South Down MP Margaret Ritchie is delighted Downpatrick Neighbourhood Renewal Area Health and Community Engagement Programme has been xa0chosen for Pride of Place awards.
The Community Engagement Programme was judged by members of the Pride of Place awards team in Downpatrick on Friday 5 September, after its nomination from Down District Council.
Ms Ritchie said: xa0“ I have had a long affiliation with the Pride of Place awards, holding the great privilege of being the first former Minister from the Northern Ireland Assembly to be involved with the awards. I was very pleased indeed to further host the event in recent years, in my own constituency of South Down, in our premium tourist town of Newcastle.
“The Pride of Place awards are about showing respect, inclusion, diversity and links between communities right across the island of Ireland.
“There are very active community groups within the Flying Horse, Model Farm and Marian Park who work tirelessly for the betterment of their community. Shining examples of the sterling work carried out by each community group are the Ballymote Sports and Well Being Centre, the extension to the Ballymote Centre and the playparks at Ballymote, Marian Park and Church View at Bridge Street, Downpatrick
“These are projects which I too am very proud of as Member of Parliament for this constituency, and which I reflect upon with great pride from my time as former Minister for Social Development. I have no doubt these active community groups, and others, will continue to work tirelessly and without seeking reward, truly living up to the aims and objectives of the Pride of Place awards.
“The good work the judges will have seen demonstrated on Friday morning will leave with a lasting impression on the positives communities, we have here in Downpatrick. The work carried out by the County Down Rural Community Network is instrumental in ensuring engagement and inclusion of every sector within the community.
“I hope, through the Pride of Place awards, a competition designed to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions that community partnerships make to society, the judges will recognise and celebrate the unique, the influential and the important work being carried out here in Downpatrick,” xa0added Ms Ritchie.
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