Portaferry Sports Centre, jointly managed by Ards and North Down Borough Council and St. Columbas’ College, celebrated ten years of opening on Saturday 24 February with a morning of family fun activities and adult classes in the afternoon. The centre has continued to grow in popularity and Saturday’s turnout emphasised the importance of the centre within the town.
Local children had great fun at the party and were able to enjoy kite decorating, have their faces painted and take part in interactive demonstrations and have-a-go sessions of some sports the centre hosts, run by local clubs.
A bouncy castle and goodie bags added to the delight of young enthusiasts. Adults too were able to take advantage of taster classes that run throughout the week during Saturday afternoon including spinning, Pilates and RT24.
Saturday also provided the perfect opportunity to award seven out of thirteen members for their loyal support of the centre having held membership continuously since 2008. A local trampolinist, Aimee Robinson, also received an award for her support over the years of the trampoline course held every Wednesday at the centre. Aimee is part of the Northern Ireland squad and is also the N.I. Champion. She is a fantastic representative of Portaferry and of the Centre.
The Sports Centre is a joint-use facility with St.Columbas’ College in the town. Principal Michael Breen told of the beginnings of the centre and the support it received from the Big Lottery, the Trustees of St Columba’s College, the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools, the South Eastern Education and Library Board and the then Ards Borough Council and how pleased he was to see a facility that was available to the whole community.
Councillor Joe Boyle, a member of Ards and North Down Borough Council Community and Wellbeing Committee, thanked the staff for their enthusiasm, and said: “The professionalism and the warm welcome they give to every visitor and user of the centre attributes to much of its success.”
Congratulations Portaferry Sports Centre on the past ten years, and all the best for the next ten years !
