Culture Minister joins in Belfast Pride celebrations

Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín attended the Belfast Pride parade in the city today. 

The Minister said: “Over the years, as a supporter of Pride, I have been heartened to see it grow and develop from a small event into one of Belfast’s biggest festivals. The LGBT community has, together with other progressive people across society, courageously faced down bigotry and inequality. 

“Today Pride stands as a city-wide celebration of the LGBT community. It is a friendly, fun, inclusive festival, which brings together people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. It also reflects an increasingly vibrant, tolerant and diverse city.” 

Usually held in August, the 2013 Pride events were moved forward by a month to facilitate the World Police and Fire Games. 

The Minister continued: “Belfast Pride is supported by DCAL’s Community Festivals Fund. Also the LGBT community has a strong tradition of creative expression through arts and culture. As Minister I want to acknowledge and applaud this, and pledge my continued support for initiatives from and for the gay community. 

“But today is an opportunity for Belfast to celebrate the positive social, economic, cultural and creative value of the LGBT community in they city's civic life, and most of all to celebrate the fine tradition of equality which must be at the heart of our society going forward. Pride is a festival which Belfast can genuinely be proud of."

Ministers express sadness at farming deaths

First Minister the Rt Hon Peter D Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA have expressed their deep sadness at the passing of three members of the Spence family in a tragic accident at their family farm in Hillsborough yesterday.

The Ministers said: "It was with great sadness that we learned of the sudden and tragic passing of Noel Spence and his sons Nevin and Graham in an accident on their family farm yesterday.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Spence family at this extremely sad time and pass on our deepest condolences to them. We understand another member of the family, Emma, has been hospitalised following the accident and we wish her a full and speedy recovery.

“This tragedy has shocked the entire community and is a terrible reminder to us all of the dangers of farming life. Our thoughts are also with farmers everywhere at this time.

“Nevin was a rising star of local rugby and it is only a matter of months ago, in happier times, that we had the honour of hosting him and his colleagues at a reception in Parliament Buildings to celebrate the achievement of Ulster in reaching the Heineken Cup final. His untimely death is a blow for the game in the province and we sympathise with his teammates and everyone at Ulster Rugby who have lost a true colleague and friend."

Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill has expressed her condolences to the Spence family who tragically lost three family members in a farm accident yesterday evening.

Minister O'Neill said: "I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn of this terrible tragedy which has hit this hard working farming family. My thoughts and prayers are with Noel, Graham and Nevin and their family and friends at this extremely difficult time. I also hope and pray that Emma Spence who was also involved in this accident makes a full recovery."

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "I want to express my sincere sympathies to the Spence family following the deaths of Noel Spence and his two sons Graham and Nevin who was a rising Ulster Rugby star.

"This tragic accident has devastated a family and my thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time.

"I understand that another family member Emma Spence, is currently in hospital following the accident and we all hope that she makes a full recovery."

Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety Edwin Poots has expressed his sympathy for the family of Noel, Graham and Nevin Spence following yesterday's tragic accident in Hillsborough.

He said: "I have known the Spence family for many years and it is difficult to comprehend the grief that they are suffering after such a terrible accident. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and their friends. I also want to wish Emma a full and speedy recovery. The loss of Noel, Graham and Nevin is being felt right across the community.

"I know that the firefighters, paramedics and medical staff who did everything in their power to save Noel, Graham and Nevin are devastated by what has unfolded. There is a sense of shock and disbelief across Northern Ireland today.

Sports Minister Caral Ni Chuilin has paid tribute to Ulster rugby player Nevin Spence and his father and brother who lost their lives in a farm accident in Hillsborough, and to Fermanagh County GAA player Brian ÓG Maguire, who died on Thursday following an accident.

The Minister said: "The loss of two talented sports players, and also a father and a brother, in such tragic circumstances is a tragedy for both the Spence and Maguire families. My sincere sympathy is extended to them at this extremely difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with them all, and also with Nevin's sister Emma who is currently in hospital.

