First
Minister, Arlene Foster, deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, Sports
Minister Paul Givan, and Lord Mayor Alderman Brian Kingston today hosted a
homecoming for boxer Carl Frampton.
The
event took place in the grounds of Belfast City Hall and was attended by
thousands of the Jackal’s loyal fans.
First
Minister, Arlene Foster said: “Tonight is a proud night not just for Belfast
but for all the people of Northern Ireland.
“Carl
Frampton has brought immense excitement and joy to the boxing and sporting
world but also to non sports fans.
“I
am incredibly proud of Carl Frampton for his boxing achievements but also the
manner in which he conducts himself making him a superb ambassador for Northern
Ireland.
“Carl
Frampton is a world star but he hasn’t forgotten his roots and it is only right
and proper that his many fans and supporters were given the opportunity to congratulate him in Belfast on his latest
victory.
“I
wish Carl Frampton every success for the future.”
The
deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness said: “It was an honour and a
privilege to congratulate double world champion Carl Frampton tonight in
Belfast.
“Tonight
is an important night for the people of Belfast and beyond as it gives them the
chance to congratulate Carl Frampton in person. The rapturous reception Carl
received tonight reflects the regard in which Carl is held by his many
supporters.
“Carl’s
latest victory has made him one of the finest boxers in his generation and I
wish Carl, Shane and Barry McGuigan every success in the next chapter of this
sporting fairytale.”
Sports
Minister, Paul Givan said: “The vast crowd which gathered at the City Hall
is testament to the impact that Carl Frampton has on the people of Northern
Ireland. “It was important to host this event at City Hall to allow Carl’s many
fans to show their support to him and they did him proud tonight.
“Carl’s
win over Leo Santa Cruz on 30 July in New York was truly inspirational and
Northern Ireland now has a double world champion at super bantamweight and
featherweight. These achievements are exceptional and demonstrate the
commitment and hard work that Carl has put into his sport. It is also
important to recognise the significant role played by Carl’s wife, family,
friends and the team at Cyclone Promotions, particularly Barry and Shane
McGuigan and the support they have provided Carl on this fantastic
journey.
“Carl
continues to inspire so many of our young men and women to get involved in
boxing and sport in general. Boxing has always been an important sport in
Northern Ireland and there is no doubt that it brings so many benefits to
individuals such as good health and self discipline. I am committed to
continuing to support the development of boxing across all communities in
Northern Ireland in whatever way I can.
“I
would like to once again say congratulations to Carl and I look forward to
following his career and successes in the future.”
The Lord Mayor, Alderman Brian Kingston,
said: “It is great to see our city coming together tribute to a fantastic
sportsman who is a role model not just for boxing but for sport in general and
what it can contribute in life skills and opportunity.
“Carl
is hard working, determined and focused, and a first-class ambassador for
Belfast – he never forgets where he comes from and often pays tribute to it and
its people. This evening is giving the people of Belfast the opportunity to pay
their own well-deserved tribute to him – an extraordinary champion and an even
more extraordinary man who has his roots firmly planted at home.
“Congratulations
to Carl, his family and his support team – you have made everyone so proud and
now we are showing how proud we are of you,” added the Lord Mayor.
Notes
to editors:
No comments:
Post a Comment