Rowallene DEA Forum Holds Multi-Sport Event

Over 300 children from ten schools in the Rowallane District Electoral Area (DEA) took part in a multi-sports initiative which drew to a close on Thursday 30 March 2017.

The schools attended the cross-community event in Kilmore Road Playing Fields and had an opportunity to enjoy taster sessions in a variety of sports. The event ended with all students being presented with medals of participation by the Rowallane DEA Chairperson Robert Burgess and Councillor Harry Harvey.

Participants in the Rowallene DEA multi-sports event.

This new initiative is funded by Newry Mourne and Down District Council and The Executive Office and proved very popular amongst all schools involved.

The event was organised in a friendly, safe environment and will help build relationships between the students and encourage cross-community engagement.

Councillor Robert Burgess said: “I was delighted to see such an initiative where young people come together in a neutral environment, enjoy sport, improve their wellbeing and gain an appreciation of different cultures.

“Cross community and partnership working is vital to the community planning process and as a forum we will continue to support such initiatives.

“Children are our future and I am delighted that so many schools took part in the programme many thanks to everyone involved in making this such a success”.

Some of the medal winners in the Rowallene DEA forum multi-sports event with, from left, DEA Chairman Cllr Robert Burgess; DEA Co-ordinator Ellen Brennan; Cllr Harry Harvey; and IFA Grassroots Coach Seamus Heath.