"Nevin and Brian were committed sports players and their untimely deaths are not only a loss to their immediate families, but also to the sporting organisations they represented and to their wider communities. Ulster GAA and Ulster Rugby are two of the great provincial sporting codes which unite society. Brian Og and Nevin were wonderful examples for their respective sports.

"I offer my condolences to both the Ulster and Ballynahinch rugby teams on the tragic loss of Nevin, and to the Ulster, Fermanagh and Lisnaskea GAA community on the loss of Brian, both of whom will be sadly missed."

Sports Minister congratulates Jason Smyth on sprint double

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has congratulated Jason Smyth on winning his second gold medal at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Jason won his second gold medal in 200m T13 race.

The Minister said: "Jason is one of the heroes of these games and is a outstanding athlete. Yet again he ran a terrific race and created another new world record. He truly deserves this second gold medal and the title of the 'fastest paralympian in history'. Watching athletes like Jason compete at these Games is an inspiration to us all."

The number of medals won by local athletes at the Paralympic Games now stands at seven.

Sports Minister congratulates Portaferry cyclist James Brown

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has congratulated Portaferry cyclist James Brown on winning a bronze medal in the Paralympic Games.

The Minister said: "This is a terrific achievement for James to come third in the Individual B Time Trial Final with an impressive time of 31:13:00. James' bronze medal brings the number of medals won by our local athletes up to 6 and Team Ireland's medal count up 11 medals - overall this was another fantastic performance and there will be more to come over the next few days.

"I would also like to commend Ballykelly's Sally Brown for her great race this evening. Even though Sally was not on the winner's podium, she is still a winner in our eyes and has provided us with tremendous enjoyment and pride."

Sports Minister congratulates Golden Paralympians

Sports Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín has paid tribute to Jason Smyth and Michael McKillop who have both won gold medals.

Speaking at the end of the day the Minister said: "The 1st September certainly lived up to its billing as a super Saturday! Jason Smyth's 100m final was stunning as he smashed his own World Record for the second time in 24 hours with a time of 10.46. Incredible! His gold is truly deserved. This was followed closely by another golden moment as Michael McKillop resolutely defended his six-year unbeaten record at Paralympic level in the 800m T37 and also beat the world record. In less than 48 hours, our golden paralympians, Bethany, Michael and Jason have proved they are the best - three golds is an astounding achievement.

"Once again I would like to congratulate all of the paralympians, both from Ireland and across the globe, taking part . As I have said before, it takes hard work and dedication to reach the Paralympic finals, we are all proud of you."

Ní Chuilín wishes local athletes good luck at the 2012 Olympic Games

The Sports Minister has wished good luck to the 20 athletes from the north of Ireland taking part in the London 2012 Olympic Games.


The Minister said: “After years of preparation, the Olympic Games are finally here. Being part of the greatest sporting event on earth is a once in a life-time opportunity for many of us to witness and participate in especially when it is all happening so close to home.”


Praising the local athletes who are part of Team Ireland and Team GB, the Minister said: “We have a total of 20 local athletes competing for either the Ireland team or British team over the next 16 days and seven paralympians getting ready for the Parlaympic Games later in August. This is the largest contingent we have ever fielded. I want to praise all the athletes from the island of Ireland for their excellence and endeavour.


“I am encouraged that this number includes 11 females which is our highest number of women yet. I hope this will be an inspiration to more of our women and girls to take up sport.”


Highlighting the number of first time competitors, Carál Ní Chuilín said: “This is the first time for a local person to compete in Olympic Table Tennis and Canoeing and we have our first local female competitor in Judo as well as our first male competitor in the Triathlon.


“These athletes have given their all to get to this level and we will be cheering them on as they take on the world’s best in table tennis, judo, hockey, rowing, cycling, canoeing, sailing, triathlon, swimming, boxing and eventing. I wish them all the very best of luck for each of their individual competitions – all of which we can watch on the Big Screens in Belfast and Derry.”


