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A celebration of sport at Ballymoney 3G pitch

A celebration of sport at Ballymoney 3G pitch

Fri, January 26, 2018

An official opening event has been held to mark the completion of Ballymoney’s 3G pitch complex.

The facility, located near the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre, has helped to transform outdoor sport and leisure facilities in the town and surrounding areas.

At the event on Friday 26th January, officials from the Department for Communities and Sport NI were joined by representatives from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

The project was completed after securing £350,000 from the former Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure along with additional financial support from Council.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE said: “By working in partnership, we have made a real difference to sportspeople across the area. The new playing surface is widely used by a diverse variety of clubs, including athletics, Gaelic football, hurling and soccer, and has helped to ensure that our Borough’s sports facilities are among the very best. I would like to thank the Department for its support and commitment to this development.

Ian Snowden, Deputy Secretary at the Department for Communities said; “I am delighted that the Department was able to support the provision of this excellent facility, which will provide increased opportunities for sports clubs and the people of Ballymoney and the surrounding area.

“It is a key priority of the Department for Communities to encourage greater participation in sport and physical activity across the whole population. Facilities like these, at grassroots levels in communities, are vital in opening up opportunities for participation to a wider number of people.”

Sport Northern Ireland Chief Executive Antoinette McKeown added: “The aim of this project was to create a multi-sport facility that could be used by the three codes - football, GAA and rugby, and which would address the needs of local clubs. It is wonderful to see the new, state-of-the-art pitch officially opened and helping people to enjoy, engage and excel in sport, particularly underrepresented groups such as women and girls and people with a disability. Sport Northern Ireland is pleased to have provided technical and project support to the development of this facility, and we look forward to seeing the impact it makes in promoting and developing local sport.”

The new facility offers a quality playing surface which is ideal for both training and competitive action.

For booking enquiries, or to find out more information, contact Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre by ringing 028 2766 0260.

Cutting the ribbon to mark the official opening of Ballymoney's new 3G pitch are Councillor Tom McKeown from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Antoinette McKeown from Sport NI and Ian Snowden from Department for Communities. The official opening of Ballymoney's new 3G pitch took place today with Councillor Tom McKeown from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Antoinette McKeown from Sport NI and Ian Snowden from Department for Communities alongside young sports participants from the town. Celebrating the official opening of Ballymoney's 3G pitch. Councillor Tom McKeown pictured at the official opening of Ballymoney 3G pitch with Reece from Our Lady of Lourdes, Oliver from Dalriada and Jayne from Ballymoney High School.