Athletes, parents and residents interested in trying a new sport need look no further than Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Sports Directory for information on local clubs and activities.
The directory, which was officially launched last Tuesday (15 December 2015) by Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham, provides local people with comprehensive information on how to get involved in the sport of their choice.
Previously produced by predecessor, Ards Borough Council, for its area, the directory now covers the whole Ards and North Down borough for the first time.
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Front Row (l-r): Mark Mawhinney, Comber Wado Ryu Karate; Elaine Taylor, Ballyholme Yacht Club; Craig Connor Assistant Sports Development Officer, Ards and North Down Borough Council; Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham; Graeme Bannister, Director of Community and Wellbeing for Ards and North Down Borough Council; Councillor Jimmy Menagh, Chair of Ards and North Down Sports Forum; Emma Hingston, Sports Development Officer for Ards and North Down Borough Council.
Back Row: John Sloan, Northern Ireland Cross Community Angling; Carol Allen from Wizards Special Olympics Basketball Club; Rab Dunn, Ards Cricket Club; Jo Rennie, Ballyholme Yacht Club; Trevor Downes, xa0North Down Bowling Club; Brian McDonald, St Patrick’s Racquet Club; and Ivan Mellon from the Diving Academy of Northern Ireland.[/caption]
This year’s directory features 76 entries, showing very clearly the host of different sports that are thriving locally. Speaking at the launch, Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham, highlighted the value of the directory. He said:xa0“Encouraging local people of all ages and abilities to take part in sport and physical activity is a key priority for Ards and North Down Borough Council. The Council recognises the host of benefits this involvement can bring, from improved health and wellbeing to helping people develop vital skills such as team working.
“It acts in a range of ways to open up opportunities for participation. One of the ways it does this is by working directly with local sports clubs to support their development and growth, by offering advice, financial support and training. The Sports Directory is a result of this partnership.
“I hope it will not only help to promote some of the sports available, but also encourage more people living in the area to participate in, and enjoy sport, and so create a much healthier borough.”
The Sports Directory will be updated annually. The directory is available online at:
www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/sports-development
Hard copies are also available to view at council offices, community centres, leisure centres and visitor information centres.
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