The 20 local athletes competing in the 2012 Olympic Games in London are:


Na Liu: Table Tennis
Iain Lewers: Hockey
Alan Campbell: Rowing
Richard Chambers: Rowing
Peter Chambers: Rowing
Wendy Houvenaghel: Cycling –Track
Michael Conlon: Boxing
Paddy Barnes: Boxing
Hannah Craig: Kayak – Ki Racing Event (Canoeing)
David McCann: Cycling – Road Race & Time Trial
Martyn Irvine: Cycling – Track: Omnium
Joesph Murphy: Equestrian Eventing
Lisa Kearney: Judo
James Espey: Laser Sailing
Ryan Seaton: Sailing 49er Class
Matt McGovern: Sailing 49er Class
Melanie Nocher : Swimming 200m Backstroke
Sycerika McMahon: Swimming 100m Breaststroke
Aileen Morrison: Triathlon
Gavin Noble: Triathlon
(Emma Higgins is one of four reserves selected for Team GB Women’s Football )


More information about the coverage of the games on the Big Screens in Belfast and Derry is available from the Derry City Council website and the Belfast City Council website.

Sports Minister attends spectacular opening of the Olympic Games

Sports Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín, has attended the Opening Ceremony for the London 2012 Olympic Games along with sports ministers from across the globe.

Speaking at the spectacular opening to the Games of the 30th Olympiad at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford in East London, the Minister said: “It is hard to believe after so much work on the part of the organisers and of the athletes who will now compete over the next couple of weeks, that the Olympic Games are finally here.

“There is no doubt that being part of the greatest sporting event on earth is a once in a life-time opportunity for many of us to witness and participate in especially when it is all happening so close to home.

“Tonight at the opening ceremony, nine of our local schools who have been involved in the London 2012 Education Programme ‘Get Set’ are forming a guard of honour for competing athletes as they leave the Olympic Village on their way to the Stadium. And two local choirs - Phil Kids and Jam - are part of the ‘Isles of Wonder’ film along with choirs from England, Scotland and Wales.

“The opening ceremony was also shown live on the Big Screens at Belfast City Hall and in Derry and during the Games all the action will be at available to view here as well.”

Praising the athletes from the north of Ireland who are part of Team Ireland and Team GB, the Minister said: “We have 20 local sportsmen and women competing for either the Ireland team or British team over the next 16 days. Each of these athletes has given their all to get to this level and we will be cheering them on as they take on the world’s best in table tennis, judo, hockey, rowing, cycling, canoeing, sailing, triathlon, swimming, boxing and eventing. I wish all the very best of luck to all of the athletes from the island of Ireland in their individual events.”

Recognising the wide-range of Irish involvement in preparation for the Games, including the all-Ireland Olympic Torch Relay, the Minister said: “An event of this size and scale could not happen without volunteers. It comes off the back of a hugely successful and inclusive all-Ireland Torch Relay. Almost 500 local games makers are playing their part in ensuring a smooth running and successful Olympic and Paralympic Games. This is a fantastic opportunity for all of them and their experience in London will be invaluable for next year’s City of Culture and the World Police and Fire Games.

“I hope everyone enjoys the opening ceremony and the feast of sport to come over the next couple of weeks.”

Nine local schools formed a Guard of Honour for teams of athletes en route to Olympic Park for the Opening Ceremony. They were:

• Sri Lanka - St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s Primary School, Ballycastle;
• Suriname - St Catherine’s College, Armagh;
• Swaziland - Ballee Community High School, Ballymena;
• Sweden - Christ the Redeemer Primary School, Belfast;
• Philippines - Dundonald Primary School;
• Jordan - Belfast Boy’s Middle School;
• Jordan - Oakgrove Integrated College, Derry;
• Kuwait/Saudi Arabia - Park Hall integrated College, Antrim; and
• Philippines - Orangefield High School, Belfast.

