Everyone can be proud of the World Police and Fire Games 2013. It is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we work in partnership. As Minister I am pleased to acknowledge this and say thank you to all those involved. All that remains to be said now is best of luck to Fairfax for World Police and Fire Games 2015.”
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