Ní Chuilín pays tribute to the Torchbearers

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has welcomed the third day of the Olympic Torch Relay in the north.


Speaking on the morning the Torch set off on its journey to Newry, the Minister said: "The planning of the all-Ireland Torch Relay has been years in the preparation, with many people and communities coming together to plan details such as the route, the Torchbearers and the celebrations. Last night's event in Derry showcased a vibrant, youthful city coming together to celebrate in the Olympic spirit.


"Now it is the turn of cities, towns and villages such as Fivemiletown, Caledon, Armagh, Banbridge and Newry to join in with one of the greatest global sporting occasions.


"Many of the Torchbearers have inspirational stories to tell. Amongst them are the oldest Torchbearer here, Bob Lingwood, and the youngest - Hannah Rainey. Bob, who will be carrying the Torch in Omagh, was nominated for his work in his local community. Hannah, who will be in Lisburn, was nominated for her fundraising and dedication. I wish them both well, along with the hundreds of other people who are carrying the Flame on its journey.


"The Olympic Games are about celebrating both sport and culture and perhaps becoming involved in something you might not have been before. This is reflected in the many events and activities taking place along the route. For example, there are the Olympic Challenge sports taster sessions in Armagh; and in Portadown the five sports hubs with athletics, climbing walls, street entertainment and Samba bands, as well as a balloon release by young people involved in Craigavon Intercultural Programme's Inspire project. I am sure the Olympic Games and the all-Ireland Torch Relay will inspire people to become involved in sport or their local communities long after London 2012 has finished.


"Tonight will see the Torch Relay finish in Newry, where I am sure there is still much celebrating to be done."


For information on the Torch route please visit www.london2012.com/torch-relay/route

All-Ireland Olympic Torch relay crosses Derry Peace Bridge

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has joined thousands of local people to welcome the all-Ireland Olympic Torch relay across the Peace Bridge in Derry.


The Minister said: “It has been another day of memorable moments in the all-Ireland Olympic Torch relay as the flame travels west of the Bann. Its journey across the Peace Bridge saw the Torch unify both banks of the city and all sections of the community together in celebration. The Torch was greeted by a parade which recognised local people's commitment to the development of youth through sporting pursuits. The colourful flag procession has promoted the Olympic message of ‘peace, unity and friendship’ to a global audience.


“Derry will today again show the world an exciting preview of its 2013 City of Culture offering. As the Olympic Cauldron is lit during a celebration concert, I know the city will light up the Olympic spirit for everyone."

Ní Chuilín cheers on Olympic Torch on second leg of its journey

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has applauded the Olympic Torch on the second day of its journey here.


Speaking after the all-Ireland Torch Relay left Portrush the Minister said: "I am sure all those who attended last night's evening celebration in Portrush had a great time. This is what the all-Ireland Torch Relay really represents - people coming together to share in the Olympic experience and be part of the Olympic spirit. It is a celebration of sport, arts and culture. The Torch will pass close by many of our homes and work places and I hope people will come out to cheer on the Torchbearers. Many of these people are members of the local community, people we know who have done extraordinary things - be this in their sporting field or through facing challenging situations.


"The second leg on the Torch Relay will take in some stunning scenery, and I know there are also a number of exciting events and festivities to help it along its way. The event at Downhill Beach as archers send flaming arrows into the sea promises to be spectacular. I am sure the Olympic flame and Torchbearers will be cheered on as they make their way through places such as Castlerock, Ballykelly and Greysteel.


"This is an opportunity to share with a global audience our towns, villages and cities. The Celtic Fusion Concert at the Ebrington site and Olympic carnival parade, which are part of one of our local Inspire projects, will be a perfect opportunity to showcase what Derry has to offer for the 2013 City of Culture, as well as the exciting Evening Celebration Concert. I am sure many will watch the Games unfold at the Live Sites or Big Screens in Belfast and Derry."